2015 - Many Clouds
The winner
Many Clouds was possibly the most talented National winner since Red Rum, he was certainly the most popular. The following season he won at Kelso prior to his second attempt at the National and he appeared to have the best chance of recent National winners of becoming the first since Red Rum to win back to back Nationals. Sent off the joint favorite he was running well and was amongst the leaders when he blundered at the twenty sixth fence and that was effectively it. He weakened after two out, was not given a hard time and effectively walked across the line in last place. The following year he was better than ever and sealed his place in racegoers affections. He won over the Mildmay course at the Becher meeting before his career defining victory over King George VI Chase winner Thistlecrack in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on 28th January 2017. Leading four out he was stongly challenged by Thistlecrack two out and despite everything that the novice threw at him he battled up the Cheltenham hill to win by a head. Moments after crossing the line he suffered a pulmanory haemorrage, collapsed and died. A truly wonderful horse his passing was widely mourned. The race he won on Becher Chase day was renamed in his honour and was run until 2021.
Leading Fancies
Moments after winning the Game Spirit Chase on Mr Mole at Newbury on 7th February, nineteen times champion jockey AP McCoy stunned the racing world when he announced to Channel 4s Rishi Persad that he would be retiring at the end of the season. Whilst that would take him to the Bet365 Gold Cup meeting at Sandown there was a general feeling that should the champ win the National he would immediately retire. So it was that the whole of the racing world (with the possible exception of Sandowns clerk of the course Andrew Cooper and myself (who had tickets for that final day)) were willing the greatest jockey of all time to go out with a National winner and to be honest his final mount SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR did appear to fit the bill. A winner over the Mildmay fences on his debut he won the Irish Grand National on just his fifth start and had won his only race since (at Carlisle). Trained for this race he was the obvious favourite and he could prove to be very expensive for the bookies. ROCKY CREEK had finished fifth in this last year. Disappointing in the Hennessy but a subsequent wind op had put him back on track with victory at Kempton last time. BALTHAZAR KING who had flopped in this in 2013 but who had fnished runner up behind Pineau de Re in this last year had been competing in cross country events winning the valuable Grand Steeplechase at Craon in France and had been victorious at Cheltenham in November on his last start. Another fine run was on the cards. SOLL came in for some late support. He had run a blinder in 2013 but didn't see out the distance and finished seventh. Eliminated last year he had competed in the Topham instead. He had since changed stables and had won both starts for his new yard. THE DRUIDS NEPHEW was another who had changed stables at the beginning of the season. Unplaced behind Many Clouds at Newbury he had beaten a big field in a handicap chase at the Festival which put him right into contention for this one. FIRST LIEUTENANT had not won since his stellar season in 2011-12 when he lifted the Betway Bowl at this meeting but was still capable of running placed in Grade 1 races both here and in Ireland. Not sure this would suit him though and he was beaten when odds on over hurdles at Thurles last time out. AL CO had won last years Scottish Grand National but didn't appear to take to these fences when pulling up in a Becher Chase. MONBEG DUDE had been fancied for this last year but could only finish seventh having blundered at second Bechers. Fourth behind Many Clouds at Newbuy and in the Welsh National (a race he won in 2013). However he had finished a long way behind The Druids Nephew at Cheltenham. One very interesting challenger was LORD WINDERMERE the shock winner of the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup and twice placed in Grade 1 level in Ireland since. He had but showed nothing in this years renewal of the blue riband and was easy to back. And what about last years hero PINEAU DE RE ? He had only raced once over fences this season and no-one was realistically expecting a repeat win. OSCAR TIME at fourteeen was surely too old but he was ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen and not only had he been twice placed in this (2011 and 2013) but having had a season runnng in the hunter chase field he had sprung a shock at 25-1 when he landed the Becher Case in December. No fourteen year old though had ever won this race but another sound performance was on the cards. Finally a mention of the class horse of the race, an Aintree debutant being ridden by last years winning rider Leighton Aspell, MANY CLOUDS, who was running at surprisingly long odds of 25-1. A winner of both the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury & Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham before disappointing slightly in the Gold Cup. Maybe it was the weight that was putting the punters off.
4:15 : CRABBIE'S GRAND NATIONAL £429,600 to the winner, £176,800 to the second, £88,400 to the third, £44,200 to the fourth, £22,100 to the fifth, £11,000 to the sixth, £5,600 to the seventh, £2,700 to the eighth, £1,400 to the ninth & £700 to the tenth
1 01-303p LORD WINDERMERE 9, 11-10 (Jim Culloty - Ireland) - Brian O'Connell*
2 b4-1110 MANY CLOUDS 8, 11-9 (Oliver Sherwood) - Leighton Aspell
3 030-013 UNIONISTE 7, 11-6 (Paul Nicholls) - Noel Fehily
4 220-2p1 ROCKY CREEK 9, 11-3 (Paul Nicholls) - Sam Twiston-Davies
5 4-24003 FIRST LIEUTENANT 10, 11-3 (M F Morris - Ireland) - Miss Nina Carberry
6 112-f11 BALTHAZAR KING 11, 11-2 (Philip Hobbs) - Richard Johnson
7 12401-1 SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR 8, 11-2 (Jonjo O'Neill) - A P McCoy
8 31-0p00 PINEAU DE RE 12, 11-0 (Dr Richard Newland) - Daryl Jacob
9 f-2103p BALLYCASEY 8, 10-13 (Willie Mullins - Ireland) - Ruby Walsh
10 0010-44 SPRING HEELED 8, 10-12 (Jim Culloty - Ireland) - Nick Scholfield
11 404121 REBEL REBELLION 10, 10-12 (Paul Nicholls) - Ryan Mahon
12 020100 DOLATULO 8, 10-11 (W.Greatrex) - Dougie Costello
13 01-p010 MON PARRAIN 9, 10-11 (Paul Nicholls) - Sean Bowen
15 1-40233 NIGHT IN MILAN 9, 10-9 (Keith Reveley) - James Reveley
16 040211 RUBI LIGHT 10, 10-9 (R.Hennessy - Ireland) - Andrew Lynch
17 p-12001 THE DRUIDS NEPHEW 8, 10-9 (N.Mulholland) - Aiden Coleman
18 220-001 CAUSE OF CAUSES 7, 10-9 (Gordon Elliott - Ireland) - Paul Carberry
19 p23-p00 GODSMEJUDGE 9, 10-8 (Alan King) - Wayne Hutchinson
20 01-0p33 AL CO 10, 10-8 (Nicky Henderson) - Denis O'Regan
21 0-24430 MONBEG DUDE 10, 10-7 (M.Scudamore) - Liam Treadwell
22 110-33p CORRIN WOOD 8, 10-7 (D.McCain) - David Casey
23 p/201u-p THE RAINBOW HUNTER 11, 10-7 (Kim Bailey) - David Bass
24 pf-3331 SAINT ARE 9, 10-6 (T.George) - Paddy Brennan
25 u0-000b ACROSS THE BAY 11, 10-6 (D.McCain) - Henry Brooke
26 231p0-0 TRANQUIL SEA 13, 10-5 (W.Greatrex) - Gavin Sheehan
27 111u14 OSCAR TIME 14, 10-5 (R.Waley-Cohen) - Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
28 120p1p BOB FORD 8, 10-4 (Rebecca Curtis) - Paul Townend
29 24/p2-00 SUPER DUTY 9, 10-4 (Ian Williams) - Will Kennedy
30 0p10-2f WYCK HILL 11, 10-4 (D.Bridgwater) - Tom Cannon
31 u-p11p4 GAS LINE BOY 9, 10-4 (Philip Hobbs) - James Best
32 1p40-00 CHANCE DU ROY 11, 10-4 (Philip Hobbs) - Tom O'Brien
33 0p1202 PORTRAIT KING 10, 10-3 (M.Phelen - Ireland) - Davy Condon
34 13-0200 OWEGA STAR 8, 10-3 (P.Fahey - Ireland) - Robbie Power
35 f00p14 RIVER CHOICE 12, 10-5* (R.Chotard - France) - David Cotti
36 3200-11 COURT BY SURPRISE 10, 10-3 (Emma Lavelle) - Richie McLernon
37 3/01p4-0 ALVARADO 10, 10-3 (F.O'Brien) - Paul Moloney
38 000-p11 SOLL 10, 10-2 (David Pipe) - Tom Scudamore
39 10110-p ELY BROWN 10, 10-2 (C.Longsden) - Brian Hughes
40 23-4132 ROYALE KNIGHT 9, 10-2 (Dr Richard Newland) - Brendan Powell
Non Runner : 14 CARLITO BRIGANTE
*Robbie McNamara was scheduled to ride Lord Windermere but was unable to take the ride due to injury
