The John Smith’s Grand National is just a few weeks away and at this point before the off there are usually some snippets of news or gossip that catch the eye.
However, the announcement that Harry Findlay has sold his ownership of Big Fella Thanks so soon to the race has surprised many experienced paddock watchers.
Findlay, the well-known professional gambler, has made clear his intention to dispose of all of his racing assets following his dispute with the BHA but it was assumed that he would retain ownership of the well-fancied National runner until after the big race.
The nine-year-old horse will now run in the colours of Max Fawbert and Nick Williamson following the sale for an undisclosed amount.
It appears that Findlay has agreed upon the sale as it allows Ferdy Murphy the opportunity to continue to train the animal. It appears that there were other, significantly larger, offers for the horse but they would have involved moving the training to other locations.
Those over at OLBG.co.uk note how the horse is currently 12/1 in the Grand National ante-post betting market is well fancied to produce a good performance and had finished in fourth place in the 2010 race when trained by Paul Nicholls.
Sources have suggested that Findlay may be headed for a future in Australia and it will be a shame if the larger than life character misses out on a National winner by just a few weeks but the race always conjures up a story for the victor and this might just be it this year.
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