Welsh Grand National: Dai Walters used to defying the odds

Walters has two runners in Friday’s Welsh Grand National, the biggest day in Chepstow Racecourse’s calendar.

Jubilee Express, like many of Walters’ horses, is trained by Sam Thomas.

Despite not starting this season, he did triumph at Haydock Park on testing ground.

Iwilldoit, also trained by Thomas, is now a veteran having won the race in 2021 and finishing third last year.

“I think we’ve got a good chance with Jubilee Express, he’s a young horse, it’s just disappointing we didn’t have a chance to give him a run before,” said Walters.

“There are some horses coming over from Ireland, which is frightening looking at the racing card, but if you’re not in it you can’t win it.

“It’s a lot about stamina, we know our horse will do three and a half miles, that’s what it is.”

The Walters and Thomas partnership has already tasted success this year with Lump Sum and Steel Ally coming in first and second at the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.

“Let’s hope we can do the same for the Welsh Grand National, but I doubt it very much,” said Walters.

“If we get a place we will be happy, and as long as they come home in one piece, there is always another day.”