3 minute read
Trainer Christian Williams has his sights set on the biggest of big-race targets for Welsh Grand National winner Potters Corner.
Part-owned by Welsh rugby star Jonathan Davies, the ten-year-old ended a 54-year wait for a home success when beating Truckers Lodge by a length and three-quarters last month under Jack Tudor. He could now be set to run in the most famous National of them all.
Speaking to Lewis Porteous in a major interview for this Sunday's edition of the Racing Post, Williams said: "I was just proud of the horse for the first day or two after Chepstow but then I started to realise what we'd achieved. It was just brilliant and I was so proud of the horse and so pleased for the lads who own him. They're a great bunch and just leave me to it.
"I couldn't believe how well he won and I think he could have a real chance in the Grand National at Aintree. He's economical and it could really suit him. He travels on the bridle, which is not what staying chasers usually do. He's got a touch of class.
"Red Rum was trained on the beach like Potters Corner and these things do happen. I'm not sure how much more movement there is in his mark but he just keeps winning and hopefully he's not done yet."
The Welsh Grand National was a significant day for Williams but he had no hesitation in handing the ride to Tudor, a 17-year-old claimer who belied his inexperience to deliver Potters Corner to perfection.
"Everyone wanted to ride the horse and I thought I was making a statement that I really thought we could win the race by putting Jack on," said Williams.
"The safe option would have been to put a professional on but I thought if I was brave and put Jack on, we could win the race. I knew he was capable and he was brilliant."