What's the appeal of the Grand National?
What makes the Grand National such a special event? It's a question that gets asked repeatedly at this time of year.
For me, its appeal is down to a combination of factors. I love the fact that, for just a few minutes, the nation's attention is tuned into the sport that I love and we on the BBC can showcase just how thrilling racing really is.
I also appreciate that the race poses a unique test to horse and rider. It really does exposes the frailties of exhausted competitors.
There's another good reason why the National captures our imaginations more than any other race - and that's because it goes hand in hand with the buzz of having a bet.
At some point in the race's history, since the first running in 1839, it became an event we couldn't let pass without having a flutter. That has given us an added interest in and attachment to the race.
Nowadays, with 10m people watching in Britain and at least 400m worldwide, the National is the most gambled-on horse race on the planet. Despite the credit crunch, UK bookmakers are estimating turnover approaching £300m on Saturday.
Some of you may have already picked your horse for the Aintree showpiece, others may be relying on the luck of the draw in the office sweepstake, while one or two shrewdies will wait until the last possible moment before deciding where their investment goes.
I have to confess that this is a race I have not enjoyed enormous success in as a punter. I can just about recall my last moment of selfish excitement. It came in 1997 when Lord Gyllene took the rescheduled race on a Monday after the original running was postponed because of a bomb scare. I pocketed £70 in the process.
But as anyone who likes to bet will tell you, there is always a belief that the corner is about to be turned. I certainly reckon this is the year I will make a return to the winner's enclosure. More of that later.
As the Grand National approaches, my job with the BBC gives me the chance to see some of the competitors at close quarters.
Normally, this means seeing a horse and rider, under the instructions of their trainer, being put through their final paces on the gallops, but this year has been very very different.
About a week ago, I interviewed Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee at his home in Middlesborough. Graham missed last year's race after his jaw was smashed to pieces in a horrible fall, but he's back and fingers crossed will be riding Kilbeggan Blade on Saturday.
I've also visited the connections of My Will, the race's current favourite. But it wasn't his jockey, Ruby Walsh, who has the best record in the race, nor his champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, who has a forgettable record in the race.
Instead, I spoke to the horse's owners, the Stewart family, made up of dad Andy, mum Judy and brothers Paul and Mark.
Last December, Paul had a snowboarding accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. Since then, he's demonstrated remarkable fortitude, and it will be worth watching Saturday's coverage on the BBC just to witness the inspirational way he has responded to the challenge of being in a wheelchair, the possibility of never walking again, and how racing has helped him find the strength to keep moving forward.
I certainly hope My Will wins the world's greatest race on Saturday. I think he's the best horse at the weights after his excellent prep run in the Gold Cup, and I'll be placing my Grand National stakes on him and Ruby.
In the meantime, I'd love to know what you find fascinating about the Grand National, what your favourite race is, and who you think might win this year.
Growing up on the island of Trinidad during the 1980s, I dreamt of being the next Viv Richards. I also harboured hopes of being a jockey. Both cricket and horse racing captivated me as a child, and I hoped and prayed that one day I would be thrilling crowds with either a flashing blade or by riding a winner. Sadly, I soon realised my sporting limitations, but I'm extremely fortunate to be working as a sports broadcaster with the BBC. Over the next year I'll have the privilege of reporting from a number of major sporting events in the UK. I hope you enjoy my take on them.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~07~RS~)
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butlers cabin for me, based purely on the fact that the us masters golf starts next week and butlers cabin is where the green jacket is presented. Got him at tens yesterday also, fingers crossed!
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The most exciting thing about the race is its distance. The race lasts for a very long time yet still keeps you nervously hanging on through every jump unlike most races. Any horse can fall or run out of steam at any given time, if the jumps dont get the horses the distance will and every horse stands a chance at winning the race. The fact that no one knows who will win, everyone has different opinions on who'll be the victor and the chancey style of the race making it impossible to fix. Is there a more exciting feeling in the world than seeing your horse in with a chance when jumping the last? Think not and the fact it's only once a year makes it more special.
I hope every horse makes it through the race unscathed, that is important, I have backed Golden Flight and I believe he will surprise many at a big price, but like many punters on the day I am preying he's vying for the lead on the run in.
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My own personal feelings are that this cruel charade should be banned so I don't really care who wins and will be glad if no horses are killed
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C'mon Beakers - if you don't like it, don't watch. Show me a horse that doesn't like to run and jump and I'll give you a million dollars!
