Football manager icon Harry Redknapp experienced a setback when his hope of having a runner in the Grand National was dashed. His horse, Shakem Up’arry, failed to make the cut for the 34-strong field, as the number of horses in the race had been reduced from the usual 40 in an effort to improve safety.
As a result, Shakem Up’arry will not compete in the Aintree showpiece and will instead participate in the Topham Handicap Chase on Ladies Day. This means a considerable reduction in potential winnings, with the Topham winner netting just £84,195 compared to the £500,000 top prize in the Grand National.
Shakem Up’arry was initially backed at odds of 8/1, but the price has since fallen to 13/2. Meanwhile, Redknapp will have a busy Friday as another of his horses, The Jukebox Man, competes in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, immediately after Shakem Up’arry’s race.
Redknapp’s wait to have a Grand National runner is ongoing, with the possibility of Kitty’s Light entering the race should two horses withdraw. Despite the potential success on Friday, there may be a sense of disappointment, as jockey Paddy Brennan, who was set to ride Shakem Up’arry, was recently suspended following a race at Wincanton.
