NOMANSLAND FLYER was quickest in the semi-finals of the RPGTV Grand National at Central Park on Sunday – further strengthening trainer and four-time winner Ricky Holloway’s grip on the jumpers’ Classic.

A brace of wins courtesy of Nomansland Flyer and Toolmaker Daddy and two other qualifiers in Meenagh Maverick and defending champion Roxholme Biscuit means the local handler will be four-handed in this weekend’s £7,500 decider.

First up in the semi-finals was Nomansland Flyer who was quick to stride and made all the running in 29.50sec (-20), with Springbok runner-up Meenagh Maverick finishing best as usual to get within three-quarters of a length of his kennelmate.

Third here was the Patrick Janssen-trained Seaglass Smokey.

The second semi-final also provided a Holloway-trained winner with Toolmaker Daddy almost landing a replica performance, pacing up from the same trap six-box and making all, winning by five lengths from Nathan Hunt’s Bang On Sonia and last year’s champion Roxholme Biscuit. The winning time was 29.73sec (-20).

Following the double, winning trainer Holloway said: “It was great to land the double and I think RPGTV and SIS viewers are in for a real treat on Sunday.

“It looks a classic hurdles showdown and I’m delighted with my four runners – and it’s great to see last year’s first and second (Roxholme Biscuit and Nomansland Flyer) both back in there along with two top recent novices (Toolmaker Daddy and Meenagh Maverick).

“Toolmaker Daddy showed us his first round was no fluke with a fine round of hurdling and, just for good measure, defending champion Roxholme Biscuit overcame trouble to finish a fast finishing third with Nathan’s (Hunt) Bang On Sonia a gallant second.

“I was delighted to see Nomandsland Flyer land the six-timer in the other semi. He was really determined in winning and just denied our own Meenagh Maverick victory – he was flying in behind – with Patrick’s (Janssens) Seaglass Smokey a respectable third.

“We were fortunate enough to get the first three home last year – and that’d be great again. Who knows, we might even create history with the first four? You always need a slick of luck but it’s great to have several chances in a Cat One event.

“But it’s not straightforward – I’ve a Welshman and a Belgian standing in my way! Both Nathan and Patrick are outstanding trainers and will have their runners ready to go to battle against us. But we’re up for it and cannot wait.”

Trap draw for Sunday’s RPGTV Grand National Final: www.centralparkstadium.co.uk/assets/uploaded/files/documents/grand-national-adv.pdf