Jonjo O’Neill-trained chaser given green light for Aintree run

Michelle Mone’s Grand National contender, Monbeg Genius, has been given the all-clear to compete at Aintree, dispelling doubts over the horse’s participation due to legal issues surrounding Mone and husband Doug Barrowman’s assets.

Despite the freezing of £75 million in assets controlled by the couple last month, Monbeg Genius, purchased for £80,000 as a wedding gift for Barrowman, remains eligible to take part in the prestigious race.

The uncertainty arose amidst investigations into Barrowman’s company, PPE Medpro, by the National Crime Agency regarding government contracts worth over £200 million for personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Additionally, the company faces legal action from the Department for Health and Social Care.

Concerns over Monbeg Genius’s racing future prompted the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) to assess whether the horse’s ownership was affected by the court order.

However, following discussions with relevant parties, the BHA confirmed that horses owned by Barrowman Racing Ltd, including Monbeg Genius, are not impacted by the restraint order and are thus permitted to continue racing.

Monbeg Genius, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and last seen finishing third at Newbury in December, received an entry for the Grand National, signaling intentions for a potential bid in the upcoming event.

 The decision brings relief to racing enthusiasts and fans of the sport, ensuring that Monbeg Genius can pursue its aspirations on the track despite the legal turmoil surrounding its owners.

As preparations for the Grand National intensify and anticipation builds for the iconic race, Monbeg Genius’s clearance to compete adds another layer of intrigue to the event, highlighting the resilience and determination of both the horse and its connections amidst challenging circumstances.