Large weight hike for Aintree Grand National winner

Aintree Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde must defy a large weight hike when the 11-year-old bids for back-to-back victories in the famous steeplechase on April 14. British Horse Racing Board senior handicapper Phil Smith allotted the...

Aintree Grand National winner Numbersixvalverde must defy a large weight hike when the 11-year-old bids for back-to-back victories in the famous steeplechase on April 14.

British Horse Racing Board senior handicapper Phil Smith allotted the Irish-trained horse 11st 3lbs this week, 11lbs more than when the 11-1 chance triumphed by six lengths from Hedgehunter.

Numbersixvalverde, trained in County Kildare by Martin Brassil, is set to renew rivalry with 2005 winner Hedgehunter who has been saddled with joint top weight (11st 12lbs) along with exciting prospect Exotic Dancer.

No horse has won successive Nationals, a four-and-a-half mile (7.2 kms) slog over 30 fences, since Red Rum in 1974.

Horses hailing from the top end of the handicap have a poor record in recent years, with 24 out of the last 28 winners carrying less than 11st.

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