S.P : 6-1 Shutthefrontdoor, 8-1 Rocky Creek, 17-2 Balthazar King, 9-1 Soll, 10-1 The Druids Nephew, 14-1 Cause of Causes & First Lieutenant, 16-1 Unioniste, 18-1 Al Co & Godsmejudge, 20-1 Alvarado, Night In Milan & Oscar Time, 25-1 Ballycasey, MANY CLOUDS, Pineau de Re, Royale Knight, Saint Are & Spring Heeled, 33-1 Across the Bay, Court by Surprise, Lord Windermere, Mon Parrain, Rebel Rebellion, The Rainbow Hunter & Tranquil Sea, 40-1 Chance du Roy & Monbeg Dude, 50-1 Bob Ford, Owega Star, Portrait King & Rubi Light, 66-1 Corrin Wood, Dolatulo, Gas Line Boy, Super Duty & Wyck Hill, 100-1 Ely Brown & River Choice
Aintree debutants
Ballycasey, Cause of Causes, Corrin Wood, Court By Surprise*, Ely Brown*, First Lieutenant, Gas Line Boy, Godsmejudge*, Lord Windermere, Many Clouds, Night In Milan*, Owega Star*, Portrat King, River Choice*, Royale Knight*, Rubi Light*, Shutthefrontdoor, Spring Heeled*, Super Duty*, The Druids Nephew, Unioniste
Winners at Aintree
CHANCE DU ROY - Becher Chase (2013)
OSCAR TIME - Becher Chase (2014)
PINEAU DE RE - Grand National (2015)
REBEL REBELLION - Grand Seftom Chase (2013)
Result
1st MANY CLOUDS - Leighton Aspell
2nd SAINT ARE - Paddy Brennan
3rd MONBEG DUDE - Liam Treadwell
4th ALVARADO - Paul Moloney
Distances : one and three quarter lengths, six lengths & three and a half lengths
Time :
Owned by Trevor Hemmings
Trained by Oliver Sherwood
19 finshers
20 non-finishers (8 fell, 2 unseated rider, 1 hampered & unseated rider, 9 pulled up)
The Class of 2015
ACROSS THE BAY
AL CO (FR) (2005) ch g - Dom Alco (FR) - Carama (FR) (Tip Moss (FR)) - Won 3 hurdles and 7 chases between 2008 & 2019. won a hurdle in his native France efore moving to Jonjo O'Neill in April 2009. He won a few times over hurdles but did not set the world alohghy a was mobed yo Peter Bowen where he won two pnovice chases in May 2012. He awas completely uncosnisdere when he llined up for the 2014 Scottish National and at 40-1 leading four out he wa clwa at he l;ast although he did his best to throw things away by twice jinxing right near to the finish. he just held on from Godsmejudge. . On the bakof that win he looked an idela Aintree sort....he wasn't he pulled up in the Becher and got oonly as far as the ver yfist fence in the National. He was not asked again and the following year finished thir d in the hadicap chase over teh MIldmay course on Grand national da. J ealso won a small race at one of Aintree evening meetings in May 2016. He ran in two more Scotosh Nationals but didn't get close, won a hunter chase at Kelso in January 2018 and last saw a racecourseat Doncaster in 2019. He enjoyed a long career this one.
ALVARADO
BALTHAZAR KING
BOB FORD
CHANCE DU ROY
CORRIN WOOD (IRE) (2007) gr g - Garuda (IRE) - Allstar Rose (IRE) (Fourstars Allstar (USA)) - Won a hurdle and 3 chases between 2012 & 2017. Came from the Irish Ponting field were he was successful once in three starts. He He won gis firt three starts over hence in 2013-14 but appeared out of his depth when unplaced in the RSA Chase at the Festival. He only had a couple of prep races fo the BNational althiugh h ehad run el t ofinish third in tje Rowland eyrik Chase at wWetherby. His National exerience was brief - he made a mess of the forst ditch and his rider wisely pulled him up. The folowing ear he troed the sightly calmer waters of the Topham but was tailed off throughout eventual;y pulling up. He last ranunde rules in January 2017 at Newcastle but returned to the pointing field and was successful once in 2018
COURT BY SURPRISE (IRE) (2005) b g - Beneficial - Garryduff Princess (IRE) (HUsyan (USA)) - Won hurdle and 3 chases between 2010 & 2017. Won on debut ver hurdles at Herefrd in Novemner 2011. He was only an average chaser and his greatest success came courtesy of the stewards when he was awraded rhe 2014 Badge Ales Tripy at Wincanton when the runaway winner The Young Master was judged to be no t qualified to run in the race. The National was his next race and it was not a happy experience. He was tailed off by halfway and ulled up before the nineteenth with a broken blood vessal. He did not return but cnitnued being campaigned in handicaps in the south and last raed at Ascot in April 2017
DOLATULO
ELY BROWN (IRE) (2005) b g - Sunshine Street (USA) - Browneyed Daughter (IRE) (Broken Hearted) - Won 5 hurdles and 2 chases between 2011 & 2015. Didn't hve too many miles on the clock when he lined up for a brief appearance in 2015 (he fell at the first). He had been a fairly useful hurdler and had won at Aintree in October 2012 and whist he had won his first two starts ver fences in 2013-14 he had bee off for almost a year and the National was only his fourth start ovwe the larger obstacles. What he was doing there was anyone guess. He onlt raced two mire imes pulling up in the Bet 365 Gild Cuo abda pver the Mildmay course in October 2015.
GODSMEJUDGE (IRE) (2006) - Witness Box (USA) - Eliza Everett (IRE) (Meneval (USA)) - Won 2 hurdles and 3 chases between 2011 & 2017. Came from the pointding fild winning a maiden pooint in 2011. He won a novice chase at Folkestones final meetin in December 2012and later that season finished third in the National Hunt Chase at the Festival and put up a spledid display for a novice when lifting the Scottish Garna dnTaional on what was only his secenth start over fences. It had been a very busy and prductive fnovice chase campaigh abd the folloing year ge lost his way a bit but still managed to find his form in the sping with iimpressive perfrormance sin defeat . He only went down a lengh and a half to Alco When tryng to win back to cack Scottin Nationals and two weeks later he finsihed third in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. He didn't hit such heights again but he did come in for some each way support when he lined up at Aintree in 2015but he was tailed off when pulled up in the closing stages. He continued racing for a further twoseasons last running at Warwick in May 2017
MON PARRAIN (FR) (2006) b g - Trempolino (USA) - Jadaina (FR) (Kadalko (FR)) - Won 2 hurdles and 7 chases between 2009 & 2018. Came to the Uk with a mighty reputation having won fiive times in his naguve france ncluding a chad at Auteuil. After he won on his first start for \paul Nichols at Sanwon by twenty two lengths he looked an almost certainty for the Topham and he started a warm 7-2 favourite. Approachigt tw oout he was going effortlessly, Tuby Walsh was motionless and it looked a fmrality. But Always Waining stuck to his task and when he headed Mon Parrain at the ELbw the faviurite had nothing left and he was soundly beaten by four lengths. Whilst he did latre win twice at Cheltenham he never hit such heights again. He lined up in a Becher chAse a rand National and later in his carerr a Foxhters but never got competitive. He later ran in points and was last seen ay Newton Abbot in July 2018.
NIGHT IN MILAN (IRE) (2006) b g - Milan - Chlone (IRE) (Mandalus (IRE) - Won 4 hurdles and 4 chases between 2010 & 2016. Plied his trade in the northern tracks. Won two chases at Doncaster in 2013-14 including the valuebale Grimthorpe Chase at a long price.. He was suprisingly fancued at each way bearing ib mind he had not won for over a year in 2915 and he was still in touch three out before weakening and sowing alomsr ri a wakj in the run in t fonish eigtheenth . He did mot of racing at Doncaster and won a hurde there in Hanuary 016 but sadly met his
end at his favourite course when he took a fatal fall in Veterans Chase in february 2016
OSCAR TIME
OWEGA STAR (IRE) (2007) - br g - Basanta (IRE) - Los Monteros (IRE) (College Chapel) - Won NHF, 3 hurdles and 2 chases between 2011 & 2015. Had a very inauspicious start to his career running out at the very first fence in his first Irish point. He did win his bumper though and his first two starts over hurdles. Nothing better than an average chaser. He fis best perfroamve would have ben his seocnd in te Troytown Chae at navan in 2014 and he wan well in the Paddy Power Chase on his next start so he had every tought to take his chance at Aintree and he fiished albeit a distat thirteenth. He nevr got another chance as later that year he was brought down and killled in the Kerry National at Listowel.
