Arbor Supreme ~ 2010 Grand National Runner
The photo above shows Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins discussing tactics.
Arbor Supreme is one of those horses who is being specifically trained to enter and win a Grand National. Straight from the Willie Mullins training facility he says "The Grand National is his main objective and his campaign will be geared towards Aintree. He needs plenty of distance and while he appreciates very soft ground, he seems to jump better on better ground. We'll probably mix it with him and run him over hurdles and fences."
He is an eight year old progressive Irish handicapper who had three wins in 2008 and had a fairly great season in 2009 also. He began to show huge promise when he came first in his consecutive race entries, the Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa Handicap Chase at Punchestown in April 2008 followed by the Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse in November.
His solid form including a good third place at Down Royal in March, where he travelled well on soft ground over 3m 2f, demonstrated to all that he is a game stayer.
Owned by JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, it comes as no surprise that Arbor Supreme is a likely candidate for the 2010 Grand National at Aintree with current antepost odds of 30/1. He has won over distances in Ireland in particular, so his stamina is not questionable, and he might not be the best on firm ground, but he has proved himself to be well capable on good and soft ground.
He is definitely considered to be an improving young stayer who could become one of Ireland’s high hopes for Grand National glory in April 2010.
