I never watch the Grand National live. It’s too risky a race for that. But when I heard that all 39 horses and riders came back to the barn, I had to watch it.

Leighton Aspell became the first jockey to win the Grand National twice in a row for the first time in over 40 years. Many Clouds is an eight-year old Irish bred gelding. Unlike American flat racing, eight is considered young. In fact he is the youngest winner of the National since Bindaree in 2002 and carried 165 pounds, more weight than any National winner since Red Rum (in comparison, in the Kentucky Derby all horses carry 125 pounds).

Certainly he looked tired coming into the last two fences and galloping up the hill, but he held off the challengers and won by 1 3/4 lengths.

There was one bad fall in the race — Balthazar King, who started as one of the favorites fell and was then kicked in the ribs. It took him some time to get to his feet and the ominous green screens were put around him. Thankfully, he got to his feet on his own and it was reported that he had several broken ribs.