2011 Grand National
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Grand National (known as the John Smith's
Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 164th renewal of the world-famous Grand National
horse race
held at Aintree Racecourse
near Liverpool
, England
.
The showpiece steeplechase
began at 4:15 pm BST
on 9 April 2011, the final day of the three-day annual meeting. The maximum permitted field of forty runners competed for prize money totalling a record £
950,000, making it the highest valued National Hunt race
in the United Kingdom.
Nineteen of the forty participants completed the 4½-mile course; two of the twenty-one who did not suffered fatal falls on the first circuit, reigniting debates over the safety of the event. Irish horse Ballabriggs
won the race, securing the first-place prize money of £535,135 and a first Grand National win for trainer
Donald McCain, Jr.
, the son of four-time winning trainer Ginger McCain
. Owned by Trevor Hemmings
, Ballabriggs was ridden by Irish jockey
Jason Maguire
and was sent off at odds of 14/1. The pairing completed the race in 9 minutes 1.2 seconds, the second-fastest time in Grand National history.
-trained and three French
-trained horses. Ten were trained by Paul Nicholls
, including a leading contender in Niche Market; nine were handled by Irish trainer Willie Mullins
, and three by Jonjo O'Neill
, the trainer of last year's winner. Ballabriggs, another leading contender, was trained by Donald McCain, Jr.
, the son of Ginger McCain
who trained Red Rum
to three National victories in the 1970s and returned with another winner, Amberleigh House
, in 2004
.
20 contenders were withdrawn in the first scratchings. After a second scratchings deadline on 24 March, 74 horses remained on the list of entrants, with the top weight handicap of 11 st 10 lb
allocated to last year's winner Don't Push It
. The official odds on 24 March placed Mullins-trained The Midnight Club at 10/1 favourite. Backstage and Oscar Time were given joint-second favourite odds of 12/1.
At the five-day deadline on 4 April, nine further withdrawals since the second scratchings left a total of 65 contenders still in the running to compete. Nina Carberry, the sister of 1999
winner Paul Carberry
, became the first female jockey to take a third ride in the Grand National. Four amateur jockeys lined up to compete. Official odds on favourite The Midnight Club were cut to 8/1, while What A Friend replaced Oscar Time as a joint-second favourite with Backstage on odds of 11/1.
On 7 April, Aintree declared the final confirmed list of 40 runners and four reserves as follows. The reserves would replace any withdrawals prior to 9 am on 8 April. None of the reserves, however, were required.
*Barry Geraghty
rode Or Noir de Somoza after his original jockey, Tom Scudamore
, withdrew due to an injury sustained in a race the day prior to the National.
led for much of the race, and the gelding eventually saw off a strong run-in challenge from amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen
on Oscar Time who secured second place. Third was 2010
winner Tony McCoy
on Don't Push It
, twelve lengths behind the second. 15/2 favourite The Midnight Club made a mistake at the third fence and finished sixth.
State of Play, the eleven-year-old 28/1 shot trained by Welshman Evan Williams, finished in the top four for the third successive National.
Nineteen runners completed the course, including three of the six 100/1 shots. This was the highest number of finishers since 2005
when twenty-one horses passed the finishing post.
100/1 outsider Santa's Son had led the field over the Canal Turn
, but the short-distance runner eventually fell out of contention and jockey Jamie Moore
pulled him up before the 27th fence. Killyglen fell at the 27th, having been close to leader Ballabriggs at the beginning of the second circuit.
Ornais and Dooneys Gate both suffered fatal falls on the first circuit, the former at fence four (a plain, 4 ft 10 in obstacle) and the latter at fence six (the 5 ft Becher's Brook
). According to one animal rights group, this brought to 20 the total number of equine deaths at all Aintree meetings since 2000. Aintree had made significant modifications to its National Course in recent years, including improving veterinary facilities and reducing the severity of some fences, but another notable change was highlighted in this race — that the course has been widened to allow more fences to be bypassed if necessary. As the remaining contenders on the second circuit approached the 20th fence, arrowed signposts and marshals waving chequered flags signalled them to bypass on the outside as Ornais' body was covered on the landing side. Two jumps later and they were again diverted, this time around the famous Becher's Brook, where veterinary staff attended to the fatally-injured Dooneys Gate. This was the first time since the modern course was finalised in the 1880s that only 28 fences had been jumped.
. The race therefore must be covered live on free-to-air terrestrial television
in the UK. The BBC
aired the race on radio for the 80th consecutive year and on television for the 52nd year.
Clare Balding
presented the BBC's television coverage, supported by Rishi Persad and retired jockey Richard Pitman
, which was broadcast on BBC One
and, for the second year, BBC HD
. Former National-winning jockeys Richard Dunwoody
and Mick Fitzgerald
provided expert analysis, while betting news was provided by Gary Wiltshire and John Parrott
. Suzi Perry
was due to be providing soundbites from spectators but did not take part in the programme. Her place was taken by last-minute replacement Dan Walker
who had been at Aintree to present Football Focus
, aired prior to the National.
