The Telegraph
BRYONY FROST has made her way back from France to ride the Grand National second-favorite, Intense Raffles.
However, the pioneering jockey will miss the opportunity to ride the Thomas Gibney-trained Irish Grand National champion in the significant Aintree race scheduled for next April.
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Earlier this year, Frost relocated to France after securing an exciting opportunity with distinguished owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
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The affluent duo owns the six-year-old gelding, now rated at 14-1 for the world’s most esteemed race, and intends to have him compete over hurdles this season to maintain his rating.
With regular rider Daryl Jacob out due to injury, Frost has been chosen to ride Intense Raffles for his seasonal debut at Navan this Saturday.
He will face challengers, including former Pertemps Final victor Good Time Jonny, in the Listed 3m1f handicap hurdle set to commence at 1.42pm.
Frost has been thriving across the Channel, although she has consistently voiced her desire to return home for the right opportunity.
This certainly pertains to Intense Raffles.
However, it seems she might have to set aside any ambitions of riding him in the Grand National itself, as Munir and Souede’s retained rider Jacob is expected to reclaim the ride.
Their racing manager Anthony Bromley noted: “Tom is very pleased with the horse, and he’s ready to get started.
“I don’t think he’s been allocated too harshly for this hurdle debut with a handicap mark of 141, but we’ll see how it unfolds.”
“Bryony is eager to ride him; she’s coming over on Friday to sit on him and will ride him on Saturday.”
“Daryl is injured, and so is JJ Slevin; both are currently sidelined, and Bryony isn’t racing in France this Saturday.”
“This turned out to be a brilliant solution; she’s a fantastic replacement, and we’re excited to see how he tackles hurdles.”
“When Daryl returns, he will resume his position on the horse; he’s our primary retained rider in both England and Ireland, and his recovery is reportedly progressing well.”
“All plans are geared towards Aintree in April, but it will be interesting to see how he navigates the smaller obstacles, as he hasn’t really competed over them due to the differing styles of French hurdles.”
Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus is poised to defend his title next year and currently stands at odds of 8-1 to do so.
Owner JP McManus also has the highly promising Iroko, who is vying for a top-three spot in the rankings at around 20-1.
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