Jockey rode 8-1 favourite Corach Rambler to glory at Aintree but the race will be remembered for all the drama before itOn a day when the drama and danger of the world’s most famous steeplechase appeared to purr in perfect synchronicity, two moments quickly became burnt into the memory. The stillness of Derek Fox’s riding amidst the mayhem of a Grand National even more brazenly chaotic than usual before sending 8-1 favourite Corach Rambler into glory. But also the extraordinary sight of dozens of animal rights activists using ladders to climb into Aintree’s grounds, trying not only to sabotage the race, but the hearts and minds of those watching too.For anyone who sits uneasily on the fence when it comes...
A horse with proven Grade One-winning quality, could have too much class for British rivals Le Milos and Our PowerHeavy rain on Friday on ground that had been watered overnight resulted in the official going on the Grand National course changing to soft – from good-to-soft – and while a better day is in prospect on Saturday, the big race still promises to be more of a test than seemed likely when the field was finalised on Thursday.This is, of course, the winter game, and soft ground will not come as a shock to the majority of the 40 runners. But it does raise an additional question mark about those whose ability to produce their best form – or even...
Sport gives us an opportunity to see people at the greatest moments of their lives, but also at their sometimes-tragic worstOne of sport’s many affirming beauties is its intimacy: we get to see people experience the most ecstatic and most mortifying moments of their lives, live. Yes, they’re seeking fulfilment and validation in the wrong places and yes, this is your super soaraway Joy of Six about to volunteer an unsolicited self-help tip but, immeasurably wise though The Awakened Family is – if you’re a parent or a person, read it – how many titles, belts or majors has Dr Shefali Tsabary won? Exactly. Continue reading...
Amateur jockey with a dentistry business was once the go-between for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Such is the enduring lure of the Grand National that one in four adults in Britain placed a bet on this race, prospecting for gold in a minefield of a 40-runner handicap. Not many got lucky, judging by the muted reaction at Aintree as Noble Yeats bounded clear to win at 50-1. But this was a result to warm the soul, not swell the wallet.Earlier in the week Sam Waley-Cohen had announced this would be the final race of a career he has combined with running the £300m dentistry business he founded. Having won a Gold Cup on Long Run in 2011, few...
Blackmore’s superb ride on Minella Times was notable as was 10 of the first 11 horses to finish being from across the Irish SeaFor the outside world looking in, to follow their once-a-year flutter on the horses, there was only one aspect of Rachael Blackmore’s historic success on Minella Times in Saturday’s Grand National which really mattered: two X chromosomes, rather than the one which tends to be the norm for a jump jockey. And a first victory for a female rider, in the 173rd running of the National and 44 years after Charlotte Brew was the first woman to take part, was certainly a landmark for the sport, and its many female participants in particular.From the inside looking out,...