Grangeclare West could add to extraordinary Cheveley Park odyssey

Having enjoyed huge success under both codes, renowned owner-breeders Cheveley Park Stud are dreaming of a first Grand National success with Grangeclare West.

Much more synonymous with the Flat through the likes of Pivotal, Medicean and superstar filly Russian Rhythm, the Newmarket-based operation have successfully branched out into the National Hunt sphere in recent years, with Cheltenham Gold Cup victor A Plus Tard one of 11 Festival winners for Cheveley Park since 2019.

The famous red, white and blue silks have not yet been carried to glory in the world’s most famous steeplechase, although the Thompson family have in fact struck Grand National glory before.

That came courtesy of the giant Party Politics, who won the 1992 edition in the colours of Cheveley Park matriarch Patricia Thompson, having been purchased just days before the race by her late husband, David.

“It’s 34 years since Party Politics and it would be a dream to see the Cheveley Park colours win it,” said Patricia and David Thompson’s son and Cheveley Park director, Richard.

“Classified was actually third in the Cheveley Park silks in 1986 behind West Tip, and Party Politics was first and second in my mother’s colours.

“I watched my first Grand National I would say in 1976, in 1977 I definitely watched Red Rum win his third National and I’ve been watching ever since.

“I’m definitely a big follower of the National, always have been.”

Chris Richardson joined Cheveley Park as managing director in 1987 and recalls Party Politics’ National triumph five years later fondly.

He said: “It was David Minton who actually bought the horse from David Stoddart. Mr Thompson bought him for his wife Patricia a week before through David and what a result that was.

“David Thompson always enjoyed National Hunt racing and I suppose buying Party Politics pacified his underlying passion while the stud operation was going forward on the Flat.

“He always liked to try to have a runner in those sort of races and that was the starring moment in 1992. The Thompsons were obviously delighted, if not a little embarrassed probably knowing them as a family, but it was a phenomenal day that I think rather overwhelmed them.

“When you throw a dart at the board and hit the bullseye it’s obviously a joy and stimulated the interest in jumps racing as it went forward.”

Party Politics went on to run in the Grand National on three further occasions, being the 7-1 favourite to claim back-to-back renewals in the void Grand National in 1993 before finishing second to Royal Athlete in 1995 and then falling at the third fence on his final attempt in 1996.

“The void Grand National was obviously the annoying one as that could have been an even more amazing statistic had he done the double, but it wasn’t to be,” Richardson added.

“He lived out his retirement here and enjoyed that very much and we still have his headstone and his ashes buried in the equine cemetery here at the stud.”

It would be poignant if Grangeclare West could strike gold in the Aintree spectacular given he was the last horse bought by David Thompson in December 2020, less than a month before his death.

The 10-year-old displayed his aptitude for the unique fences by picking up the bronze medal behind stablemates Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus 12 months ago – and having warmed up for his return to Merseyside by winning the Bobbyjo Chase in February, hopes are understandably high.

“It’s really exciting, it was a cracking win (in the Bobbyjo Chase) and to get him back for the National with a chance is brilliant,” said Thompson.

“Last year he ran cracker and to be part of a race like the National is something we really appreciate.”

Richardson said: “It’s very much Richard Thompson’s baby, the National Hunt game, but I think we were all thrilled with the performance last year and if hadn’t pecked on landing after the final fence who knows, he might have gone even closer and challenged the winner.

“He’s in great form, Willie (Mullins) is very happy with him and hopefully that win in the Bobbyjo has set him up for another shot at this year’s race.

“It would be very special to see the Cheveley Park colours winning a Grand National and it would be a huge legacy to David Thompson really. Those colours have been carried to numerous successes consistently, both on the Flat and over jumps, for nearly 45 years.

“We’re going there with plenty of enthusiasm, but in a race like this it’s champagne wishes and caviar dreams, so you’ve just got to go and see what happens.

“It’s exciting to have a horse of that calibre to run again.”