McCain Thrilled With New Addition

Donald McCain has expressed his delight with new addition Idle Talk following the eight-year-old's transfer to his Cholmondeley base in Cheshire.

The gelding was formerly in training with Tom George in Gloucester but following his recent purchase by Trevor Hemmings, he has been sent to the first-season trainer, son of the legendary Ginger McCain.

The family will always be associated with the Grand National after Red Rum's heroics and that is Idle Talk's ultimate aim, for which he has been allotted 11st 2lb, with the possibility of an appearance at the Cheltenham Festival beforehand.

'He's just cantered past me this morning and he's in great form. I'm thrilled to have him,' said McCain.

'Mr Hemmings has been very good to me and to be sent a horse as good as this is a thrill.

'I've always watched him and I've always been a fan of him so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

'He had the quality to be second in a SunAlliance Chase and the stamina to finish fourth in the Scottish National.

'He's a solid horse, maybe without that touch of class to win a Gold Cup, but he's an improving young chaser.

'The plan is obviously the National and he is in a couple of races at Cheltenham. It is not ideal trying to prepare one in two weeks, but we'll play it by ear and see what happens.

'Previous connections obviously thought enough of him to enter him in the Gold Cup and it is nice to get this type of horse at this stage in his career. We have normally been sent them two years too late when they are past their best.

'We are thrilled to have him in the yard.'

Idle Talk is a general 25-1 for the Grand National on April 14.

(C) PA Sport