Wish I practised what I preached!! Think I commented a day or so ago that I usually passed-over horses who had run at the Cheltenham Festival prior to Aintree. Most of the Cheltenham runners had hard races and around 23-days is just not time enough to get them ready for Aintree IMHO. Does not always work, I agree, but in this last race the 4th in the market, Sire Du Berlais, just beat the top three in the market who all ran at the Festival meeting. SDB beat the hot odds-on favourite too, which was a commendable effort. Mark Walsh really riding out of his skin today, Now on to the big one. Missus doing a bowl of spicy soup to get me in trim for the race!
Great coverage of the National by ITV - really making it a truly global sporting event. My heart is firmly with Snow Leopardess - what a great story it would be if she could win
Take a bow Sam Whaley-Cohen - what a way to end your riding career. Sir Barney will be drowning in a bath of G and T
Thanks Oddy for putting me right.I certainly missed that, really screwed-up there! He mus t have been out for the run only? This year's Grand National was something else. Sincere congratulations to Sam Whaley-Cohen, and all connected with the horse. As has been said many times already, you wouldn't dare write a novel with such an extraordinary ending. Thought the ghost of Elizabeth Taylor was going to turn-up any minute!
That statue must be a certainty, now!!! Well done Sam Waley-Cohen. Now and forever the forum's favourite Corinthian.
Mount Ida and Enjoy D'Allen were the first two horses to fall... at the first. I have nothing more to say.
Always nice to see unconditional loyalty rewarded. Well done, Barney - let us know how much you've won when the hangover fades.
Sunday, 10th April: I am so very sad to learn that Eclair Surf did not survive the heavy fall he took at the third fence in yesterday's Grand National. He was eventually transported to the Leahurst Equine Hospital who were unable to save him after his condition deteriorated seriously, and the gelding had to be euthanised. Sincere condolences to Emma Lavelle and all connected with this fine Chaser. I read that Emma is absolutely devastated at losing Eclair Surf, who apparently was loved by all at her stable. Horseracing, especially NH, can be a desperately sad sport at times.
