The 2025 Grand National

[Mr Whatoxo]

The horse was disputing the lead 50 yards from 2 out, but was then swallowed up by the main contenders and jumped it in 10th. He initially looked like he was going to be pulled up. Then his jockey started pushing again and he did jump (crawled over might be more accurate) the last in a distant 16th.

My answer as to when he should have pulled up is: shortly after the 2nd last when he had almost stopped to a walk and had no chance of placing.

I do fully agree with the point earlier about the condition many of horse population in the UK. It is peculiar that so much attention is focussed on an unfortunate small minority of the 14,000 racehorse population dying whilst racing, when most racehorses are loved and treated wonderfully well (probably in a safer environment than many humans). At the same time no consideration is given to the environment of the rest of the estimated 840,000 UK horse population. Many of whom can be seen in poor conditions as you drive around the country.

 

[Ian_Davies]

My answer as to when he should have pulled up is: shortly after the 2nd last when he had almost stopped to a walk and had no chance of placing.

Thanks for this, that's precise, I wasn't looking to catch anyone out and I'm genuinely interested.

Tbh, I initially thought Celebre D'Allen was pulled up before the last, but Nolan actually had him jump it and pulled up just after it.

I personally think he should have been pulled up between the last two fences once not only beaten but weakening rapidly, but we are talking a 15-20 seconds maximum differential here between what happened and what maybe should have happened.

That said, in boxing a referee will be criticised if he lets a fight go on as little as three seconds after a fighter is clearly getting relentless punishment and is no longer able to defend himself.

That's the microscope sport goes under when it's on TV in front of millions in the modern world.

 

[Desert Orchid]

That's the microscope sport goes under when it's on TV in front of millions in the modern world.

Yes, and that's what jockeys have to accept when they become one. All the more reason to be seen to be doing the right thing. It would be a lot easier to argue in the stewards' room, if asked if they pulled up early, that you are acting in the horse's best interests, than trying to justify yourself when the horse is surrounded by green tarpaulins or already in the ambulance.

And the GN is probably the one race when the stewards aren't even going to ask the question in the first place. They will assume it was the right thing to do.

 

[barjon]

Here’s the stewards’ report:

An enquiry was held to consider whether Micheal Nolan, the rider of CELEBRE D’ALLEN (FR), had continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground after the second-last fence. The rider and the Veterinary Officer were interviewed, and recordings of the incident were viewed. The rider was suspended for 10 days.

I think they were right, Celebre D'Allen did go out like the proverbial light and it seemed pretty obvious that he was empty and his race was done. When did it become so obvious? Well, he weakened so quickly that Nolan couldn’t have been in much doubt and no response to his “reminder” was the final confirmation.

The emotional tie between animals and humans is complex, particular for those who are more observers than intimately involved. I expect many a Sunday lunch would be free of lamb if the diners had to go out into the field and kill it first. So far as racehorses are concerned I think they are more than work animals, it’s more a partnership and shared emotional ties.

 

[Ian_Davies]

I can't argue with any of that from either of you - all very fair and pertinent comment, IMO.

 

[tiggers1972]

Another afternote was the winning jockey picking up an 8 day whip ban.

 

[moehat]

Brain fart on my part re CdA in last year's National. I was mixing him up with Latenightpass.

RP comment for him in the Topham: Midfield, not fluent 4th (Water), headway after 3 out, went third 2 out, kept on run-in, lost third post

And he was beaten only two lengths. I'm not suggesting he would have won this year's Topham but running in it probably wouldn't have brought about his demise.

There was another Topham in which it said he finished ‘very tired’. I don’t really know much about the horse but from what I’ve read up on him post race he seems to have been a superb jumper and one that gave his all in his races. And that probably took more out of himself jumping than the ones that now tend to hurdle the new fences. I suppose his connections wanted to give him a chance in the big one but, distance wise it seems like a very wrong decision.

 

[Desert Orchid]

Simon Rowlands seems impressed by this year's race. I don't blame him. Plenty of us on here reckoned this was one of the classiest renewals and his figures seem to back up that idea.

Expert Analysis | At The Races

Simon Rowlands reveals the numbers which suggest the 2025 Grand National could be the strongest renewal ever seen.

www.attheraces.com