My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Unlike the virtual Kentucky Derby, which was a run-off between past champions, the 2020 Virtual Aintree Grand National featured the 40 horses who were already entered. Tiger Roll, who won the last two Grand Nationals, had been due to seek an unprecedented third consecutive win until the race was canceled because of the coronavirus. I […]
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Just as well for Tiger Roll that the finish line came when it did. The 8-year old Irish gelding ridden by Davy Russell won the 2018 Aintree Grand National in a photo finish, holding off a late run by Pleasant Colony. A few more strides and the outcome might have been different! One of the […]
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As we head into the Aintree Grand National Weekend, this jockey cam video gives you a great feeling for what those fences are like without the chaos of the race. Ride along with jockey AP McCoy on Hello Bud, an 18-year old chaser. Pretty impressive to be jumping that course at age 18, don’t you […]
Read MoreRule the World, a 33-1 long shot that had never won over fences, broke his maiden today at the 2016 Grand National at Aintree . . . ridden by 19-year old David Mullins on his first time around the course. What a story! Can you imagine a horse breaking his maiden at Aintree? And don’t […]
Read MoreBalthazar King, the horse injured during the Grand National on Saturday, is showing steady improvement. He fell at the Canal turn, bringing down Ballycasey who ran into him. He suffered several broken ribs. He was treated for about an hour at the Aintree track before being transported to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital. Trainer […]
Read MoreWhile I’ve always enjoyed watching the Grand National, this year’s race exacted a large price from its competitors: two horses died on course. (Note: you can find images of some of the falls at http://www.dailymail.co.uk) I’ve chosen not to publish them here as they are upsetting. The defenders of National Hunt Club races point to […]
Read MoreSaturday was the John Smith’s Grand National steeplechase race at Aintree. I’ve described the Grand National before as a demolition derby and I’m still just amazed at how different this race is from say, Zenyatta’s run in the Apple Blossom. The Grand National doesn’t start with six or seven horses loaded into the starting gate […]
Read MoreYesterday, Mon Mome won the Aintree Grand National running at odds of 100 to 1. I wish I’d placed a bet. It would have been a great way to offset losses in the stock market! Mon Mome was the first 100-1 shot to win since Foinavon in won the 1967 race after a pile up […]
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