Butler’s Cabin has been around for a few years and in 2009 was the odds on favourite to take the Aintree Grand National despite his fall at fence 22 in 2008. His short odds though could have something to do with the fact that AP McCoy was riding him and had previously ridden him to victory at the 2007 Irish Grand National, at Fairyhouse when at 14/1 he beat Nine de Sivola by one length. At the time McCoy stated that any horse that can win over four miles at the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and then win an Irish National within the space of three weeks is obviously very special.

In hindsight Butlers Cabin faced a difficult task as the handicapper had assessed him on his Grand National form and given him a rating of 147 whereas his rating outside of the Grand National had fallen to 135 and he was still failing to make the frame. Butlers Cabin had ran off 147 in the 2008 Grand National and appeared to be going ominously well behind the leaders when falling at Bechers on the second circuit. The official handicapper was obviously convinced that Jonjo O’Neils nine year old was going to be involved in the finish that day and acted accordingly when allocating his weight for 2009.

Trained by Jonjo O’Neill in Gloucestershire, this year Butlers Cabin is already in the antepost odds for the Grand National and odds vary wildly depending on where you go. Paddy Power has him at 33/1 while Betfair have him at 130/1 so if you really fancy him this could be the place to go to back him! He has the stamina required to win, but it remains to be seen whether AP McCoy will choose him this year as his mount and whether he still has what it takes to win a race as challenging as the National. It has been speculated that the handicapper needs to take a softer line with Butlers Cabin, as he seems to have previously assessed him on his Grand National form, and not his more recent fruitless appearances.

However, before getting too excited about the possibility of him winning in 2010, take into consideration that he may even retire before then. Animal Aid has warned Jonjo O’Neill that he and Butler’s Cabin’s owner could face prosecution should the horse require medical treatment immediately after any future race. The Grand National is grueling so it may be that they decide to cut their losses and enter another promising horse in his place.

Ante-post odds for the 2010 Grand National are now available via Paddy Power and Betfair!