PINEAU DU RE
PORTRAIT KING (IRE) (2005) gr g - Portrait Gallery (IRE) - Storm Queen (IRE) (Le Bavard (FR)) - Won 3 chases between 2009 & 2018. Wo his sole Irish point in 2009 but showed little over hurdles and did not manage to win a race unti Febreuary 2011 when he won a competitive chase at Puncehswton, On the back of that he was sent oevr to Newcastle where he was sent off facvurite for the Eider and won. He next finished tenth in the Scottish National. He won again at Punchestown the following year bt culd not win bac to ack Eiders but was then sent to Aintre. TO be fair he ran a good race and was still with thleaders when he tooka crashing fall three out which sadly ended his rider Davy COndons carerer. He changed hands and returned to intree for the echer Chase when he wias still in contenton when he came down two out. He became someting of an AIntree regular and filly got round when hefinished sixth in the 2016 Becher Chase and ra oerhaos his best race u defeat at long odds when he finished third in the 2017 Topham.. He ran in a third Becher Chae in 2017 finishin a never dangerou fifth. He also ran a coupe of times ove rhurdles at Ainree and finished third in a third attemot at te Eider in 29188. He last raced over rules a Hexha in March 2018 butlater ran in a few points winning onve in December 2018.
REBEL REBELLION
RIVER CHOICE (FR) (2003) ch g - River Mist (USA) - Noraca (FR) - Akarad (FR)) - Won 4 hurdles and 6 chases between 2006 & 2015. The Natopma was his only start in the UK and it was also his last race. Pro to that he plied his trade mostley at Enghein and Auteuil . He was definitely above average but not top class judging byhis sicth i nthe 2014 Hrand Steeechase de Paris.
ROYALE KNIGHT
RUBI LIGHT (FR) (2005) b g - Network (GER) - Genny Lights (FR) (Lights Out (FR)) - Won a chase in France before moving to Ireland he was a frailry useful chase winning the Red Mils Trial at Gowran in 2011 and finished third in the Ryanair in that years Festival. He won the Punchestown Chase that autumn and chasedhome furture Gold upwiner Sunchfonise in the lexus Chae Then he took a second Red Mills Trial and inished fifth in the Ruanair and fourth in the Punchestwn Gold Cup so he was more than just useful. He lost his way therafter but bounced ac to form with tw wins at Thurles and Wexfrd beforre he ined p in 2015. Unfancied he only got as far as the rhird fence. He last raced at Gowran in March 2016
SPRING HEELED (IRE) (2007) b g - Old Vic - Central Arch (Dilum (USA)) - Won 2 hurdles and 2 chases between 2011 & 2016. Highlight of an a=oterwrise fairly averag career was victory in 2024 Kim Muir which was far beyond anything he showed before or since as he had only won one small race at Kilbeggan before that. He finshed fourth in th 2014 Galway Plate. At Aintree finished foruteenth and showed little thereadter, He last raced Punchestown in June 2016
SUPER DUTY (2006) b g - Shantou (USA) - Sarah's Cottage (IRE) (Topanoora (IRE)) - Won NHF, 3 hurdles and 1 chase between 2011 & 2015. Unbeaten in his first three starts and only out of th first two once in his first eleven (that was wehn he fell). He was runner up in 2013 Kim Muir and was placed in the Mildmay Chase on his next start. Pulled up in th 2013 Hennessy and was genrally not so good thereafter. He was an oustider in the 2015 National and pulled up . He only raced two more times and he last raced at Sanown in December 2015. At nine his carerr eneddd
THE RAINBOW HUNTER
TRANQUIL SEA (2002) b g - Sea Raven (IRE) - Silver Valley (IRE) (Henbit USA)) - Won NHF
WYCK HILL (2004) b g - Pierre - Willow Rose (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) - Won 5 chases between 2009 & 2016. Failed over hurdles but won his first two chases in the autumn of 2011. He was a failry useful chaser wihnning the Silver Cup at Ascot in 2012 and the Eider Chase in 2014. He finished unplqved in the Becher Chase in 2013 and in the National pulled up i the latter stages of the National. aHeonly raced two moretimes afyer that and was last seen at hepstown in March 2016.
2016 - Rule The World
The winner
His delighted owner Michael O'Leary immediately declared that Rule the World would not be returning to Aintree to defend his crown due to his history of pelvic injuries. He hinted at retirement saying that the horse had done 'everything he can for Gigginstown'. It was therefore a surprise to see him line up in a novice chase at the Punchestown Festival where he ran respectively to finish sixth in a nine runner field. His expected retirement was announced shortly afterwards.
Leading Fancies
The runaway winner of this last year MANY CLOUDS was the top class chaser in the field, he jumped for fun and showed that he was in good heart for a repeat performance with an easy win at Kelso on his last start. This was the one they had to beat. THE LAST SAMURI had only once been out of the first three in nine completed starts over fences. He had beaten rival The Druids Nephew in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster on his last start and was one for the short-list. HOLYWELL was a very smart individual who usually came good in the spring. He won the Mildmay Novices Chase at this meeting (beating future Gold Cup winner Don Cossack in the process) in 2014 and finished third in the Bowl last year. A runner up at the Festival last time out and he had sound chances if he took to the fences. SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR didn't provide AP McCoy with a final victory in this last year but he didn't stay and eventually finished fifth, fading in the closing stages. He'd suffered an interrupted preparation this year but was worth another chance. SILVINIACO CONTI was one the most talented and indeed popular chasers in the UK with two wins in the King George VI Chase at Kempton and victory in the last two Betfair Bowls over the Mildmay course at this meeting. He had disappointed in the King George this year but a wind operation and first time blinkers saw him bounce back to form with victory in the Ascot Chase, his seventh Grade one success. There was no doubting his achievements but I was left wondering if this was the right race for him. GOONEYELLA was one with no doubts about his stamina as he had won a Midands Grand National and he had finished second in the Scottish National last season (also finished seventh in an Irish Grand National). He only got as far as the first on his AIntree debut in the 2014 Becher Chase but he did finish albeit a long last in the race this season. SAINT ARE had won the handicap chase over the MIldmay course on this day in 2012 and chased home Many Clouds in this last year without ever looking like he was going to catch him. He was an Aintree specialist with three other races over these fences and he had finished each time. A recent win at Doncaster set him up for another solid performance. THE DRUIDS NEPHEW was running away with this last year when he slithered to the ground at the twenty sixth fence. Aimed for this all season he ran well behind The Last Samuri at Doncaster last time out.
