Jubilee Express booked for Welsh National outing

Jubilee Express is due to turn his attentions to the Welsh Grand National once again after winning the trial for the big race at Chepstow on Saturday.

Sam Thomas’ eight-year-old was the runner-up in the 2024 Welsh National, missing out by just a length and a half after completing the marathon trip of nearly three miles and seven furlongs.

He returned to the same track at the weekend for a trial for the 2025 renewal of the race, run over just under three miles, and with Lorcan Williams in the saddle he prevailed by two and a half lengths from Collectors Item as a 13-2 chance.

“It was a lovely performance, we were very pleased to be able to get the run into him,” said Thomas of his charge, who along with the runner-up finished over 32 lengths clear of the third-placed horse.

“We couldn’t be happier really, and we hope there’s more to come.”

Jubilee Express will carry a 4lb penalty for the success and Thomas is eager to see his revised rating ahead of the Chepstow showpiece on December 27.

Thomas added: “I’m pretty sure he’ll get a 4lb penalty for that and his new mark will come out on Tuesday before confirmations the following weekend, so it will be interesting to see where he fits in the handicap when everyone else has decided what they’re doing.

“He wouldn’t want it to be drying out, he’s a steady galloper so we wouldn’t want drying conditions, but hopefully at this time of year we won’t be getting that.”

Williams, who rode the horse for the first time, remarked on his sound jumping and his trainer was in agreement, saying: “He has always been a nice jumper who doesn’t do anything stupid, he’s sensible to his fences and that’s what you need in those big, long-distance staying chases.”