Cheltenham Festival winner Galvin is likely to have his first shot at the Grand National at Aintree in April. The seven-year-old will have an excellent chance of giving Irish trainer Gordon Elliott another success in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Galvin was victorious in the National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham back in March last year. That victory proved he has the stamina for long-distance races, as it took place over 3m.6f. He stayed-on strongly in the closing stages of that contest, which suggests he would have a great chance in the Grand National.
With six wins from 11 starts over fences, it has been an excellent start to the horse’s chase career. He is now rated as high as 165 in the official ratings. Unless that rating comes down before February, he is likely to be at the top end of the weights for the Aintree feature.
Galvin is 16-1 for the 2022 Grand National. He tops the ante-post market for the race alongside Any Second Now and Run Wild Fred. The race is scheduled to take place on the 9th of April, and it is likely that the Irish-based horse will have at least one more run before then.
Solid Start to The Campaign
On what was his first start for Elliott, Galvin made a winning seasonal reappearance at Punchestown in a Grade Three contest. It was a smart performance from the third-year chaser.
A second consecutive win almost came at Down Royal in a Grade One affair, but he was denied by less than a length behind Froden. Connections of Galvin will have been very pleased with that run, as he finished ahead of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo.
His outing at Down Royal proved he is good enough at the highest level. It also opens-up the door for him for several topclass races later in the 2021/22 campaign.
Entries in Grade One Races
Although the Grand National is likely to be the primary target this season, there are some big races before then that the seven-year-old is entered in. His next assignment could come during the Festive period in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
All the top chasers in Ireland were entered in the Grade One 3m contest on the 27th of December, including A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Al Boum Photo and Envoi Allen. The race was a great marker as to how well he fares against those horses.
Elliott has an excellent record in the Savills Chase. He has won the race twice in the last five years, with Delta Work being his most recent success in 2019.
A month before the Grand National, Galvin could have a shot at the most prestigious race in National Hunt racing, the Cheltenham Gold Cup. No horse has won the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season since Golden Miller in 1934.
Galvin is a very talented chaser who has not yet finished improving. He looks set for a huge campaign, and it could end with a victory that ensures he enters the roll of honours.
