Grand National Day

Just in case you hadn't noticed, it is a big day today!  Indeed, the world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National takes place this afternoon at Aintree.  There is also action from Chepstow and Newcastle over the sticks and Lingfield and Wolverhampton on the all-weather.  The National is on ITV at 5.15pm over 4m2½f and Aintree's unique fences.  The stable has two runners in the race; Ramses de Teillee, Vieux Lion Rouge.  David also runs Poker Play and Umbrigado at Aintree.

With only 10-9 on his back I do fancy Ramses de Teillee (pictured above) in the big one.  He was runner-up over 3m4½f in the Grand National Trial at Haydock on good ground and was previously second in the Welsh National over 3m5½f on soft going, form which gives him very good claims.  Regular rider David Noonan is in the saddle and with a clear round and some luck in running I expect him to go very well.

Vieux Lion Rouge is something of a course specialist having finished 6th, 7th and 9th in the National and 1st, 2nd and unplaced in the Becher Chase over the National fences.  He has jumped 152 of the unique fences and has won from higher marks in the past.  I am sure he will give Tom Scudamore another good spin round.

Umbrigado runs earlier in the day in the 2m4f Mersey novices' hurdle at 2.25pm.  Our five year old has progressed really well this season, winning all three of his starts on good and soft ground.  I really like this horse (who runs in the same colours as Ramses) and I think there is further improvement in him.  This represents a step-up in trip but he looks to have a good each-way chance under Tom Scudamore.

Poker Play is our other runner and he contests the competitive staying handicap hurdle that opens the card at 1.45pm.  He won in effortless fashion last time out at Uttoxeter but will find this more difficult from an 11lbs higher mark.  He probably wouldn't want the ground drying out too much either.  Place claims nonetheless under Tom Scudamore.  I will be at Aintree today and can't wait to get there!

It is hard to believe that it is 25 years since Miinnehoma gave Martin his only success in the Grand National and it is 11 years since David emulated him with the victory of Comply Or Die in 2008.  I am sure there will be a massive celebration at Pond House should either of our runners come good.

Talking of Aintree legends, today seems to be the perfect time to remember Red Rum who won the race on an unequaled three occasions and finished runner-up in his only other two starts in the race.  Fittingly he is buried next to the winning line at Aintree...

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I wonder what sort of team Manchester City will be putting out for their Cup semi-final?  Whilst they may want to land the four titles, I am sure that the Premier League is their main priority.

Meanwhile, I see that Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been given a one match touchline ban for his post match comments he made to referee Bobby Madden about the sending off of Alfredo Morelos.  Personally, I thought it was the correct decision...sorry Steve!

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Name the three inventions that have helped man up in the world...the elevator, the ladder and the alarm clock!  Have a great weekend...

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