John Quinn’s Character Building will be carrying new colours in Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National after being purchased by David and Patricia Thompson, the owners of Cheveley Park Stud.
The couple have already tasted Aintree glory, having bought Party Politics just days before his 1992 triumph.
Chris Richardson, Cheveley Park Stud’s managing director, is pleased the deal has been done.
“He’s a horse who we expressed an interest in last year but at that time the owner wasn’t willing to sell,” said Richardson.
“Mrs Thompson approached John Quinn again this year and thankfully an offer has been accepted, so it’s exciting.
“The National is obviously competitive and they’ve all got a chance, but Character Building is lightly raced and I think John is pleased with him, so it’s fingers crossed.
“Mr and Mrs Thompson obviously won the race with Party Politics soon after buying him in an election year and it is certainly an interesting coincidence.”
While amateur jockey Jamie Codd had been in line for the ride, the new owners have requested a professional takes the mount, although there has been no decision on that score as yet.
“With it being the Bank Holiday weekend we haven’t got anything sorted regarding a jockey, so it’s still up in the air,” Richardson added.
“Mrs Thompson will be speaking with the trainer and no doubt more will come to light from Tuesday.
“I don’t think the horse would want the ground to be heavy but, from what I understand, it’s just on the soft side of good at the moment and shouldn’t get any worse, so that should be fine.
“You need an awful lot of luck in the race but it’s just nice for Mr and Mrs Thompson’s colours to be represented in the race again.”
