RACEHORSE owner Grahame Whateley will go to Aintree’s Grand National meeting this week hoping to claim big race success that eluded him at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.

The Belbroughton businessman, who owns the Halesowen-based firm Cedar Group, will go with a three pronged attack leading his and wife Diana’s hopes of glory at one of the season’s most eagerly-anticipated events.

The nation’s focus will soon lie on the Grand National itself, which takes place at the Liverpool course this Saturday, but before then there is a packed programme of races to look forward approaching the weekend.

Despite taking a host of horses to Cheltenham last month, the couple couldn’t manage a place in the winners’ enclosure. However, just as the dust settles on that particular showpiece event, another quickly follows in the form of Aintree.

Leading their charge for success will be the Philip Hobbs-trained Menorah, especially as the talented ten-year-old missed the Festival in favour of a tilt at today’s Aintree Bowl.

“He is always better in the spring,” said Whateley. “He won brilliantly at this time of year last season so can hopefully repeat that. It would be great if he can give a good account of himself.

“We chose to by-pass Cheltenham and to go to Aintree instead as we think he’d have a better chance. His early season form was very good but he gets even better at this time of year.”

Whateley was also very keen on the chances of the Donald McCain-trained Diamond King.

He is set to take his chance in a 2m 4f handicap hurdle on tomorrow’s card.

“He is very well at home and has had a breathing operation,” revealed his owner. “That should help him a lot and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

Finally, popular chaser Wishfull Thinking is set for a run in the Melling Chase tomorrow after disappointing in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

“We love to see him bounding along out in front so may try those tactics this time,” added Whateley. “For whatever reason, the real Wishfull Thinking didn’t turn up. Hopefully a flatter track like Aintree will also help him to bounce back."