2021 Grand National prospect Potters Corner is a name very familiar to racing fans and beyond across the UK. Not only is he a Welsh Grand National champion, but he was also the winner of the most watched race of 2020 – the Virtual Grand National.
His groom Harriet Tudor was denied the opportunity of cheering her star charge on last year and understandably can’t wait to see him line up at Aintree this weekend.
We caught up with Harriet to learn more about her career in the sport and how Potters Corner is shaping up for the big race.
Where did your love of horses and racing come from?
I’ve been brought up on a point-to-point yard. My Dad used to be a point-to-point jockey who now trains and my granddad has always been involved. Jack, my brother, is obviously a jockey so racing has always been in our family.
I ride Potters Corner out and do all the activities involved in being a groom such as feeding, washing and brushing etc. Basically, I look after Potters Corner to make sure he’s looking well and he’s happy.
Potters Corner having a good time on the beach this morning ahead of his Grand National run 🏖️ @CWilliamsRacing
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) April 8, 2021
🎥 Potters Corner's groom - @harriettudor11 pic.twitter.com/4wCNtMsPtm
How’s Potters Corner? And how’s he been preparing for the National?
He’s going very well at home, he’s been doing lots of different activities to keep him physically and mentally in great shape for Saturday. We’ve taken him to Ffos Las racecourse and he went schooling over the Grand National fences today.
All-in-all he’s in top shape for the National, I couldn’t be happier.
Potters Corner enjoying himself over the national style fences this morning. pic.twitter.com/Tb9IKFZLtX
— Stars Sports Racing (@StarsRacing) April 7, 2021
From now to Saturday, he’ll be having a few quiet days to keep him fresh. He’ll have a hack down at the sea, it’s fantastic for us work riders and the horses being next to the coast and having the opportunity for the horses to exercise on the beach. He’ll likely enjoy a splash in the surf the day before he heads up.
Your brother, Jack, will ride the horse on Saturday. What will it be like for you and the Tudor family watching on?
We’ll all be nervous and anxious in hoping that the race goes well. Having that strong connection with Potters Corner and obviously having my brother in the race, it will be nerve-wracking afternoon.
However, it’s hugely exciting, can’t wait for the race and it’s brilliant for Jack’s career having a ride and a great chance in the National at just 18 years old.
How would I react if they win on Saturday? I’m sure, I’ll be very emotional, to see them win the biggest Jumps race in the world would be absolutely amazing!
What sort of horse is Potters Corner like to be around?
Potters Corner is a very laid-back horse to be around, he takes everything in his stride. He’s just a happy chap. Everyone at the yard loves him, he’s an absolute legend here!
His favourite treats are apples and carrots, he loves them, he can’t get enough of them.
What will the day of the Grand National look like for you?
On the day of the National, I’ll be working at the yard in the morning, then I’ll be back home while the travelling lads and lasses look after Potters Corner at Aintree. We’ll all sit down and watch the race as a family and hopefully celebrate after, fingers crossed.
How big a deal would it be for Welsh racing if Potters Corner won the Grand National?
It would be amazing for Welsh racing if Potters Corner won. The people directly involved in the horse are Welsh through-and-through. My brother the jockey, Christian Williams the trainer, owners like Wales and Lions rugby star Jonathan Davies, and the stable staff are all proudly Welsh.
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