Curtis keen on Townend for Tea Paul Townend is top of Rebecca Curtis' jockey list for the ride on Teaforthree in the Crabbie's Grand National. The Irish-based jockey has struck up a successful relationship with the Welsh trainer this season and Curtis would like him to team up with the 11-year-old, who was third two seasons ago, in the Aintree spectacular. However, she is waiting to see if he is needed by Willie Mullins, for whom he is second jockey to Ruby Walsh. "It has been mentioned to Paul, but obviously we'll have to see if he is needed by Willie and at the end of the day it's Paul's choice, so it's something he's going to have to think about. He'd be our first choice, definitely," Curtis told At The Races. "We've also got Bob Ford in the National. He's 100 per cent certain to run. "Jockey arrangements are something we are going to have start sorting out this week, I suppose." Saint Are was third in the Becher Chase over the famous Liverpool fences in December and his trainer Tom George reports the nine-year-old's Grand National preparation to be going swimmingly. "Saint Are is spot on. He is set to have an away day at Lambourn," said the Slad handler. "It won't be anything serious, more so for a day out. I could not be more happier with him, as he looks amazing and has his complete summer coat. "He has Grade One form to his name and I always knew he had that bit of class about him and that is the most important thing. "When people see him in the paddock on the day they will be surprised how good he looks."
