Sportblog | The Guardian — Grand National 2023 RSS

Apr 15, 2023

Fox wins the chase after animal rights protesters disrupt Grand National

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...

Apr 14, 2023

Talking Horses: classy Vanillier can triumph for Irish in Grand National

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...