Archive - Outsider Mon Mome wins National Trainer Venetia Williams has raised the possibility of 2009 Grand National winner Mon Mome running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Mon Mome was the 100-1 winner of the Aintree marathon and is set for his third run of this season in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday. The 10-year-old has been included on the 27-strong entry list for the Gold Cup, which takes place on 19 March. "That isn't a target as such, but it is an option," said Williams. "I was going to run him in the Welsh National [on 28 December] but didn't as I felt the ground was still frosted.  | If you look at the way the horses have run the last few days then we are a bit behind Venetia Williams on Mon Mome |
"The Classic Chase was then called off at Warwick so the weather has disrupted his schedule somewhat. "There is every chance he may join Miko De Beauchene in the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock next month. He will also have an entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup." If Mon Mome does race in the Gold Cup, he will be an interesting addition to the eagerly-anticipated clash between dual winner Kauto Star and 2008 champion Denman. Williams says Mon Mome is an intended runner in the Grand National on 10 April and admits there is plenty of work to do between now and then if he is to repeat his victory. No horse has won the Grand National back-to-back since Red Rum in 1974. "I am hoping to run him at Haydock this weekend," said Williams, who became just the second female trainer of a National winner last year. | 606: DEBATE |
"The ground sounds like it is going to be pretty testing but over three miles on a flat track he needs it soft so they don't go too quick and he loses his confidence. "I have been very pleased with him so far and we just need to see how he gets on this weekend now. "I hope he runs a good race at the weekend. It looks very competitive on paper and if you look at the way the horses have run the last few days then we are a bit behind. "He is intellectually abundant and has stamina. I think it was a combination of those two traits that allowed him to streak away after the final fence at Aintree. "I was surprised how he put 12 lengths between himself and the others in such a short space of time. He is an individual and idiosyncratic. He sometimes does not enjoy himself but he certainly enjoyed himself at Aintree."
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