IT’S the nation’s favourite horse race tomorrow – and I can’t wait!
The John Smith’s Grand National sparks the imagination of the sporting public, and even those people who never have a bet on anything else will be heading to the bookies.
For people just wanting a bit of fun, pick a name – something that reminds you of the next door neighbours dog, for instance – a jockey or even the colours.
For those looking at it a little more seriously, my idea of a winner is Cappa Bleu, who finished fourth last year and has always had this year’s National as a target.
Well handicapped an impressive in just the one outing this term – second at Ascot – the 12/1 odds look appealing.
I have to say my biggest hope is that all the horses and jockeys get around unscathed. The last thing we want is more headlines about horse fatalities.
Welfare of those taking part is the highest priority, and there are two major changes to the course this time.
Firstly, the start has been taken 90 yards nearer the first fence, so hopefully the 40-strong field won’t be travelling quite so fast when they arrive there. Statistics show 50% of fallers in the National happen in the first 90 seconds, when the horses are fresh and powering along.
Secondly, the core of the fences is now plastic rather than timber, so there should be much more ‘give’ in them when a horse doesn’t quite jump as it should.
With regard to the betting, my only advice is make sure you use a bookmaker – like us at Skybet – who give you five places for the each-way. With 40 runners, we think that’s only fair, but some bookies still pay only four places, so check them out.
As I’ve said, Cappa Bleu is my fancy, but there will be a lot of popular money for Chicago Grey, who is a huge, striking white horse who people will easily pick up on the Channel 4 coverage.
Don’t be surprised, either, if a female is making headlines come tomorrow teatime.
Katie Walsh had a great ride on third-placed Seabass last year, trained by her dad Ted, and they’ve got a great chance again this time around.
Her brother, Ruby, is on the favourite – On His Own – so there could be some real Walsh family celebrations.
And Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis has a true contender in Teaforthree, who ran superbly in the Welsh National to finish second and has also won over four miles at Cheltenham in the past. The only question mark would be first time over the Aintree fences, but I don’t think connections are worried because Teaforthree’s jumping is quality.
