Harry Redknapp tipped to win the Grand National with a horse named after a West Ham fan
FOOTBALL legend Harry Redknapp is tipped to win the Grand National with his 66-1 outsider – named after a West Ham fan.
Legendary jockey Richard Johnson believes Shakem Up'Arry has what it takes to land the £500,000 jackpot for his famous owner.
Trained by Ben Pauling, Shakem Up'Arry has already won almost £140,000 in his career but has now set his sights firmly on the Aintree target.
The revamped National will see 34 runners this year instead of 40, so at 64th on the list of possible runners, Redknapp's hopes need a few to fall off.
But Johnson thinks if he sneaks in at the bottom of the weights released today, the 10-year-old has a good chance.
The former rider, in conversation with BoyleSports who offer the latest Cheltenham Oddssaid: “I really like Ben Pauling's horse Shakem Up'Arry.
“He ran in the Coral Gold Cup, ran well at Aintree last year and finished fourth in the three mile handicap.
“The point is whether 4 miles and 2 furlongs might be a bit too far… but if Ben can keep the horses in the form they are in at the moment, who knows.
“For me, you're looking for a yard in shape.”
Shakem Up'Arry was last seen winning his owner a whopping £57,000 with victory in a Class 3 chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
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And he's 16-1 for the Ultima at the Festival – a race used by Corach Rambler as a stepping stone to national victory last year.
Redknapp, who regularly attends the races, revealed the reason behind the horse's unique name a few years ago.
He said: “When I was manager I always had a man behind me at West Ham.
“For ninety minutes, right behind my dugout, he shouted, 'shake 'em up, 'Arry, shake 'em up, 'Arry.'
“I came home after the game on Saturday night and all I could hear was this guy's voice: 'Shake 'em up 'Arry'.
“So I thought, if I get a horse, I should name it Shakem Up'Arry.”
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