Boom Boom Pow

Nicky Henderson is hoping that Shakalakaboomboom has got that ‘Boom Boom Pow’ to deliver the trainers first ever Grand National victory a week on Saturday. Carrying one of the most original names for a horse entered into the Grand National in recent years ‘Shakalakaboomboom’ will certainly attract some attention from the once a year punters.

[Racecard Shakalakaboomboom]

Fans of Bollywood films may recognise the horses name, ‘Shakalaka Boom Boom‘, from the mildy successful Indian film released in April 2007. It was panned by Indian film critics for having ‘a generous dose of overacting’ which by Bollywood standards means it must have been really hammy!

Music fans might also relate the name back to the Black Eyed Peas song ‘Boom Boom Pow’. Whatever your reasons for backing Shakalakaboomboom, I’m sure you’re only interested to know if Henderson’s horse has a chance of winning the big race. Well, the good news is that the trainer thinks that Shakalakaboomboom could end his Aintree hoodoo.

Henderson said: “He’s our intended runner and is all ready to go. After the Topham, in which he jumped beautifully, it was just that two-miles-six was a bit short for him

“He went on to Punchestown where he won the Pat Taaffe Chase, then he came out at Cheltenham over three miles and a bit first time out this season and his stamina helped him a lot. He was second in the Great Yorkshire (Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster).

“It’s been a nice preparation, it’s always been the plan and consequently he didn’t go to Cheltenham.

“I think 10st12lb is an area horses can win from and he’s in good form. It’s nice he’s been there once before.”

Shakalakaboomboom was seventh in the Topham Chase last season and clearly has the ability to handle the daunting Aintree fences. If he manages to pull off the victory then it could be music to the ears of the punters and Henderson.