If you have never been to Aintree to watch the Grand National live, make sure you put it on your bucket list. The world’s greatest steeplechase is a unique experience and one you will never forget, writes Geoff Lester.
And if you are lucky enough to be on Merseyside on Saturday, walk the course beforehand, stand next to the famous Becher’s Brook and the Chair – the most formidable of the 30 fences the 40 horses will jump – and marvel at how sharp is the Canal Turn while you try and solve the puzzle as to who will take their place in history and a share of the £1 million (R21.39 million) prize.
The race is off at 18h15.
Sadly, four brave horses met their Waterloo in 2011 and 2012, so the fences were then modified and though still plenty stiff enough – the Chair is 1.57m high, preceded by a 1.83m ditch – the fact that they have a plastic base instead of the old-style wooden core has made the race much safer for both horse and rider.
Professionals claim that the People’s Race, as it is known, is now set up for the class horses and is less of a lottery, though it has certainly not become any easier for us punters, with bookmakers about the only ones who have celebrated over the last four years, with two winners at 25-1, one at 33-1, and a virtual skinner at 66-1.
So enjoy the eight-minute roller-coaster and pick a few horses not just one – believe me, there is no bigger anti-climax than seeing your “one and only” hit the deck at the very first fence.
Many Clouds wins in 2015 – can he do it again?
Topweight Many Clouds, victorious 12 months ago, attempts to become the first since the legendary Red Rum to win the race more than once. But of the top 10 horses I prefer the classy SILVINIACO CONTI. He is twice a winner of the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton and is always happier on Flat courses than the undulations of Cheltenham, where he has frequently disappointed.
Provided the rain stays away also put TRIO D’ALENE in the mix. He has won the Becher Chase over these big fences and Nicky Henderson, who is still awaiting his first triumph, reports the horse to be “flying”.
Long Run
There is also THE LAST SAMURI, the improver who leapt to the fore when bolting up at Kempton and Doncaster, and trainer Kim Bailey knows just what is required, having won the race with Mr Frisk in 1990.
The Irish enjoyed a magnificent Cheltenham Festival and they have a fistful of fancied runners, but the one I like best is UCELLO CONTE, who picked up silver and bronze medals in the major races in his homeland last winter and is a horse who will stay every yard of this 4900m and will also be in his element if the ground remains on the easy side. And he’s 33-1!
My final recommendation is have a small interest on the JP McManus-owned pair, GALLANT OSCAR and SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR. The latter finished fifth last year and has been trained with this one race in mind, while “Oscar” has been on my short list since he finished an eye-catching third at Cheltenham last spring.
So there we are, six of the best and let’s hope we have the bookies squealing by Saturday night.
