COPPICE FOX created his own slice of history by becoming a record fifth victory in the famous event for trainer Ricky Holloway when landing an all-the-way success in the Ladbrokes Grand National Final at Crayford on Saturday.

The June 2020 son of Droopys Sydney and Sizzling Daisy, a more than useful greyhound on the flat as a Derby semi-finalist, made a smooth transition to hurdling when running-up to Droopys Chaser in the Coral Springbok at Hove recently before heading to the Kent venue and winning heat and final of the £10,000 jumpers’ Classic.

Trapping smartly in Saturday’s decider over 540m, the Tony Brealey-owned runner was soon in charge and never headed as he crossed the winning line one and three-quarter lengths clear of another local hope Ritzy Flyer (Jim Reynolds) in 34.59sec (+30), with Feora Noel, a kennelmate of the winner, back in third.

For Holloway, victory for Coppice Fox added to Grand National wins as a trainer at Central Park with Mo’s Bullet (2015), Razldazl Raidio (2017), Roxholme Biscuit (2020) and Meenagh Maverick (2021), helping him edge past Seamus Cahill and Colin West, of three-time winner Sherrys Prince fame, on the Grand National roll of honour.

As an owner, the Crayford handler also won the Grand National with Jos Cigar at Wimbledon in 2007, so the event has always held a special place in his heart – and Coppice Fox’s triumph made him especially proud.

He said: “Going one better than in the Springbok is definitely very special and, after a fast start, he was never really challenged up front. To go unbeaten through the event is a feat, of course, and it’s particularly special for owner Tony Brealey of the Coppice-prefixed runners who has won a Grand National with his very first hurdler.

“Coppice Fox was a very good open racer on the flat for Kevin Hutton but has quickly adapted to the hurdles with wins at both Crayford and Hove.”

With his record in the Champion Hurdle and Springbok, not to mention the Grand National, Holloway is the code’s most successful trainer which gives him immense satisfaction, especially knowing the work that has entailed.

He said: “It’s a great privilege to handle such great characters and to turn some of these dogs into hurdling superstars, regardless of their background or ability on the flat. Some had open-race wins, some were just A5, but that doesn’t matter once they are hurdle schooled. It’s a level playing field.

“It’s a great honour to have broken the record but l couldn’t have done it without physio Ron Mills and all the team at the kennels, headed by Jamie Mavrias. We’re looking forward to the next competition and our new batch of hurdlers have started schooling this week – there are great plans for this code of racing, which is so important.

“A big thank-you to all at Crayford who put on a wonderful show as usual, not to mention the excellent prize-money from Ladbrokes. It was a fantastic meeting to be part of.”