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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Bookies running scared of Michael O'Leary-owned horse ahead of Aintree Grand National

Delta Work is a major threat to the bookmakers' coffers ahead of the Aintree Grand National, as the nine year old gelding heads up the betting alongside Snow Leopardess and Any Second Now.

Michael O'Leary's horse most recently dashed Tiger Roll's hopes of a grandstand finish at Cheltenham as the latter looked to go out on a high before being retired to stud.

Delta Work gave a tremendous showing in the Glenfarclas Chase in what turned out to be a pulsating finish as Tiger Roll appeared set to pull off the win most in attendance were hoping for.

Under Jack Kennedy, Delta Work got back up and was first past the post by a margin of three-quarters-of-a-length ahead of Davy Russell on Tiger Roll, who had won the race three times previously.

That comeback success was met by a scattering of boos from the crowd, who clearly wanted a fairytale ending for Tiger Roll.

But it ended the way it did and now Delta Work has some considerable momentum on his side ahead of the Aintree Grand National.

Delta Work ridden by Jack Kennedy (right) goes on to win The Glenfarclas Chase ahead of Tiger Roll ridden by Davy Russell (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Speaking in the aftermath of that Cheltenham success, jockey Kennedy said he had hopes of riding Delta Work in the Grand National.

And while that is yet to be confirmed one way or another, the possibility remains that the duo could reunite for a tilt at glory in the world's greatest steeplechase.

He said: “Delta Work is after getting a new lease of life.

"He hasn’t been travelling as well as he’s travelled today and maybe he’s got sick of it, but this has really lit him up.

“He’s in the Grand National, and I would hope I’d be on him."

There will be no shortage of competition in Aintree, however, and the Charlie Longsdon-trained Snow Leopardess has been catapulted as far as race co-favourite for the Grand National alongside Delta Work and Any Second Now.

In fact, there is even a school of thought that Snow Leopardess could overtake Delta Work and emerge as the outright favourite for the race.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: This year we think Snow Leopardess will be the public horse.

"Ticking boxes such as being grey, a mare, having a good name, along with a heart-warming tale to boot.

"Delta Work is the biggest ante-post mover and liability right now, but the Charlie Longsdon-trained co-favourite is expected to fly ahead in the popularity stakes come the day.”

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