Uttoxeter Saturday

THE one blacktype event in Britain last weekend was the Listed Midlands Grand National, and it went to the aptly named Time To Get Up (Jonjo O’Neill/Jonjo Jr), who came with a wet sail to deny Mighty Thunder (Lucinda Russell/Blair Campbell) who had committed for home off the final turn, and looked the likeliest winner for much of the straight.

It wasn’t to be a first Scottish-trained winner of the contest, however, as Time To Get Up, backed into favouritism at 3/1, burst to the front halfway up the run-in to win by a length, with Final Nudge and Screaming Colours filling the places in a race which saw most of the field holding a chance of sorts entering the long home straight. This contest was not the thorough test of stamina it can be when the ground rides heavy.

This was a second handicap win on the bounce for the progressive Time To Get Up, who was second in a maiden hurdle to no less a horse than Monkfish on his final start for Joseph O’Brien before being transferred by J.P. McManus to Jonjo’s yard at Jackdaws Castle in Gloucestershire.

This was just a seventh career outing for the winner, and after showing inexperience earlier in the season having gone straight into handicaps over fences, he has improved the last twice, and largely jumped well here, with a minor error at the third-last briefly allowing the runner-up to get loose in front. He was ridden more patiently than ideal given how well the pace held up here, and to win as he did shows he’s very much ahead of the handicapper. Unsurprisingly, his trainer is thinking very much in terms of Aintree next year.

“Time To Get Up is a lovely looking horse and a grand character – he’s great to do anything with. He jumps very well and now we know he stays too, so we’re delighted,” said Jonjo Sr after the race, and referring to his Irish form, chuckled: “The Monkfish form isn’t too bad! He’s had leg trouble but has done the job today and he’s the type of horse that gradually progresses.

“We’re very happy with him and hopefully he might be a National horse down the road. He has what is required for Aintree. He’s in the Irish National but that might come too soon, but he’s one to look forward to next year.”