-
Read about Rachael's two chances on Sunday
-
Check out our Grand National 2024 Ultimate Guide
-
Rachael Blackmore's Serial Winners Fund now on the final straight - Read more here!
14:38 - Doonbeg Don
I ride Doonbeg Don in the second race at Downpatrick on Sunday. This is his first handicap. He has run three times in maidens, and he has improved with each of his runs.
He ran well for a long way over two miles and three furlongs on heavy ground at Limerick over Christmas. He was right there with the leaders until the home turn, and, while they got away from him a little from that point, he kept on to finish fourth, and the runner-up from that race has won twice since.
Doonbeg Don is a very straightforward horse to ride. He's in good form at home, and we're hoping that he can go well now in this type of race.
16:23 - Brampton Belle
I'm looking forward to riding Brampton Belle in the Ulster National. She will love the ground and she should stay the trip.
Her two wins over hurdles were on soft and heavy ground and, while she hasn't won yet over fences, she has been running well. She was well beaten last time at Fairyhouse by Intense Raffles, but he is the Irish Grand National winner now. She shouldn't meet anything of his calibre here.
She kept on well to finish third over two miles and six and a half furlongs on heavy ground at Galway in October, and we're hoping that the greater test of stamina here can see her improve on that.
She will wear cheekpieces, which she wore for the first time the last day at Fairyhouse, and I hope that she can give a good account of herself.