Grand National Day!

Just in case you have been on a different planet for the last few days, it is the world's biggest steeplechase this afternoon The Grand National.  The Aussies would try to tell you that the Melbourne Cup is the biggest racing event, but don't be fooled - it doesn't get any bigger than this!  When you walk around the National course you can see why all the jockeys get so excited.  It just shows you how brave (or mad!) they must be!  I always go down to the start for the race and the atmosphere is unbelievable with all the horses milling around and the jockeys having any last minute alterations made to their tack.  When the tapes finally go up, the noise is deafening - there really is no other sporting event like it in the world.

Aside from Junior (pictured above schooling over our own Grand National style fences) and Swing Bill in the big one, the stable has three other runners at Aintree today - Battle Group, Kazlian and Dream Esteem, as well as two more at Chepstow - Top Wood and Qalinas.  I can't remember the last time that Grand National day was kicked off by two long odds-on favourites, but this time around Simonsig and Sprinter Sacre look nailed-on.  Victories for these two would see Nicky Henderson forge back in front of Paul Nicholls in the trainers' championship, although victory for either in the Grand National would seal matters.

Amazingly, Synchronised is the first Gold Cup winner to participate in the Grand National since Master Oats in 1995 and he will be bidding to become the first horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same season since Dorothy Paget's amazing chaser Golden Miller back in 1934.  You will see below a picture of the Daily Mirror from that day - it would be a remarkable achievement if he could replicate that.

Of the current jockeys, Ruby Walsh has the best record, winning the race twice aboard Papillon and Hedgehunter as well as reaching the frame aboard those same horses as well as Kingsmark and My Will.  A P McCoy famously won the race aboard Don't Push It in 2010 and he has also reached the frame aboard that one as well as Blowing Wind (twice) and Clan Royal.  Barry Geraghty, another previous winner (Monty's Pass in 2003) has also finished placed on a number of other occasion aboard the likes of Slim Pickings (twice) and Big Fella Thanks.  I am sure all of their mounts will prove popular with punters today.

Anyway, fingers crossed for our runners Junior and Swing Bill in the big one, and let's hope that all the runners and riders come home safe.