Grand National favourite Cloth Cap has unusual routine like 2010 hero

Jonjo O'Neill is sticking to tried and tested training methods with his one-of-a-kind Randox Grand National favourite Cloth Cap.

The nine-year-old, as short as 11-4 in the betting for the big race on April 10, lives life in the same mould as the trainer's 2010 hero Don't Push It.

AP McCoy's first winner of the race was relocated to a stable near the bottom of the gallop at Jackdaws Castle – preferring the company of a sheep over other horses.

Cloth Cap is also happiest in the field, O'Neill says, a routine he gives just a handful of other thoroughbreds at the yard.

It has worked a treat so far, as he has galloped to impressive successes at Newbury and Kelso, making him a stone 'well-in' at the weights.

"He has a little bit of attitude about him and I think the second half of (last) season we trained him down the field," O'Neill said.

"He seemed to be more relaxed and happier but he didn't run any better.

"But when he came back the next year (2020) that's what we did that from day one really."

The trainer added: "He was a box walker and a weaver was Don't Push It.

"This fella (Cloth Cap) if he's in the box he would get tense and he would be sweating sometimes, getting a little bit aggressive about things for no reason – just him.

"If you wanted him to stand there for a photograph you'd be standing there for a week. He's always on the move."

Poethlyn at 11/4 was the shortest-priced winner of the National, way back in 1919.

On the morning of the race, Cloth Cap will be caught from the field, spruced up and loaded onto the lorry to Aintree.

O'Neill, who saw Sunnyhillboy be pipped to the post in the closest finish to the race nine years ago, has high hopes this year – but suggested Cloth Cap's odds are "crackers."

As a jockey, he competed in the National eight times but never completed the course.

"I think he'll win it, it's my gut feeling I think he has a great chance but God only knows what can happen in the National," he added.

"The other side of it you've got to see how the horse arrives on the day, healthy and well please God.

"He's grand at the minute but there's another week to go or a bit more so we are happy, but he could stand on a stone tomorrow God forbid I hope he doesn't but if he does, what can you do?

"He's got the weight, he jumps, he stays. I spoke to Sulekha (Varma, clerk of the course) yesterday morning, I said 'I hear you're watering I'm going to take him out if you water!'

"And they have to water, I don't want it fast either I want good ground so it'll be right for him.

"To be fair they do a great job there really, unless you get a sudden downpour or something which you can't calculate that one can you?

"I'm very happy the way things are going."

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