5:15 : CRABBIE'S GRAND NATIONAL, £561,300 to the winner, £211,100 to the second, £105,500 to the third, £52,700 to the fourth, £26,500 to the fifth, £13,200 to the sixth, £6,800 to the seventh, £3,600 to the eighth, £2,000 to the ninth & £1,000 to the tenth
1 01-0221 MANY CLOUDS 9, 11-10 (Oliver Sherwood) - Leighton Aspell
2 01-22p1 SILVINIACO CONTI 10, 11-6 (Paul Nicholls) - Noel Fehily
3 0-0432p FIRST LIEUTENANT 11, 11-4 (M F Morris - Ireland) - Brian Cooper
4 3033p-2 WONDERFUL CHARM 8, 11-3 (Paul NIcholls) - Sam Twiston-Davies
5 030pp0 BALLYNAGOUR 10, 11-2 (David Pipe) - Tom Scudamore
7 21-3400 GILGANBOA 8, 11-1 (Enda Bolger - Ireland) - Robbie Power
8 0u4020 ON HIS OWN 12, 11-1 (Willie Mullins - Ireland) - Mr Patrick Mullins
9 01f-002 THE DRUIDS NEPHEW 9, 11-0 (N.Mullholland) - Denis O'Regan
10 0p/p3-10 TRIOLO D'ALENE 9, 11-0 (Nicky Henderson) - Jeremiah McGrath
11 0p-2p40 ROCKY CREEK 10, 10-13 (Paul Nicholls) - Andew Thornton
12 1f4/100 SIR DES CHAMPS 10, 10-13 (Willie Mullins - Ireland) - Ms Nina Carberry*
13 43-04p2 HOLYWELL 9, 10-12 (Jonjo O'Neill) - Richie McLernon
14 01/10-3p SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR 9, 10-11 (Jonjo O'Neill) - Barry Geraghty
15 10-0413 SOLL 11, 10-11 (David Pipe) - Conor O'Farrell
16 40-3243 BUYWISE 9, 10-11 (Evan Williams) - Paul Moloney
17 40-00p1 BOSTON BOB 11, 10-10 (Willlie Mullins - Ireland) - Paul Townend
18 411200 AACHEN 12, 10-10 (Venetia Williams) - Henry Brooke
19 22/3-224 MORNING ASSEMBLY 9, 10-9 (P.Fahy - Ireland) - Davy Russell
20 0-24000 DOUBLE ROSS 10, 10-9 (Nigel Twiston-Davies) - Ryan Hatch
21 12-3042 GOONEYELLA 9, 10-8 (Jim Dreaper - Ireland) - J J Burke
22 0/1p-023 UCELLO CONTI 8, 10-8 (Gordon Elliott - Ireland) - Daryl Jacob
23 0-00312 UNIONISTE 8, 10-8 (Paul Nicholls) - Nick Scholfield
24 p02010 LE REVE 8, 10-8 (Lucy Wadham) - Harry Skelton
25 43-1u00 GALLANT OSCAR 10, 10-8 (A J Martin - Ireland) - Mark Walsh
26 11-1220 ONENIGHTINVIENNA 7, 10-8 (Philp Hobbs) - Tom O'Brien
27 u12-311 THE LAST SAMURI 8, 10-8 (Kim Bailey) - David Bass
28 30/02-10 KRUZHLININ 9, 10-7 (Philip Hobbs) - Richard Johnson
29 s32204 RULE THE WORLD 9, 10-7 (M F Morris - Ireland) - David Mullins
30 031-002 JUST A PAR 9, 10-6 (Paul Nicholls) - Sean Bowen
31 430/p-p0 KATENKO 10, 10-6 (Venetia Williams) - Will Kennedy
32 f2-00p0 VICS CANVAS 13, 10-6 (D A McLoughlin - Ireland) - Robert Dunne
33 100-0u0 BLACK THUNDER 9, 10-6 (Paul Nicholls) - Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
34 pb-4030 BALLYCASEY 9, 10-6 (Willie Mullins - Ireland) - Ms Katie Walsh
35 101/0p-0 HADRIAN'S APPROACH 9, 10-6 (Nicky Henderdon) - Nico de Boinville
36 111u20 VIEUX LION ROUGE 7, 10-5 (David Pipe) - James Reveley
37 30/40-10 PENDRA 8, 10-5 (C.Longsdon) - Aiden Coleman
38 312-001 SAINT ARE 10, 10-5 (Tom George) - Paddy Brennan
39 f0p0-00 HOME FARM 9, 10-4 (H de Bromhead - Ireland) - Andrew Lynch
40 1-00f30 THE ROMFORD PELE 9, 10-4 (Rebecca Curtis) - Trevor Whelen
Non Runner : 6 O'FAOLAINS BOY - Brian Hughes
* Ruby Walsh was due to ride Sir des Champs but was ruled out having fractured his wrist in the Topham Chase
S.P : 8-1 Many Clouds & The Last Samuri, 11-1 Holywell, 12-1 Goonyella, Shutthefrontdoor & Silviniaco Conti, 16-1 Gallant Oscar, Morning Assembly, Saint Are & The Druids Nephew, 20-1 Sir des Champs, 25-1 Boston Bob & Ucello Conti, 28-1 Gilgamboa & Unioniste, 33-1 Buywise, Kruzhlinin, Onenightinvienna, On His Own, RULE THE WORLD & The Romford Pele, 40-1 Just A Par, Katenko, Soll & Wonderful Charm, 50-1 Aachen, Ballycasey, Ballynagour, Black Thunder, First Lieutenant, Hadrians Approach, Home Farm, Le Reve, Pendra & Triolo D'Alene, 66-1 Rocky Creek & Vieux Lion Rouge, 80-1 Double Ross, 100-1 Vics Canvas
Aintree debutants
Aachen, Ballynagour, Black Thunder*, Boston Bob*, Buywise, Gallant Oscar*, Gilgamboa*, Hadrians Approach*, Holywell*, Home Farm*, Katenko*, Le Reve*, Morning Assembly*, Onenightinvienna*, Pendra, Rule the World*, Silviniaco Conti*, Sir des Champs*, The Last Samuri, The Romford Pele*, Ucello Conti, Vieux Lion Rouge, Wonderful Charm
Winners at Aintree
MANY CLOUDS - Grand National (2015)
TROLO D'ALENE - Topham Chase (2013)
Result
1st RULE THE WORLD - David Mullins
2nd THE LAST SAMURI - David Bass
3rd VICS CANVAS - Robert Dunne
4th GILGAMBOA - Robbie Power
Distances : six lengths, eight lengths & two lengths
Time : 9 mins 29 seconds
Owned by Giggingstown Stud
Trained by Michael "Mouse" Morris in Ireland
16 finshers
23 non-finishers (4 fell, 6 unseated rider, 12 pulled up, 1 hampered & unseated rider)
The Class of 2016
AACHEN
BALLYCASEY
BLACK THUNDER (FR) (2007) bl g - Malinas (GER) - Blackmika (FR) (Subotica (FR)) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles and 3 chases between 2011 & 2017Won his first htree chases inclidoh a efeat of Many Clouds at Haydock and wn a Grade 2 chase at Lingfield Je fell in the RSA Chase, He was clearly useful and wn a small race at Sandown in his second season at odds on but was no match for Many CLouds in the COtswold Chase not th Druids Nephew in the Ultima at the Festival. . He unseated in the Welsh National and appeared to beom th declin. He was not fanced for te 2017 National and was ulled up at the fence bfeof Bechers second itme. He only raced a handful more imes althiygh did ouck yp a hunter chase at Kelso in January 2017 He was pulled up in the CHeltenham Foxhuntrers and was last seen falling at Valentines in the 017 Foxhunters.
BOSTON BOB (IRE) (2005) b g - Bob Back (USA) - Bavaway (Le Bavard (FR)) - Won NHF, 4 hurdles and 5 chases between 2011 & 2016. Very classy individual. Won his firt three starts over hurdles and started favourite for the Albert Batless the Festival but was eareb vy the brilliangt but ill-fated Brindisi Breeze. He won his furs ttw chases and was ancied fr tge RSA Chase but he fell when leading at the last fence. He also fell on his next start atthe Punchestwon Fextival. He won a hrdle on his next start before a coupdl of belwo par efforts(incouding finishing only sixth in the Ryanaif Chase - three Festivals three failures) but he counced back to form with victoris in the Meln Chase and trhe Punchestow Gold Cup where he has the likes of Long Run and On hIs Own behind him Whisgt still campaine in the highest class he could not get his head in from the folliwin gseason and was down the field n Conehygrees Gold Cup. He did win again when taking the Bobbyko Chase at FAiryhouse in February 2016 but was supriringy easy to back on his next srat rthe Nationa. He pulled up lame before Bechers second time andhe did not see a racecourse again
FIRST LIEUTENANT
GALLANT OSCAR
GILGAMBOA (IRE) (2008) b g - Westerner - Hi Natuve (IRE) (Be My Native (USA)) - Won 3 hurdles and 6 chases between 2013 & 2018. Won three of his five novice hurdles in 2013-14 but was amongst the tail enders behind Vautour n the SUpreme at e Festival. He won three of his five nvice chases the following season culminating with victory in the Grade One Ryanair HGOld Cup at Fairyhouse. He was runnig in tp cpmany in 2015-16 but was generally found wanting and was again no macj for Vautu n the Tyanair cHase. Then dame Ainyree and he ran a blinderfinsihing fourth . Two races later he wa brought down in the Hilly Way Vhase at Cork and was off the course for a year. When he returned it was inthe amateur game and hr ewon two hunter chases at Down Royal and onl his last start at Punchestown in February 2018
GOONYELLA
HADRIAN’S APPROACH (IRE) (2007) b g - High Chaparral (IRE) - Gifted Approach (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) - Won 2 hurdles and 3 chases between 2011 & 2017. WOn his Irish point, his firs hurdle and his first chase (the ater two bth at Ascot) and was a useful novice chaser finishing third in the RSA Chase in 0143. HHe unsearted early in hithe Hennessy in his second season over fences but won aa small race at ewbury and ended on ahigh when he led close home to lift the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown. He din't repeat that form the following season whichincuded his attemot at the National which was brief (he unseated atth every first fence) and he cold only finsih sixth in a second Bet 3565 Gold Cup. Lightly racd the following seasonhe was asdly klledin a fall in the Km Mir a the Festival
HOLYWELL (IRE) (2007) b g Gold Well - Hillcrest (IRE) (Thatching) - Won 2 hurdles & 5 chases between 2012 & 2017. Dual winner at the Cheltenham Festival winning the Pertemps Final in 2013 and the Handicap Chase (the old National Hunt Handicap) in 2014 which was pretty impressive as he was still a novice and this was only his sixth start over fences. After that he beat future Gold Cup winner Don Cossack in the Mildmay Chase at Aintree. Lightly raced the following year he finished a very credible fourth behind Coneygree in 2015. Thereafter he finished second in the Handicap Chase at the 2016 Festival but his attempt at the National ended early when he fell at the second fence. He was last seen in a handicap hurdle at Aintree in April 2017.
HOME FARM (2007) b g Presenting - Tynelucy (Good Thyne (USA)) - Won hurdle & 2 chases between 2011 & 2019. Average Irish chaser who was out of his depth in the 2015 Gold Cup. He struggled and was pulled up. It had been a similar story when he lined up in the 2014 Irish Grand National and in the 2016 Grand National. He later won an Irish point in 2017 and was last seen running over the Punchestown Banks course in February 2019.
