Monbeg Genius, a racehorse owned by Doug Barrowman and Michelle Mone, was withdrawn at the latest declaration stage, circumventing potential distractions for the upcoming Aintree Grand National next month. Bought by Mone in November 2020 as a second nuptial gift for her spouse at a cost of £80,000, Monbeg Genius is officially registered under Barrowman Racing Ltd. The pair have found themselves under the microscope amid an investigation into their connection with PPE Medpro by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The firm had been given £202m worth of government contracts during the Covid-19 outbreak. Nevertheless, the government is in the process of recovering £122m along with other charges, prompted by allegations of substandard equipment.
Both Barrowman and Mone have vehemently denied any accusations of illicit activities, with Barrowman maintaining that they are being scapegoated to deflect from governmental mismanagement during the procurement of PPE in the face of a national crisis.
Having featured among the top picks in the National when the nets were disclosed in February, Monbeg Genius had already demonstrated his readiness for Aintree by concluding a 10-length third in the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Newbury in early September. Despite his poor performances in his two following starts in Kelso and the Cheltenham Festival, his odds had fallen to around 40-1 just before he was withdrawn from the race.
The eligibility of Monbeg Genius to participate in the race had come under scrutiny by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) before his run at Kelso on March 2nd. This followed the revelation that a court order had put a freeze on £75m of the Barrowmans’ assets. However, it was later found that the eight-year-old gelding wasn’t among the listed assets affected by the court ruling.
Tuesday marked the final “forfeit” stage preceding the five-day declarations for the National on April 8th. Monbeg Genius was one of 17 horses withdrawn from the race, as well as Hewick, who won the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, and was initially the top-weighted contender.
For the first time, this year’s National will only permit a total of 34 entries, a reduction from the prior cap of 40. Presently, only six British-trained horses are assured participation, contrasting with the dominant presence of the top Irish trainers, Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, both boasting 10 entries within the allowed 34. Notably, last year’s champion, Corach Rambler, currently stands as the 5-1 favourite, offering Lucinda Russell the possibility of her third Grand National victory in the past seven races.