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Mckelvey’s
(IRE) Curriculum Vitae
Date of Birth:
5th August 1999 (official age 9 as of 1st
Jan)
Weight:
525 kg
Official rating:
144
Career win record:
Summer National July
2006
with AP McCoy on board, the Totesport Handicap chase and the
runner up at the John Smith’s Grand National 2007
Career Earnings: £228,169
Trainer:
Peter Bowen,
Little
Newcastle,
Pembrokeshire,
Wales
Peter on McKelvey: March 20th 2008
“We’re absolutely delighted with his progress so far; he’s
come out of his last two races really well and is spot on
for the National. Now it’s just a case of keeping him
relaxed, confident and happy at home.”
Owner:
Noel Elliott, County Cavan, Ireland
Jockey for the John Smith’s Grand National:
Tom O’Brien, birthday, 27th November,
Born in Wexford. Favourite song, Snow Patrol ‘Run’,
favourite food, Carbonnara
Silks:
Dark Green, Red Chevron quartered cap
Horse Star sign:
Leo is Mckelvey’s
star
sign.
It's the Lion which symbolizes Leos, like Lions, Leos tend
to be dignified and strong, with a real sense of their
power. A Leo on your team is a good thing, as Lions are
eager to see their projects through to completion. Putting
these folks at the helm is a good thing, too, since the
Leo-born are natural leaders. They may ruffle a few feathers
along the way, however, since they can also be overbearing
and somewhat autocratic. Mckelvey
is indeed opinionated and set in his ways! That said, they
are well organized, idealistic and have a knack for
inspiring others
Leos love being center stage. They like to make an
impression, Leos are an ambitious lot, and their strength of
purpose allows them to accomplish a great deal. It's quite
common to see a Leo on stage or in Hollywood, since these
folks never shy away from the limelight. They are also
supremely talented and have a flair for the dramatic. Warmth
and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making
these folks a pleasure to be around.
Work rider
Rhiannon Rees, Rhiannon’s favourite racing moment was
leading Dunbrody Millar in the Topham Chase last year.
Rhiannon has worked for Peter & Karen for 4 years and was
recently promoted to head girl. Mckelvey
is her pride and joy; “He doesn’t like going out with the
other horses, I have to take him out on his own, he can get
extremely hot headed and a bit edgy but he thrives on one to
one attention.” The way to Rhianonn’s heart is Steak and
salad after a days racing.
Diet:
Spillers
Feeds
Stable name:
‘Muckers’
Extra Notes:
Mckelvey
has moved into Ballycassidy’s box following Bally’s
retirement. He can open his own stable door within seconds
if the bottom latch isn’t done and he’s been know to just
walk around the yard on his own chatting to the other horses
and ‘hangs out’ behind the hay barn at lunchtime if he
manages to escape. He loves polo’s and has been most
likened as a character to ex SAS soldier now novelist Andy
McNab – he is tall dark, extremely clever a bit mysterious
with a wicked temper, he’ll try anything once but will
relentlessly carry on no matter what, he’s as tough as they
come.
He’s been very closely followed by the BBC ‘ONE’ show, even
to the point of putting a night vision webcam in the box
Trainer stats:
Age:
49
Born: Little Newcastle,
Pembrokeshire,
Wales
Favourite TV
Show:
Jeremy Kyle (!)
Favourite music:
Daniel O'Donnel
Married to Karen Bowen, they have 3 sons: Mickey – 13, Sean
11 and James 7.
Peter & Karen are a real team, Karen is the driving force
behind Peter’s every day work, Peter will be busy making
declarations and closely watching his horses form and Karen
will be on the gallops. Karen is up at 5.30am
every morning riding the horses in all weather and spends a
lot of her time on the yard. A majority of her prize money
that she wins goes to charity.
Peter has always wanted to win the Grand National since he
was a boy, following Wales’ win in the Grand Slam, and the
Grand National only weeks away, a Welsh trainer hasn’t won
the National for over 100 years; Wales’ win will hopefully
bring some luck to Mckelvey
on the day. |
