Grand National

[edgt]

135 in last year's NH Chase looks pretty sweet with hindsight. I remember his sire almost winning The Derby as a maiden at 66/1. Still not sure how Sir Percy got up.

Most likely because "The Dazzler " rode the runner up !
Added the Philip Robinson ridden Hala Bek thought he was a Carousel horse for a few strides near the post.
(Off topic but couldn't resist)

 

[edgt]

"Does no one ever think of the children?"

What are you on about, Ian?

"The children who shall inherit the Earth - and TH, of which we are but mere custodians."

They will read the archives, keen to learn from those who went before, and what will they find?"

"Lazily-labelled threads - 'Grand National?' Which year are they discussing?"

"Postings submitted without first being proof read - 'what are these overdoses they speak of'?"

I repeat, will no one think of the children??!!

The meek shall inherit the earth , or at least were meant to before "blonde ambition " took over .

 

[Ian_Davies]

The meek shall inherit the earth

That prophecy is, always has been, and always will be, a max lay.

 

[vikingflagship]

Thanks Danny it only seems to appear for most recent posts and not earlier, so I've had to leave it

VF x

 

[StarryNight]

Irish Racing Post reported that Nick Rockett has had some niggles which have kept him from running, Mullins says Cheltenham Gold Cup looking unlikely at present. NR will need at least 1 run this season to be eligible for GN so I've cashed out for now.

 

[Ian_Davies]

Despite the sacrilegious failure to clearly label this thread with a "2026" - #thinkaboutthechildren - I'm endeavouring to make the occasional contribution.

A lot is made about how the Grand National is a different race - much easier fences, higher quality of runner, shorter trip yet arguably greater test of stamina - nowadays.

But less is made about changes to the approach landscape it fits into.

Both of today's big handicap chases at Ascot and Haydock Park used to be staged before the National weights were published.

Aldaniti won the Ascot contest (a midweek race in those days) in 1981 and Grittar ran a blinder in it carrying overweight in 1982.

And in 1978 Lucius was runner up at Haydock.

All three ran off unchanged marks at Aintree.

Maybe the Aintee weights are published a bit later nowadays, but what is certain is that one or two of these "Road To Aintree" races are being run earlier.

 

[Desert Orchid]

Well, that's the Myretown GN bubble well and truly popped. Won't even get into the race now even if they wanted it to.

It looked not to stay so maybe it will save itself a very exhausting day.

I wouldn't be surprised if they gave up on the National some time ago and decided just to go for the Ultima again.

Really disappointing there though. The phrase 'went out like a light' could have been coined for him.

Gutted, I have to say.

 

[jinnyj]

Impaire et Passe - well two out in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park, you wouldn't have said he was the winner and Sa Fureur looked like he had his measure but he came with a fair old turn of foot and PT I don't think even picked his stick up. A good run.

(only stuck him in this thread as I put his name in search and this came up)