Anyway, as for the race... I can't agree with Rishi. The National is all about trends (that very rarely get broken) and as a result I think My Will will be carrying too much weight. My each way money will be on Himalayan Trail and Brooklyn Brownie. Although I might succumb to a silly sentimental bet just in case it is McCoy's year!
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I adore Horse Racing and have loved It since I was a tiny tot (It does help when you come from a family of bookmakers and sports lovers). I have had a few winners of this great race In the past, and well happy to ""pick up"" a nice amount last year on Comply Or Die. Anyway this year my bet has been placed. State Of Play each way at 16/1 and win only at 14/1. As for the previous post regarding this ""cruel charade"", all I can say Is I agree with EalinBee, and remember that the RSPCA are very happy with the racecourse at the moment (the RSPCA get Involved as a matter of course when It comes to animal sports). They are delighted with the new ""run-out"" system, but as normal they will watch the race and recommend any Improvements that may be needed. I suggest BeakersAreCool you look at the RSPCA website and decide In your own mind what cruelty Is all about. Horse Racing also helps outside charities, such as the NSPCC. It Is an easy sport to attack, but for me, a fantastic sport to defend. No-one loves their horse more than the people Involved with them. I want every horse and jockey to come home safe and sound, and I thank all the horses and people Invoved In this great sport of ours for enriching my life, and that of many others.
From Justin xxxx.
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"Is there a more exciting feeling in the world than seeing your horse in with a chance when jumping the last?"
I wouldn't know!!
Closest I got was my 40-1 horse (E/W bet) up in the top 3 when he fell at the 29th fence! But that's why we all watch it, isn't it - The exhilaration of the entire race.
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When Liam Treadwell has just run and won one of the most dangerous horseraces in history it is incredibile that all Clare Balding could do was comment about Liams teeth - how about a simple congratulation ? A most embarrassing comment from Clare Balding - some of these presenters take things too far and are too personal.
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EalinBee
I don't watch it and unfortunately yet another needless casualty because of this cruel race I'm sure something would be done if one of the jockey's was seriously injured or god forbid if one died.
I appreciate that this race brings pleasure to millions but this is my opinion It should be banned
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Footballers die on the pitch, Grand Prix drivers die driving in their sport, Athletes are maimed and injured every other week are we to ban these sports as well.
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And please i do think Clare Balding owes young Liam Treadwell an apology, i think on his biggest and most enjoyable day is that hes going to be remembered as the Jockey Clare Balding embarrased in front of the Nation. It was at best un-professional to get the kid to smile to the camera and she made sure he showed the world his teeth...Car Crash tv.
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I agree with the previous posters who have criticised Claire Balding for her comments to Liam. What was she thinking of - remarking on the phycial attributes of a jockey, regardless of what they were, on primetime national and international tv after a great sporting spectacle.
I hope she apologies privately to him - to do do publicly will only make it worse.
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purplemichael1961 wrote
'Footballers die on the pitch, Grand Prix drivers die driving in their sport, Athletes are maimed and injured every other week are we to ban these sports as well'.
Yes all human beings who have a choice in the matter they don't have to do these sports if they don't want to, the horses have no say in the matter and are constantly whipped by the jockey's all the way round..if the horses love running and jumping why do the jockey's need whips? Ah yes more cruelty inflicted on the poor animal.
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Imagine the moment you dreamed of. You have just won the national on 100/1 long shot. The crowds are cheering, the corks are popping, it's a glorious day. What happens next? The BBC's number one racing commentator insults your appearance and suggests that you spend your winnings on cosmetic surgery. The smile fell off my face to be left with total incredulity. . An unnecessary and disappointing end to one of the years great sporting events - hopefully the beeb will educate her that locker room humour is not what we need - or, better yet, dock her pay for the event.
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BeakersAreCool Now your talking rubbish ''their whipped all the way around'' A jockey's feet wouldn't touch the ground on the way out the door if he abused a horse in such a way, some of the most stringent rules are set by the B.H.A regarding the 'Whip use Rule'.
