Cath Williams Leads Welsh Charge at Scottish Grand National

Just days after her husband Evan was sentenced to three years in prison, Williams sends Ask Brewster to Ayr to compete at Scotland’s biggest race of the year, worth £100,000 to the winner.

Ask Brewster is currently among the mid-priced favourites for the title, with bookmakers DragonBet offering 12/1.

It would be an emotional triumph for Williams who took over Evan’s trainer’s licence at their Vale of Glamorgan yard after he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in March.

He had denied the charge after evidence was heard he had mistaken a dog-walker for someone threatening to cause harm to the horses on his land.

Cath Williams has already proven she is well capable of of focussing on success on the racecourse, despite the unsettling background of her husband’s conviction.

As trainer, she guided Ask Brewster to a notable win in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, which was won at odds of 22/1.

Libberty Hunter also brought her another big placing with his runner-up finish in the Champion Chase at 50-1.

Irish jockey Shane Cotter was on board Ask Brewster at Cheltenham and the 19-year-old will again be in the saddle at Ayr.

Among his main rivals are Willie Mullins’ Road To Home - whom he finished ahead of at Cheltenham - and Paul Nicholls-trained Isaac Des Obeaux, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson.

At the head of the betting is Irish challenger Kim Roque at 5-1, another runner Ask Brewster got the better of in that same Cheltenham contest.

Despite strong opposition, confidence remains high in Ask Brewster’s chances, even amid a challenging period for the Williams family.

The lightly-raced gelding began his campaign with victory at Chepstow in October, followed by a respectable fifth in the London National at Sandown in December, before returning to winning ways at Cheltenham three months later.

Cath was at Prestbury Park to witness that success and shared in the celebrations on one of racing’s biggest stages.

Asked what it meant coming at such a difficult time, she said: “I’m delighted. It’s been an emotional week and it is what it is, we’ll deal with it.” 

Cardiff-based trainer Sam Thomas has two entries in the Scottish Grand National – Katate Dori (25/1) and Our Power (28/1).

Welsh interest will also feature around the Bowen brothers.

James Bowen rides Herakles Westwood – a 25/1 chance trained by Warren Greatrex – while champion jockey Sean Bowen rides Gabbys Cross, which  is priced at 33/1 for trainer Nick Scholfield.