KATENKO (FR) (2006) b g Laveron - Katania (FR) (Villez (USA)) - Won 2 hurdles & 5 chases between 2010 & 2018. Useful when trained in France by Jean Berand de Balanda winning five times including at Group 3 level. Moved to Venetia Williams in November 2012, was quite useful, won a couple of races but was totally outclassed in the 2014 Gold Cup finishing last of the eleven finishers. He was lightly raced thereafter and fell at second Bechers when in rear in the 2016 Grand National. He last raced at Uttoxeter in April 2018.
KRUZHLININ
LE REVE
MANY CLOUDS (IRE) (2007) br g Cloudings (IRE) - Bobbing Back (IRE) (Bob Back (USA) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles & 9 chases between 2012 & 2017. Probably the most popular National winner since Red Rum and whilst fans of Tiger Roll may disagree with me probably the best. He won his bumper in February 2012 before finishing unplaced in the Festival Bumper on his next start. He was an average hurdler. He was a better than average novice chaser but he was brought down in the RSA Chase and was no match for Holywell in the Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree. He developed into a very very good chaser in 2014-15. He won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, beat Smad Place in the Cotswold Chase and started joint second favourite for the Gold Cup where he flopped, finishing a well beaten sixth behind Coneygree. How he was allowed to start at 25-1 for his next race, the Grand National is a complete mystery to me. Maybe punters were put off by the lacklusre display at Cheltenham, maybe some felt the National came too close to Cheltenham. Whatever - at Aintree he was sublime. Yes he was left in the lead after The Druids Nephew slithered to the ground at the twenty sixth fence but thereafter the result was not really in doubt and he won by a comfortable one and three quarter lengths over Aintree perennial Saint Are. Worryingly he "wobbled" after passing the finishing line and for the second time a Trevor Hemmings National winning jockey walked into the winners enclosure without his horse. As a precaution he was led into the cooling off area and doused with water. He eventually went into the winners enclosure and the following day was bucking and kicking none the worse for the experience as he appeared to the worlds media. The following season yielded just the one win at Kelso and in the National all was looking set for a second victory (he seemed the most likely since Hedgehunter to be able to complete a double). He was up with the leaders as the field ran down to Bechers second time but after an uncharateristic mistake at the twenty sixth his effort petered out and he literally walked across the line last of the sixteen finishers. There is no doubt that he would have stood a great chance in the National in 2017 and to be honest he would not have looked out of place in the Gold Cup either based upon his final two runs. He won at Aintree over the Mildmay course and in the Cotswold Chase where he held off the new kid on the block, Thistlecrack in the bravest of manner by a head. He gave his all, collapsed moments after crossing the line and his death was widely mourned. I am not sentimenal, I have been following this great sport for too many years but even I sobbed in my wifes arms that night.
MORNING ASSEMBLY (IRE) (2007) b g - Shantou (USA) - Barrack Village (IRE) (Montelimar (USA)) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles and 2 chases between 2012 & 2016. This one has a very brief career runing only fifteen times under rules. He won his bumper and a grade one novicd hurdele a rge Puncdhstown Gestival in 3024 He wpm os forsy ywp chases including beating furter Gold vip winner Don Cossak at unchestown in Noveber 3024. He finshed thrid in the 2015 RSA and was amongst the leading Irish novie chasers that season. He missed th e 2014-15 season and the following y one was his last under rules. He only went down a by a head on his come back race at Fairyhouse and then filled the same posiion at Gowran before finsinh fourh in he Ultma Handicap Chase/He ran well a Aintree wand was with the leaders four out before fading to finsih eighth. That was it but he did resurface two years later in pointswinning one at Kirkistown
ONENIGHTINVIENNA (IRE) (2009) b g - Oscar (IRE) - Be y Granny (Needle Gun) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles and 2 chases between 2013 & 2016. Won an Irish point. Having won his last two starts over hurdles he gained a hat-ri when winning his first chase at Exeter in November 2015. He was still a novice when he lined uo at aAintree in what was bky his fifth chase and he ogot as far as second Bechers where he was hhapered and unseated. The following season he wi a chase at Cheltenhamspoen meeting but sadly suffered fatal injuries in the flat i nhis nextstart, the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow
ON HIS OWN (IRE) (2004) b g Presenting - Na Mhuire (IRE) (Roselier (FR)) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles & 6 chases between 2010 & 2017. Won his Irish maiden point and bumper in 2009 before beng moved to the UK where his first start for new connections was the Festival Bumper in which he was amongst the backmarkers behind Cue Card. He went chasing the following season, won twice but fell in the National Hunt Chase. When trainer Howard Johnson was warned off he was moved to Willie Mullins. He was fancied for the 2012 Grand National but fell at Bechers second time when in contention and the following year he fell at Valentines second time when behind. That summer he contested the Grand Course de Haies D'Auteuil finishing seventh. In 2014 he was in good form having won the Thyestes Chase and Bobbyjo Chase and 16-1 represented good each way value in the 2014 Gold Cup. In a blanket finish he was carried wide by the eventual winner Lord Windermere in the last hundred yards and ultimately he only went down by a short head. The resulting stewards enquiry lasted fiteen minutes but concluded that there had been interference but that it had not affected the result. He finished fifth in the race a year later and at long odds and finished last in Don Cossacks race in 2016. In the summer of 2015 he returned to Auteuil trying the Grand Steeplechase de Paris this time in which he finished seventh. He failed to finish in his third National in 2016. It was the Chair that caught him out - at least he fell at a famous fence each time. In 2015 he tried Cheltenhams cross country course and Punchestowns banks. He won a point in January 2017 and was last seen finishing runner up in a hunter chae at Thurles that month. He enjoyed a very interestng career and he so nearly won a Gold Cup
ROCKY CREEK
RULE THE WORLD
SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR (IRE) (2007) bb g - Accordian (IRE) - Hurricane Girl (IRE) (Strong Gale (IRE)) - Won 3NHF, 3 hurdles & 3 chases between 2011 & 2017. Unbeaten in his bumpers he was surprisingly beaten when at long odds on for his debut at the lost Folkestone in November 2012 before winning thre hurdles on the bonve an beinh fanciedfor the Pertemps Final at the Festoval where he ran very cerdibly to finish fourth to Holywell in a big feidl. He then went chasing won his debt iver the MIldmay course abd desoite bir addubf ri rar rakkt finisined sixth in the National HUnt Chase. Novices have a good record i nthe Irish Grand National which was next on the agenda nd he started favourite and won uder pressure by three quarters of a length The following season it was all abt th Natipoal and after impressing in a graduation chase at Carlisle in Noveber he ws ut away. In Februrry AP MCCoy acnnounced his returnent from the saddle atthe end of the season and there wasmuch speculation as to who would be his final National ride. This one seemed obvious and as a result of the Champs decioin he waswa warm fevoutire. It was believed that McCoy would immeidately rtre if he won the National and he came close. He ws prominent throughout but never got close to Many clourds. To be hnest the rest of his careerwas soething of an anti climax. He still had a lot of racing in him but he only ransix motre time. He finishe ningh in 2016 and was ast seen finishing unplaced inthe 2017 Irish National.
SILVNIACO CONTI (FR) (2006) ch g Dom Alco (FR) - Gazelle Lulu (FR) (Altayan (IRE)) - Won 5 hurdles & 11 chases between 2010 & 2017. Won both starts in France for Guillaume Macaire and then came to Paul Nicholls and continued his winning ways in his first three starts in a novice hurdles and so impressive was he when winning the Persian War at Chepstow that there was talk of a Champion Hurdle attempt. However a disappointing run in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton put pay to that ambition and he was put away for the season. There was talk of upping in distance over timber but in the end he went chasing but only managed two wins in that first season although he did win the Mildmay Chase at Aintree. Then he started to get very good. In the run up to his first attempt at the Gold Cup he won the Charlie Hall, beat Long Run in the Betfair and took the Denman Chase. He appeared to be travelling very well in the 2013 Gold Cup when he fell for the first and (as it turned out) only time in his career. The next season he beat Cue Card in the King George but could only finish fourth in the blanket finish that was he 2014 Gold Cup when he first went left and then wandered right under pressure losing the lead in the final 110 yards - disappointing as if he was going to win a Gold Cup this had to be his year. He won the Aintree Bowl on his next start. In 2014-15 he won his second Betfair Chase and a second King George but once again Cheltenham was not a happy hunting ground. He was travelling well on the second circuit but was being ridden four out and he could only finish seventh. The Gold Cup was not his race and he was not asked again. He won a second Aintree Bowl though so it was very surprising to see him the following year in a season that had seen him pull up when he was going for a third King George to go for the National instead of the Bowl. He ran well for the first ten fences but started to drop back and he was not given a hard time pulling up before the fourteenth fence when it was very clear all chance had gone. It was not a total dead loss season as showing just what a versatile animal he was he won the Ascot Chase by twenty lengths. That turned out to be his last victory and he was retired after finishing unplaced in the AIntree Bowl in 2017. Sadly the following year he died in a team chasing event. I always thought he was overrated and he did not capture the public imagination like his King George predecessors Kauto Star or Long Run or his contemporary Cue Card. However when you look at his record in the cold light of day it was very impressive indeed.
