Looking for advice for the big one? Then look no further.
There is a great divide between racing fans. There are those who adore the blistering speed of the flat and there are those who believe that jump racing is where the real test of a thoroughbred presides, but we are all unanimous when it comes to the colossal test that is the Grand National.
Forty contenders line up for the Aintree spectacular with wide-eyed warriors aboard and to navigate the four-and-a-half- mile course, a complete fusion of energy and skill between horse and rider must occur. It’s an epic battle where they must proceed as one.
You may scoff that I must be watching Gladiator as I write, or that my personal love for the sport has led me to an outpouring of exaggeration (me? never!) so to swat any accusations of hyperbole, I will put the facts in perspective.
Saturday’s fences are totally unique to the Liverpool course and are not only big, but hard to manoeuvre. The Canal Turn, for example is a big fence that requires a 90-degree turn almost immediately after landing to stay on course; Beecher’s Brook has a steep drop, although recently shortened, on the other side, not forgetting The Chair, at which horse and 10-stone jockey must soar over a six-foot ditch in lift off to clear the five foot, two inch fence standing three foot wide.
These animals are not faced with the simple task of going as fast as they can, they must hold their nerve and keep a mammoth tempo for the marathon trip. Famous horses like Red Rum, show that it takes a horse of limitless courage and passion to win, and they love it as much as their partner on the day.
The question of safety always arises at this meeting and its one that deserves to be answered honestly. Career ending injuries for the animal and jockeys alike have occurred so we need to be frank about the relationship that exists between us humans and the equine species.
A pet hate of mine is “anthropomorphism” – the placing of human motivations onto animals. My first pony was called Mini. I was about 10 and I’d wash her tail with my mom’s shampoo, sang to her, talk to her, totally convinced she loved me as much as I did her.
In retrospect, I’d say she disliked me a lot, judging by the biting and kickings she gave me, but I don’t blame her. If someone brushed my hair all day or tried to make me ‘dance dressage’ I’d do the same. But we did, however, genuinely click when we’d go cross-country. She loved it – fast, furious and adrenaline filled.
In my 20-plus years of riding horses I can say with absolute conviction that they are happiest going flat out in a herd and are of a highly competitive nature, as you’ll see when they race each other in a field. A co-dependence occurs between you and them when taking a fence and the bond in those moments is indescribable. Thoroughbreds in particular come to life galloping upsides, and the feeling Of being on a horse in a group going at top speed, I’d describe as almost transcendental. Unless of course you’re actually trying to stop (let’s not go there).
So what lucky partnership will prevail this weekend. Well, you can only deduce so much from the form book, the average price of the last 10 winners is in the region of 33/1 , but on my short list are the following;
Rocky Creek: The stats say the winner needs at least 10 starts over fences, so this fellow’s a little shy but he’s a nifty jumper and rarely puts in a bad performance, but will need to carrying over 11 stone which is a concern.
Long Run: His pilot has ridden a winner there already and this lad has performed at the top level from a young age. Winner of the 2011 Gold Cup, he missed Cheltenham this year, but that diversion may just prove a master stroke.
Teaforthree: A market leader holds very strong credentials, a gallant third in the race last year and his Gold Cup performance has reportedly left no mark. Has a lower weight this year and holds a strong hand, favourites though haven’t got a great record!
Monbeg Dude: Has the brilliant Paul Carberry on board, who reminded us of his magical skills on Thursday at the meeting riding Guitar Pete, this horse may not jump the fences well but if the schooling has gone well at home as reports suggest, he could be first past the post.
Vesper Bell: Not an amazing horse but carries just 10 stone 5 and has a rising star aboard. At a huge price, he’s worth an each way punt.
Hopefully you back the winner but more importantly, enjoy this brilliant race!