The technical rules on whip use by riders and the whips they are allowed to carry are as follows:
Instruction H9 - Use of Whip
The British Horseracing Authority will not tolerate abuse of the horse and consider its welfare, and the safety of the rider, to be paramount. The whip should be used for safety, correction and encouragement only and they therefore advise all riders to consider the following good ways of using the whip which are not exhaustive:
1. Showing the horse the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
2. Using the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
3. Having used the whip, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.
4. Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
5. Using the whip in rhythm with the horse’s stride and close to its side.
6. Swinging the whip to keep a horse running straight.
The British Horseracing Authority has asked Stewards of Meetings to consider holding an enquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip in such a way as to cause them concern and publish the following examples of uses of the whip which may be regarded as improper riding:
Hitting horses:
* to the extent of causing injury;
* with the whip arm above shoulder height;
* rapidly without regard to their stride, i.e. twice or more in one stride;
* with excessive force;
* without giving the horse time to respond.
Hitting horses which are:
* showing no response;
* out of contention;
* clearly winning;
* past the winning post.
Hitting horses in any place except:
* on the quarters with the whip in either the backhand or forehand position;
* down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position;
* unless very exceptional circumstances prevail.
Hitting horses:
* with excessive frequency.
When examining cases of Excessive Frequency, the Stewards will consider all the relevant factors such as:
1. Whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the horse’s experience;
2. Whether the horse was continuing to respond and
3. The degree of force that was used; the more times a horse has been hit the stricter will be the view taken over the degree of force which is reasonable.
It is emphasised that the use of the whip may be judged to be proper or improper in particular circumstances which have not been included above.
Horses will be subject to an inspection by a Veterinary Officer and he will report his findings to the Stewards; therefore trainers may be required to remove or adjust rugs or sheets.
It is further emphasised that under the Rules of Racing trainers have a responsibility for giving instructions to their riders, which should include instructions on the use of the whip, especially with horses which may weal and when employing apprentice or conditional jockeys. Owners who choose to give their riding instructions must accept a similar responsibility. Failure to give adequate instructions or giving instructions which if obeyed could or would lead to a violation of this Instruction will result in disciplinary action being taken against owners and trainers.
The British Horseracing Authority warns all riders that Stewards of Meetings have been asked to exercise fully their powers under Rules 15 and 153 of the Rules of Racing in all cases of misuse of the whip, which the British Horseracing Authority regards as improper riding.
Further, they warn owners, trainers and riders that severe disciplinary action will be taken against any person who is found to be in breach of this Instruction resulting in serious injury to any horse.
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Clare Balding interviewing Liam Treadwell after his Grand National win as a first time rider in the national at 100-1 odds made the abusive comment "smile for the camera" which Liam did with his lips closed, and she said "no, show us your teeth". It is clear that this was demeaning to a magnificent jockey having just won one of the nations top sporting events. The comment was very unprofessional, and is typical of a bully which has priviliged position in the media.
I feel that this behaviour from Clare was completely inapproproate. Her comments only detracted from the quality of the programme broadcast to such a high volume of viewers.
What would it be like if she were to comment on Paralympic Games in 2012?
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I am pleased to see other people have objected to Clare Baldings disgraceful and insensitive style of interviewing. I hope she apologises to him and learns to think before she speaks. Liam Treadwell is indeed a champion jockey and will be remembered for this great win on a 100-1 outsider.
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I too support the criticism of Clare Balding's disgraceful humiliation of Liam Treadwell in his moment of glory, practically forcing him to show his teeth to the camera when it was clearly a source of embarrassment for him. I have already submitted a formal complaint to the BBC about it. Ms Balding's much-touted knowledge of horse racing is not in any way unique or indispensable and presenters should be reminded that they have a responsibility to carry out their jobs with a certain protocol and sensitivity -- qualities which you, Mr Persad, show in abundance if I may say so. Thank you for allowing us to vent our feelings about this here on your blog. I am sure I speak for others who have commented in saying that I do realise Ms Balding is your colleague and have no wish to cause any embarrassment to you.
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Personally I think the National is once a year as such and that the smaller owner or trainer should be interviewed rather than the same old faces wheeled out like Nicholls, McManus, Johnstone etc, they had there glory at Cheltenham. The coverage of the race is simply first class and I think that the videos of individual races from over the years would hold lots of interest for people if they were allowed on the market.
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Hopefully thats the end of the matter and presenters just think for a sec before questioning people.
CLARE BALDING has apologised to Liam Treadwell over the comment she made about his teeth when interviewing the 23-year-old rider following his Grand National triumph on Saturday.
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