SIR DES CHAMPS (FR) (2006) b g Robin des Champs (FR) - Liste En Tete (FR) (Video Rock (FR)) - Won 3 hurdles & 8 chases between 2010 & 2017. Won his sole hurdle at Auteuil when trained by Emmanuel Clayeux in France. Moved to Willie Mullins and was unbeaten over his first two seasons including two Festival wins. Won the Martin Pipe in 2011 and the Jewson Novices the following year. After a coupe of defeats he won the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Gold Cup beating Long Run. In between he finished runner up to Bobs Worth in the Gold Cup. The following season was curtailed with a serious tendon injury and he was off for nearly two years. Perhaps not surprisngly when he returned he was not as good although he did win his reappearance, a listed event at Thurles. He tried his luck at Aintree but he fell at the Chair and his next start where he pulled up in the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown was his last under rules. He ran in Irish points over the next two years but sady broke down badly in May 2018.
SOLL
THE DRUIDS NEPHEW
THE ROMFORD PELE (IRE) (2007) b g - Accordian (IRE) - Back and Fore (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)) - Won NHF, 3 hurdles and 5 chases between 2011 & 2018. Wo hthee chases 0n the bounce in 2014 but was hen off for a year and never quite recaptured tht initial promise. Prior to his one attempt at the National he fiished third behind Thistlecrak in the Cleeve HUrdle at ods of 50-1. At Aintree he came down at the first Canal. He did not return but still won the odd chase including iver the mildmay course in October 2017. Sadly in the SUmmer National at Uttoxeter in July 2018 he collapsed and dies
TRIOLO D'ALENE (FR) (2007) ch g Epalo (GER) - Joliette D'alene (FR) (Garde Royale (IRE)) - Won 7 chases between 2011 & 2017. Won a small chase in France and won on debut for Nicky Henderson at Ascot in January 2012 before finishing unplaced at the Festival in the Handicap Novice Chase. The following year he showed an improvement in form to take the Topham Trophy holding on from Walkon. Further success that autumn in the Hennessy Gold Cup had him touted as a potential National horse but it was the Gold Cup of 2014 that he lined up in on his next start and he finished tenth although he was bumped two out. He lined up next in the National but didn't really get into that race either and was pulled up before second Bechers. Very lightly raced thereafter he did win a small race at Kempton in 2016 but it was a generally disappointing season pulling up in the Hennessy and he almost walked across the line in fourteenth place in the 2016 National. He pulled up lame at Kempton in Februay 2017 and time was called on his career.
UNIONISTE (FR) (2008) gr g - Dom ALco (FR) - Gleep Will (FR) (Laniste) - Won a hurdle and 10 chases between 2011 & 2019. Won pover hurdles at Oau and his debut chase at UAtruil In May 3023 before leaving Guillaume Macaure for Paul Nchills. He won on his British debut ver the Milday course ad added to more wins at Cheltenham and Newbury stating favourit for the 2013 RSA Chase where he finishe fourth. The following seaosn he fiished thrid int he charlie Hall Chse at Wetherby won a listed even over the MIldmay course at the Becher meeting andfinhisned doen the feld in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown. He ran over the MIldmay course in 2014 finishing unplaced in the handc before for the Ntioal. In 2014-15 he diappointed in the Hennesy ut won at Sandown in the new year andfihisned a credibel hrid beghind future Gold Cup winner Cineyfgree in the Denman Chae He seemed an ideal Nationalsort but got no further than the fifth fence. Th following hear he completed the course in the Becher Chase andfinsihed teth in the National. He was amongst the backmarkers both times though. He was sold to David Maxxweel to run in hunter chases and he won at three tis in 2018 including a bizarre race at WIncanton when he was left to finish alone after all his rivals pulled up in testing cinitions. He was unplaced as well in tb oithe the Cheham and Aintree Foxhunters Chase. He lasstr run under rules waa at Fakenham in May 2019 he ewas sold again and eded his days in point to points in 2021 & 2021.
VICS CANVAS (IRE) (2003) b g - Old Vic - Oilpainting (IRE) (Welsh Term (IRE)) - WOn NHF, 3 hurdles and a chase between 2010 & 2016. STarted life inIrish points (he won one) he didn't run under rules until he was seven winning his bumper He . He didn't see a fence until he was eleven but on only his fourth start ober the bigger obstacles he gained his sole success over fences -it was a big oe though, he won the Cork Grand National. After thant he finished thir din hthe paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown but got no further than the first fence in the Irish Grand National. Showing no ill effects he nextraced in the Bet 365 Gild Cuo at Snaodnwhe finished a very credible second behidn Just A pAr. Not bad for a twelve year old having his first full season over fances. The followin gyearhe finished fifth in a blanket finish for the Bechr Chase ad lined up at odds of 100-1 in the Grand National. He was thirteen bt srviing a monumental blunder at first Bechers (Robbie Dunne performaing perhaps the last great recovery in the race) he went on to finish thhird and to be fair he hekd every chance at he last fence. A kater developer, he was now thirteen and he was not asked out again.
2017 - One for Arthur
The winner
One For Arthur was ruled out the following season with a tendon injury, but the intention to return to the Grand National was always on the cards. He returned to the track on Becher Chase day in 2018 but unseated his rider early in a chase over the Mildmay course. He also unseated on his second start. He was denied a third run due to drying ground so was forced to contest the 2019 National without a single completed race to his name that season. All things considered he ran a superb race, like in 2017 he hunted around the first circuit and was making progress in the later stages of the race finishing an honourable sixth. A fifth place in the Becher Chase at the end of 2019 followed and all eyes were on a third attempt at the National but then the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything and the National was cancelled. Connections decided he had done enough and his retrement was announced in October 2020. He died from colic in March 2023.
Leading Fancies
Aintree debutant BLAKLION was all the rage this year. A second season chaser and winner of the RSA Chase at the Festival last year. He had not added to that victory but was running consistently and last time out was only narrowly beaten by Vieux Lion Rouge at Haydock. Another debutant DEFINITLY RED was in good form this season wining the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby and had the The Last Samuri behind him at Doncaster last time out. Only blip was an unfortunate unseat at Haydock when hampered. PLEASANT COMPANY had been disappointing on his UK debut when he pulled up in the National Hunt Chase at last years Festival but he followed that with a victory at the Punchestown Festival and this season had Thunder and Roses and Lord Windermere behind him in the Bobbbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. This was the leading irish challenger. VIEUX LION ROUGE didn't look like he stayed when he finshed a well beaten seventh in this last year. However he clearly liked the course as he had caught Highland Lodge on the line in the Becher Chase. He had followed that with another last minute victory this time over Blaklion in the Haydock Grand National Trial. If he could last home he would be one of the ones to beat. ONE FOR ARTHUR was a useful chaser trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell. A winner of the Classic Chase from a big field at Warwick on his last start and had only finished three lengths behind Vieux LIon Rouge in fifth place in the Becher Chase. He certainly had a shout at this but Scotland had only ever won the National once. CAUSE OF CAUSES was a three times winner at the Cheltenham Festival having won the cross country chase this year. Got behind early in this in 2015 but stayed on to finish 8th. THE LAST SAMURI had run a blinder in this last year finishing six lengths runner up behind the now retired Rule The World. Subsequently he had finished third in a blanket finish in the Becher Chase just behind Vieux Lion Rouge and Highland Lodge. Beaten by Definitly Red at Doncaster on his last start he had an excellent each way chance. MORE OF THAT was a former top class long distance hurdler who won the 2014 Stayers Hurdle beating none other than Annie Power. Then he was off for a year. Won his first two starts over fences in November 2015 and looked to have a stellar future over fences but a number of setbacks had reduced him to just six more starts over the larger obstacles and he had struggled this season. This would be a tall order despite his obvious class. DROP OUT JOE had rivals Ballynagour and Gas LIne Boy behind him when winning the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter in June. Suffered a potentially career ending injury afterwards so it was quite a training perfromance to get him ready for this but question marks remained. HIGHLAND LODGE was the winner of the Becher Chase in 2015 but missed the cut in this last year. Almost made it a historic double in the Becher but was touched off by Vieux Lion Rouge in the closing stages. The consensus was that he wouldn't stay the full National distance but it was great to see him in the race at last. This was a very good renewal.
