Can Snow Leopardess make history at the Grand National?
The 2022 Grand National takes place this Saturday (9th April) at Aintree, and after last year’s race was held behind closed doors, there’s sure to be a buzz around the racecourse as punters revel in the unique atmosphere. There’s just something special about the National, that it garners attraction from all different people around the world.
The course is notoriously difficult, with much larger fences than you’d find on other circuits – and it’s often described as the ultimate test for jockeys and their horses. However, this year, one thing remains constant – the Irish contingent will arrive in the northwest of England in full-force. Gordon Elliott seems to be leading the charge, but one entry looking to do it for the Brits is Snow Leopardess.
The 10-year-old mare, trained by Charlie Longsdon, recently had her odds shortened – and can be found at a price of 8/1, for those searching for Grand National 2022 tips. Victory on the Aintree circuit would provide a fairytale moment for all associated with Snow Leopardess, who not only looks to become the first grey since Neptunes Collonges (2012) to win the race, but add her name to the list of mares that have won the showpiece – a feat last achieved by Nickel Coin in 1951.
The backstory of Snow Leopardess’ career is an interesting one. She won five of her first eight races. After winning the Prix Grandlieu in September 2017, she took a 794 day break –due to a leg injury she sustained in the lorry on the way home from France.
While in recovery, she gave birth to a filly – Red Panda –which was sired by the 2006 Derby winner Sir Percy. She has since returned to racing and performed at the peak of her powers.
To hear of a mare racing again after giving birth is unheard of, but to then be part of the field for a race like the National is something else. And while she may not have had the most conventional warm up to the Aintree showpiece, this season alone, she has won all three of her races.
She previously took on the treacherous fences of the National course back in December, in the Becher Handicap Chase. The mare beat Hill Sixteen by a nose that day – albeit in dreadful conditions – to become the first mare to win the race. Owned and bred by the Fox-Pitt family, Marietta Fox-Pitt believes she certainly has a chance at the National.
“She has a hell of a jump, she could jump a house, She would be a top show jumper if that was what I wanted to do with her.”
And her trainer Longsdon is also confident of her chances, adding that her story could make her a pick amongst housewives:
“I’ve got no issues with her stamina whatsoever. Yes, it looked like she was tying up in the Becher Chase but that is because she had been in front for two and a half miles into a driving headwind and driving rain.”
Many horses have had their names etched in Grand National folklore, and Snow Leopardess will look to have her name in lights at the weekend. Given her background and recovery, it’s an amazing feat to see the mare amongst the big time, and all will be hoping she gets her fairytale finish.
