Bolger harbours Grand National dream To those within National Hunt racing, Enda Bolger is a man to be revered. During a distinguished career as an amateur jockey, the modest and well-liked Irishman rode what at the time was a record 413 winners in point-to-points and was champion in that sphere on seven occasions. Since turning his hand to training in the early 1990s, Bolger has firmly established himself as the master of cross-country racing, with the likes of Risk Of Thunder, Spot Thedifference and Garde Champetre becoming the dominant forces in that particular area of the sport. However, while his 'cross-country king' label is complimentary, Bolger is keen to prove he is no one-trick pony and will do just that if Gilgamboa can claim glory in the Crabbie's Grand National. "It would be a dream - life is a dream. It's the race we all want to win," he said. Bolger's passion for Aintree goes back to his riding days, during which he tackled the famous fences on multiple occasions. While he failed to claim a victory on the hallowed Merseyside turf, he still recalls his experience with great fondness. "I finished second and third in the Fox Hunters' (at Aintree). The fences are obviously different these days, but it still has to be respected," he said. "I always remember watching Red Rum and L'Escargot winning round there. I think anybody involved with jumps racing at the time would look back at those days. "When I was riding there you would be nervous, but you'd be looking forward to it as well. You just get a funny feeling and a shiver up your spine when you walk through the gates at Aintree. It's a special place. It's wonderful to take part and to go out there and ride." Given his astonishing record in cross-country events in both Britain and Ireland, it is perhaps surprising Bolger has saddled just three previous runners in the world's greatest steeplechase. Cross-country races would appear the ideal preparation for a trip to Aintree, both in terms of a stamina test and jumping practice, with mock Grand National fences part of the offering on the banks courses at both Cheltenham and Punchestown. While in years gone by horses contesting cross-country events may have been of either of a lower quality or past their best, there has been a sea change of late, with a number of leading National candidates pursuing this route. "I've only had the three runners in the Grand National. Spot Thedifference was fifth one year, Lucky Town was eighth and L'Ami pulled up," said Bolger. "We just haven't had that many horses good enough for Aintree, but I think the cross-country in Cheltenham is becoming an interesting National trial."