5:15 : RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONAL, £429,600 to the winner, £176,800 to the second, £88,400 to the third, £44,200 on the fourth, £22,100 to the fifth, £11,000 to the sixth, £5,600 to the seventh, £2,700 to the eighth, £1,400 to the ninth & £700 to the tenth
1 112-032 THE LAST SAMURI 9, 11-10 (Kim Bailey) - David Bass
2 3-p30f0 MORE OF THAT 9, 11-6 (Jonjo O'Neill) - Barry Geraghty
3 020142 SHANTOU FLYER 7, 11-5 (Rebecca Curtis) - Jonathan Moore
4 01-02p1 PERFECT CANDIDATE 10, 11-5 (F O'Brien) - Paddy Brennan
5 0-3f210 SAPHIR DU RHEU 8, 11-5 (Paul Nicholls) - Sam Twiston-Davies
6 320041 ROI DES FRANCS 8, 11-3 (Gordon Elliott - Ireland) - Jack Kennedy
7 20-400p WOUNDED WARRIOR 8, 11-2 (N.Meade - Ireland) - Sean Flanagan
8 2p0-112 WONDERFUL CHARM 9, 11-2 (Paul Nicholls) - Ms Katie Walsh
9 0-34312 TENOR NIVERNAIS 10, 11-1 (Venetia Williams) - Aiden Coleman*
10 13-4032 BLAKLION 8, 11-1 (Nigel Twiston-Davies) - Noel Fehily
11 11000-1 DROP OUT JOE 9, 11-1 (C.Longsdon) - Tom O'Brien
12 1-32023 LE MERCUREY 7, 11-0 (Paul Nicholls) - Sean Bowen
13 031-f00 THE YOUNG MASTER 8, 10-13 (N.Mulholland) - Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
14 p-0p001 CAUSE OF CAUSES 9, 10-13 (Gordon Elliott - Ireland) - Mr J J Codd
15 p-2pp1p REGAL ENCORE 9, 10-13 (A.Honeyball) - Robbie Power
16 u200-11 VIEUX LION ROUGE 8, 10-2 (David Pipe) - Tom Scudamore
17 1-131u1 DEFINITLY RED 8, 10-12 (B.Ellison) - Danny Cook
18 0-04024 UCELLO CONTI 9, 10-12 (Gordon Elliott - Ireland) - Daryl Jacob
19 0-2p012 DOUBLE SHUFFLE 7, 10-12 (T.George) - Adrian Heskin
20 1p-3404 HOUBLON DES OBEAUX 10, 10-12 (Venetia Williams) - Charlie Deutsch
21 13p-141 PLEASANT COMPANY 9, 10-12 (Willie Mullins - Ireland) - Ruby Walsh
22 243-101 ONE FOR ARTHUR 8, 10-11 (Lucinda Russell) - Derek Fox
23 022ppp BALLYNAGOUR 11, 10-11 (David Pipe) - David Noonan
24 1p00-pp O'FAOLAINS BOY 10, 10-11 (Rebecca Curtis) - Paul Townend
25 4/021p-2 HIGHLAND LODGE 11, 10-11 (J.Moffatt) - Henry Brooke
26 1uf-403 BISHOPS ROAD 9, 10-10 (Kerry Lee) - Jamie Moore
27 3pp/200 LORD WINDERMERE 11, 10-10 (J.Culloty - Ireland) - Leighton Aspell
28 p0-03f2 SAINT ARE 11, 10-10 (T.George) - Davy Russell
29 01-f000 VICENTE 8, 10-10 (Paul Nicholls) - Brian Hughes
30 202-4p1 JUST A PAR 10, 10-9 (Paul Nicholls) - Harry Cobden
31 13f0-p0 MEASUREOFMYDREAMS 9, 10-9 (N.Meade - Ireland) - Donagh Meyler
32 u21022 RAZ DE MAREE 12, 10-9 (G.Cromwell - Ireland) - Ger Fox
33 103242 STELLAR NOTION 9, 10-9 (H de Bromhead - Ireland) - David Mullins
34 000000 ROGUE ANGEL 9, 10-8 (M F Morris - Ireland) - Brian Cooper
35 0f-p4fp COCKTAILS AT DAWN 9, 10-8 (Nicky Henderson) - Nico de Boinville
36 200220 THUNDER AND ROSES 9, 10-7 (M F Morris - Ireland) - Mark Enright
37 243144 GAS LINE BOY 11, 10-7 (Ian Williams) - Robbie Dunne
38 p-0021p GOODTOKNOW 9, 10-7 (Kerry Lee) - Jake Greenall
39 0-2010p LA VATICANE 8, 10-6 (David Pipe) - Richie McLernon
40 u-p02p0 DOCTOR HARPER 9, 10-6 (David Pipe) - Conor O'Farrell
* Liam Treadwell was due to ride Tenor Nivernais but missed the ride through injury
S.P : 8-1 Blaklion, 10-1 Definitly Red, 11-1 Pleasant Company, 12-1 Vieux Lion Rouge, 14-1 ONE FOR ARTHUR, 16-1 Cause of Causes, More of That, Saphir du Rheu, The Last Samuri & Vicente, 20-1 Rogue Angel, The Young Master & Ucello Conti, 25-1 Highland Lodge, Saint Are & Thunder and Roses, 28-1 Wonderful Charm, 33-1 Cocktails at Dawn, Double Shuffle, Drop Out Joe, Just A Par, Lord Windermere, Perfect Candidate, Raz de Maree, Regal Encore & Wounded Warrior, 40-1 Measureofmydreams & Tenor Nivernais, 50-1 Doctor Harper, Gas Line Boy, Houblon des Obeaux, Le Mercurey, O'Faolains Boy, Roi des Francs, Shantou Flyer & Stellar Notion, 66-1 Ballynagour, Bishops Road & Goodtoknow, 80-1 La Vaticane
Aintree debutants
Blaklion, Definitly Red, Doctor Harper*, Double Shuffle, Drop Out Joe*, Houblon des Obeaux, Le Mercurey*, Measureofmydreams*, More of That*, O'Faolains Boy*, Pleasant Company, Regal Encore, Roi des Francs*, Saphir du Rheu*, Shantou Flyer, Stellar Notion*, Tenor Nivernais, Vicente*, Wounded Warrior*
Winners at Aintree
HIGHLAND LODGE - Becher Chase (2015)
VIEUX LION ROUGE - Becher Chase (2016)
Result
1st ONE FOR ARTHUR - Derek Fox
2nd CAUSE OF CAUSES - Mr Jamie Codd
3rd SAINT ARE - Davy Russell
4th BLAKLION - Noel Fehily
Distances : four and a half lengths, three and three quarter lengths & half a length
Time : 9 mins 29.9 seconds
Owned by The Two Golf Widows
Trained by Lucinda Russell
19 finshers
21 non-finishers (4 fell, 3 unseated rider, 1 hampered & unseated rider, 13 pulled up)
The Class of 2017
BALLYNAGOUR (IRE) (2006) b g - Shantou (USA) - Simply Deep (IRE) (Aimply Great (FR)) - Won 2 hurdles & 3 chases between 2011. Wom an Irish Point in 2010 and was sold to France. There he won a chase at Auteuil and ahurdle at Engjhein. He came to the UK in 2013 and won his debut for new connections a Warwick. On the back of this he started favourite for the Festival Plate at Cheltenham but could onlu finisg eighth in a big field. Gew as clwarly well thought of as his next start was the Melling Chase where he finished third and then he Punchestown Champion Chase where he chaed home Quen Mother winner Sizing Europe. The following season he pulled up i the Nennsey and did see a racecourse again until he rturnred to Aintree where he ran Silviniaco Conti to a head in the Bowl. FAter fallig in yhe Puhstown Gold Cp he was sent to Franc eiwth an ambitious attempt on the Grand Cours de Hai D'Auteuil/ That did nt work as he could only finish fifth but he was sccessful in the Group Prix La Barka the month before. In 2015-16 he was again hughly tried but was shwoing signs of downturn - he was a distant last in the Betfair Chade, pulle dup relatively early n te King George and was unpalved in another Ftiva olate. He was therefore uncnsidered when he lined up at Aintree for the Ntinal but he was stil i touch ewehn he bludered at the nineteeth. m Scudammre hunf on for dear life bt gavty took over before the next fence. He returned ti Feace and fnsihed unplaved in the Prix Barka . He rani a seocnd National in 2017 and did finish the course in elebenthoace, Ge last raced in hunter chases and points he last unde rrules at Bangor in February 2020
BISHOPS ROAD (IRE) (2008) b g - Heron Island (IRE) - Nice Resemblance (IRE) (SHernazar - Won NHF, hurdle and 4 chases between 2013 & 2021. He ppulled up in his debut point bt won his seond and his bumperand hsi only hurdle in a big f ield at Gowran in October 2013. I'd like tsay he won his first chase a year later but he was unoaved but did win on his third attemot at KLeopardstown, In 2015 after proviing he was little more than an average chaserhe mved to the UK and won his first two starts for new connections at Snadown and Haydock,the latter being very impressive as t was teh Grade HGrand National Tial . he missed the cut for the National so ran in the Tohsm instead, started fabourite a nd unseated at the very first fence. He fell rrg durwr ub gua bwzr exw rii, the Bet365 Godl Cyo at Sabdiwb, Ge qas ybokaced in the Welsh National da was not fancied when he lined up in the 2017 National and was one of several who were pklledup in the closing stages prevenring the 1984 record for the most finishers being broken. He later ran in hunter chases and oihts wnnunf ar g+Cheltenham in May 2019. He completed the corse n the 2021 Goxhunters Chase. He last ran at STratford in Mau 2021
CAUSE OF CAUSES
COCKTAILS AT DAWN (2008) b g - Fair Mix (IRE) - FOnd Farewell (IRE) (Phardante (FR)) - Won hurdle & 2 chases between 2012 & 2018. Highlight came when he won a novice chase at Snadowns FDinae meeting in 2915. He enhooyed no licj at AIntree falling atearly in the Topham and in the National he cam down at the first giving rider Nico De Boinville he second consecutive frst fence departue. He left Nicky Henderson ilater thay tear and went o ordon Ellitot. He achieed very little and was last seen out at Galway in August 2018.He died later that year.
