‘The girls are spectacular!’ – Nicky Henderson has punters cracking up with quip on Grand National Festival Ladies Day
LEGENDARY horse trainer Nicky Henderson had punters cracking up as he said ‘the girls from Liverpool are spectacular’ when talking about how much he loves the Grand National Festival.
The iconic Seven Barrows boss will hit up Aintree’s three-day meeting with a superstar squad including Constitution Hill and Jonbon.
But it is the National – the world’s most famous race – that has always eluded him in more than 40 years training.
Heroic Hendo, 74, looks to have a good chance this year with the likes of grey Hyland and Cheltenham New Year’s Day winner Chantry House.
But punter favourite Henderson is clearly looking forward to letting his hair down too.
Aintree offers more of a party atmosphere compared to the stresses and strains of Cheltenham Festival.
And Henderson didn’t have the greatest time in the Cotswolds with two odds-on losses courtesy of Constitution Hill and Jonbon.
Speaking on Luck on Sunday, the trainer gave an insight into his week on Merseyside and why it’s one of his favourite dates in the calendar.
And cheeky Henderson joked this Friday in particular – Ladies Day – is set to be one of the best days all year.
He said: “It’s fun, we all go up there and a lot of us stay in the same hotel.
“We used to have wonderful house parties with great names but sadly some of those things have gone.
“Everybody’s together, we’re all away and we can’t get back home so we have good days.
“Friday is one of the great days racing – the girls from Liverpool are spectacular!
“And you’ll see them in their finery on Friday. I hope the weather is good because then it’s even more entertaining!”
Punters cracked up at his remark, with one writing in response: “I love you, Hendo.”
While another said: “The governor loves it!”
Henderson added that while it’s a carnival atmosphere at the track, once the racing starts his mind is only on winning.
And it looks like it could be a Festival to remember for Hendo.
Lulamba, who returns to the track after being beaten by Willie Mullins’ 100-1 shock Poniros in the Triumph, is evens favourite for the Juvenile Hurdle on Thursday.
While Arkle winner Jango Baie is 5-2 for the Manifesto Novices’ Chase on the same day – with Con Hill 4-5 to defend his crown in the Aintree Hurdle.
Jonbon runs on Friday in the Melling Chase and is 5-6 while Hendo’s Coral Cup runner-up Impose Toi is 8-1 fav for the William Hill Handicap Hurdle the same day.
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