Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp won't see his horse compete in this year's Grand National. The former Premier League stalwart, who has also managed teams like Portsmouth and QPR, had aspirations to see Shakem Up'arry compete in Saturday's race at Aintree.
Sadly for him, that dream is quashed on the eve of the jumping season's pinnacle event.
Due to a cut in the maximum number of horses taking part for safety reasons, Shakem Up'arry missed the 34-strong field. Given the usual number of horses is 40, it's a setback.
«Grand National entries as it stands,» said racing correspondent Sam Morgan. «Eklat De Rire is the 34th and final runner. Kitty's Light is 36th and needs two to come out on Thursday. Harry Redknapp's wait to have a runner will be nail-biting. Of those confirmed, Shakem Up'Arry is 40th. Would have got in last year...»
It's now confirmed that Redknapp's 10-year-old will not participate in the Aintree centrepiece, opting instead for the Topham Handicap Chase on Ladies Day (Friday). However, this implies a notable dip in possible earnings, as the Topham winner earns £84,195 while £500,000 is up for grabs in the Grand National, reports the Daily Star.
Punters are backing the veteran to perform well, as evidenced by his rapidly falling odds over the past 24 hours. Shakem Up'arry's odds were at 8/1 as of Wednesday, but they've since dropped to 13/2 as of Thursday afternoon.
Redknapp, 77, will have a full day on Friday as The Jukebox Man is set to compete in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle. The race is scheduled to start at 4.40pm, right after Shakem Up'arry's fate is decided.
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