DOCTOR HARPER (IRE) b g - Presenting - Supreme Dreamer (IRE) (Supreme Leader) - Won 2 NHF, 4 hurdles & a chase between2012 & 2017. Won his firsttw bumpers before finishing unplaed inhe Fstoval umper and won four hurdles in his sole hurdl campaign including a handicap at he Nayional meeting. Over fences he finished second in a htr horse rac at Plumpton behind L'Ami Serge, won his sole chase at :eocester and unseated rwo out when beaten when favourite for the Kim Muir. He finishes seven in the same race a ear later before his National attept where he pulled up havng been behidn throughot. Not a happey experience and he did not see a raccourse again
DROP OUT JOE (2008) ch g - Generous (USA) - La Feuillare (FR) (Nikas) - Won 2 hurdles & 4 chases between 2013 & 2017. Won his first two hurdles and his first chase but his victory in the Badge Ales Trophy in 2015 would have been a suprise. andthe Summer National at Uttoxeter in June 2016. The National was his next race and it dd seem very ambitious/ Pulled up in the closing stages and was not seen out again.
GOODTOKNOW (2008) b g - Presenting - Atlantic Jane (Tamure (IRE)) - Won hurdle and 4 chases between 2012 & 2021. Fairly average chaser although he did manage to string two wins together in 2016. He was pulled up in the Scottosh National . His best performance probably came in defeat when he chasedhom One ofr arthur in the Classic Chase at Warwic and he chased him home again at Aintree although this time he was nearly fifthy lenghs back in thirteeth place. He returned t AIntree the followng December and pulled up when tailed off. He last raced under rules at Leicester in March 2021 but later ran wihthout success in points.
LA VATICANE (FR) (2009) gr m - Turgeon (USA) - Taking Off (FR) (Kahyasi (IRE)) - Won 3 hurdles and 4 chases between 2013 & 2017/ his forst two starts i Auteuil and added another hurdle there nd two chases at Pau over a two year period in France. He moved from Francois Cottin to David Pipe in March 2015 and won on his fifth attemot for nesw connectns whentaking a small race at AWincanton. He was next seen in the Topham where she finished eighth. A year later he finished down the field in the National which was her prnultimate start. She ws not seen again after a poor perfromance at Newton Abbot in May 2017.
LE MERCUREY
MEASUREOFMYDREAMS (IRE) (2008) b g - Shantou (USA) - Le Bavellen (IRE) (Le Bavard (FR)) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles and 2 chases between 2014 & 2019. Won an Irish pointtwo novice hurdles but he was a 100-1 outsider when he fiished unpaced in the 2015 ALbert Bartlett athe Festival. Jump forward a ear and unbeaten in two starts over fences he starts 9-1 for the National HUnt Chase where he fihnished third. On th eback of these effots he started joint favourite for the Scotish National ut fell at the thrid fence. An week later he was at SAndown but never got in tot h Bet £65 Gold Cup at Sandwn. He oly had two starts between this flp andhs effor in the National where he wa sunfancied and unseated at the Chair. He ran in the next two Irish Nationals ut generally showed nothing and last ran over rules in a Punchestwon hunter chase in May 2019. He later returned t the pointing field without success.
MORE OF THAT (IRE) (2008) b g Beneficial - Guigone (FR) (Esprit du Nord (FR)) - Won 5 hurdles & 2 chases between 2012 & 2017. Won on his debut at the now lost Folkestone racecourse at what was their penltimate meeting. He was off the course for a year but enjoyed a stunning second season remaining unbeaten winning at Weherby, Haydock and the Relkeel Hurle at Cheltenham before becoming the first horse to beat the legendary Annie Power in the Stayers Hurdle. He lost his unbeaten record on his next start at Newbury in November 2014 but was off again due to wind surgery and broken blood vessels. Then he went chasing, won his first two starts (both at Cheltenham) and then finished third when favourite for the RSA Chase in 2016 but he burst a blood vessel again. He never won another race and in fact only managed a place two more times. He finshed sixth in the 2017 Gold Cup, pulled up in the National and was last seen at Ascot, fnishing a very remote last of three in December 2017.
O’FAOLAINS BOY
ROGUE ANGEL (IRE) (2008) b g - Presenting - Carrigeen Kohleria (IRE) - Luso 0 Won hurdle and five chases between 2012 & 2019. Useful long distance chaser who was a regular in the big Irish handicaps and he was aparticularly effective in 2015-206 winning the Galway Plate, the kerry National and at this secons attempt the Irish Granf National which he won y the shortest of shor heads after beng bumped inthe closing stages. He finished tenth i nthe 2016 Becher Chase and in his sole National he disputed the lead with his stable companion Roi Des Francs. The tak finally emptied after the thrd last andhe pulled up on the flat. He pulled up in th becher Chase and the followin gyear ran no sort of race whe he pulled up in the Topham. He son s amsll race at Kilbeggan later in his career and was last seen at Fairyhouse in April 2019
ROI DES FRANCS (FR) (2009) b g - Poliglote - Grande Souveraine (FR) (Sillery (USA)) - Won NHF, 2 hurdles & 3 chases between 2013 & 2017. Clearly useful but one that disappeared shortly after his one National appearanve at the age of eight. He and his stable companion ROuge Angel made a spleendid sight as they disuted the lead almost from flag fall. He led at the furth until he was badly hampered by a loose horse after the water jump. He managed to regain the lead untl the twenty third andit was only in the closig stages that he lost his place and he only beat one home. Maybe this took a lot out of him. He pulled up in his next race he Irish Grand National nine days later wand was not seen out again.
SAPHIR DU RHEU (FR) (2009) gr g Al Namiz (FR) - Dona du Rheu (FR) (Dom Pasquini (FR)) - Won 5 hurdles & 4 chases between 2012 & 2018. Useful hurdler but his first attempt at chasing didn't go to plan. He won a chase at Exeter in December in 2014 but either side of that he unseated and fell in two races won by Coneygree. He reverted to hurdles, won the Cleeve Hurdle and found himself favourite for the Stayers Hurdle in 2015 where he ran superbly to finish second behind Cole Harden. At the end of the season he reverted to fences and won the Mildmay Novices Chase at Aintree. He only won one more race and whilst he was highly tried he struggled. He ran credibly in the Gold Cup in 2017 finishing fifth and he fell on the first circuit in the Grand National the following month. Surprisingly he lined up again in the Gold Cup in 2018 pulling up in what was his final start.
STELLAR NOTION
THE YOUNG MASTER
VICENTE (FR) (2009) b g - Dom Alco (FR) - Ireland (FR) (Kadalko (FR)) - Won 2 hurldes and 5 chases between 2012 & 2019. Having had a busy novice chase capaigh which had uielded tree wins he lined up on the National HUnt Chase where he finished fifth and won the Scottish Natioal by two and three quarter lengths fro ALvarado. He joined a very select band of dual winners of the Scottish classic when he snatched ictory i the dyig strides. iN beteen thes esuccessed he fell at the first fence in the National. He failed in his atteot to rin three Scorrins Nationals when e finished fifith in w018. He was not seen ahan aye he fell heaivly in the Ieder Chase at Newcastle in April 2019
WONDERFUL CHARM
WOUNDED WARRIOR