Welsh Grand National: Dai Walters used to defying the odds
Walters has two runners heading into Friday’s Welsh Grand National, the biggest day on the Chepstow racecourse calendar.
Jubilee Express, like many of Walters’ horses, was trained by Sam Thomas.
Despite not starting the season, he was victorious at the Test Ground at Haydock Park.
Iwilldoit, also trained by Thomas, is now a veteran having won the race in 2021 and finished third last year.
“I think we have a good chance with Jubilee Express, he’s a young horse and it’s disappointing we haven’t given him a chance before,” Walters said.
“There are some horses coming over from Ireland and it’s scary looking at the racing card but if you’re not in it you can’t win the race.
“A lot of it comes down to endurance, we know our horses can run three and a half miles and that’s it.”
The partnership between Walters and Thomas has already tasted success this year, with Lump Sum and Steel Ally finishing first and second in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.
“Hopefully we can do the same for the Welsh Nationals, but I highly doubt it,” Walters said.
“If we get a spot we’ll be happy and as long as they come back safe there’s always another day.”
