State of Play, bred from Hernando and Caprice and foaled 12th February 2000, and owned by Mr and Mrs William Rucker, ran all guns blazing to come fourth in the 2009 Grand National at Aintree, where he challenged for the lead at the second last, and looked for a while like he might go on and win the race.

State of Play, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by Paul Moloney, was a 14/1 favourite, but surprise winner Mon Mome was just too good on the day. State of Play’s stamina gave out in the last furlong, and he came in eighteen lengths behind Mon Mome at the finish. Jockey Paul Moloney said of State of Plays performance at the National: ‘He ran a blinder. Jumped brilliant, travelled great. He made two little mistakes before Becher’s, then found a second wind past Valentine’s and away I went again and thought I might win two out. He just didn’t quite quicken with the winner.’

State of Play is a great horse, having won the 2006 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and the 2008 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, but unfortunately consistency is not his strong point. The conclusion has been drawn that he is best when fresh, as four out of his five wins over fences have occurred when he has returned after an extended break.

It was considered that the nine year old bay gelding would be entered for the Charlie Hall Chase again this year, but he has a little too much weight around the middle! He was raced only three times last year, including the National, and it is likely that trainer Williams, of Aberogwrn Farm, who has to date trained over 300 winners, will more than likely race State of Play lightly for the rest of the year and aim for Aintree in 2010, to see if he can improve on last year’s placing.

For all the ante-post odds available on State of Play just go to Paddy Power.