Well Done Ballabriggs!

I would just like to start by saying well done to all connections and  Ballabriggs for a fantastic performance in winning the Grand National.  Jason Maguire gave the Donald McCain trained runner a great ride and as far as I could see he only had one little scare the whole way round and apart from that he was awesome at his fences. He appeared to be a little wobbly after crossing the line due to exertions but I was glad to hear he had soon recovered when back in the stables.  It was wonderful for Donald to win the great race after the families long association with the race and he seems like a nice really nice chap.  Oscar Time and Sam Waley-Cohen came to challenge on the long run in but could not get past and Don't Push It ran another fine race to finish third carrying top weight.  I do hope all the winning connections were enjoying some celebrations last night!  I am pleased to report that all of our runners came back from Aintree safe and sound. 

In the big race itself Piraya once again completed the course to finish the race for the second year in a row.  2008 hero Comply Or Die showed up very well for a long way at his favourite course but got quite tired late on and Timmy Murphy wisely pulled him up before two out.  Or Noir De Somoza appeared to be taking to the Aintree fences very well but unfortuantely fell at Becher's Brook first time round but he seems none the worse for his experience.

Meanwhile at Chepstow the day started off in great fashion when Street Entertainer won the opening Maiden hurdle very easily.  He was having only his third run over hurdles and last time at Exeter he did finish quite a long way behind, but that was behind two subsequent Aintree winners Spirit Son and Battle Group!  Conor O'Farrell gave our four year old a great ride and his hot run of form continues.  He looked sure to double up when Sultan Fontenaille cruised to the lead turning for home in the handicap chase.  Having jumped the thirs last perfectly and still travelling very easily I am sad to report he sustained a fatal injury on the flat.  It was extremely sad and our thoughts and best wishes our with his owners and everybody at the yard.  Woodlark Island ran another solid race to finish third at Chepstow, while at Aintree Dan Breen ran well to finish third and Ronaldo Des Mottes also ran well for a long way in the big hurdle race and finished sixth.

Another three days of Aintree are over for another  year!  What a fantastic few days racing we have had but it always seems to be that Cheltenham and Aintree come to close together.  All the season seems to be about is March and the beginning of April.  I think it is a shame there is not a bigger gap between the two meetings and it would also give the horses more chance to recover as well as well as the owners!

It  is a big day today in Ireland at leopardstown for the flat racing with the first major trial for the Epsom Derby. Can you believe that on Friday it will be 25 years that the Racing Post has been going.  Do you remember the Sporting Life and Sporting Chronicle?!  It does give my age away! MCP still calls it the Chronicle Sporting!  David has only one runner today, Bathwick Quest at Wincanton.  She is ridden by Conor O'Farrell and is looking to keep up the good form of the yard.