The race commentary team was led by Jim McGrath
, who called the winner home for the 14th consecutive year; he was supported by Ian Bartlett
and Darren Owen
.
As well as being streamed to UK viewers on BBC Online, BBC Radio 5 Live
also aired the race, presented by Mark Chapman.
The BBC later received some criticism for failing to mention the deaths of Ornais and Dooneys Gate until the end of its broadcast. A spokesman later said: "During the race and the re-run [the fatalities were] covered with as much sensitivity as possible."
.
The Grand National is always a major event for bookmakers, particularly in the United Kingdom. An estimated £300 million in bets were estimated to be struck on the 2011 race, including some from as far afield as Australia, Bermuda and Kazakhstan, with British troops in Afghanistan also joining in. It is estimated that nearly half of the adult population of the UK bets on the Grand National.
The race received a significant amount of negative media coverage over the two equine fatalities, which were more publicly noticeable than in prior Nationals due to two fences being bypassed for the first time. Those watching the race on television were given clear views of the tarpaulin-covered body of Ornais and of veterinary staff attending to the fatally-injured Dooneys Gate while the runners diverted around them.
Andrew Taylor, director of the animal rights group Animal Aid
, called for an outright ban of the Grand National, saying: "It's a deliberately hazardous, challenging and predictably lethal event." The RSPCA
's equine consultant David Muir stated: "I was gutted that two horses died... What I will do now is go back and have a look at each element, with the BHA and the racecourse management, to see if the jump contributed to what happened, look at the take-off and landing side and so on, and see if the evidence suggests something can be done about it. I'm trying to make the race better, safer where I can, but the one thing I can never do is eliminate risk: that's always going to be there." Muir did however add: "There's no way I'm going to get the National banned."
Aintree's managing director Julian Thick said: "We are desperately sad at the accidents during the running of the Grand National today and our thoughts go out to the connections of Ornais and Dooneys Gate... Only the best horses and the best jockeys are allowed to enter and all horses are inspected by the vet when they arrive at Aintree to ensure that they are fit to race. This year we had 20 horse catchers, at least two fence attendants at each of the 16 fences, four stewards to inspect the course, two BHA
course inspectors, ten vets, 50 ground staff and 35 ground repair staff... We work closely with animal welfare organisations, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare
, to make sure we are up to date with the latest thinking and research... and to make sure that the horses are looked after properly and that the race is run as safely as possible."
Veteran trainer Ginger McCain
queried the suggestion of reducing the size of the fences in the aftermath of the race. McCain said: "You don't make things better by making it easier. Its speed that does the damage." Champion jockey Tony McCoy
also defended the National, saying, "I personally don't think the sport could be in any better shape for horses or jockeys." Ornais's owner, Andy Stewart, later said: "We're still grieving but I think this whole hyped up situation regarding the Grand National is totally wrong... National Hunt racing is safer and compliant with every single sport that goes along. My son snowboarded in France and, unfortunately, he had an accident and he'll never walk again. Why don't we just get on with it and enjoy the sport?"
Winning jockey Jason Maguire was handed a five-day ban by the stewards for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs. The horse's trainer, Donald McCain, Jr.
, indicated that he will likely return to Aintree for the 2012 National
seeking the first back-to-back wins since Red Rum
in 1974: "I'd have thought next season will revolve around the National and he may well go to the Becher Chase
[in December] as well."
John Smith's Brewery
John Smith's is a brewery founded in 1758 by Backhouse & Hartley at Tadcaster in North Yorkshire, England. John Smith bought the brewery in 1847. John Smith's is the sixth highest selling beer brand in the United Kingdom, and the highest selling ale brand. The brewery is currently owned by...
Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 164th renewal of the world-famous Grand National
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
horse race
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
held at Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
near Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
The showpiece steeplechase
Steeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
began at 4:15 pm BST
British Summer Time
Western European Summer Time is a summer daylight saving time scheme, 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. It is used in the following places:* the Canary Islands* Portugal * Ireland...
on 9 April 2011, the final day of the three-day annual meeting. The maximum permitted field of forty runners competed for prize money totalling a record £
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
950,000, making it the highest valued National Hunt race
National Hunt racing
National Hunt racing is the official name given to the sport of horse racing in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in which the horses are required to jump over obstacles called hurdles or fences...
in the United Kingdom.
Nineteen of the forty participants completed the 4½-mile course; two of the twenty-one who did not suffered fatal falls on the first circuit, reigniting debates over the safety of the event. Irish horse Ballabriggs
Ballabriggs
Ballabriggs is a Grand National-winning National Hunt racehorse trained by Donald McCain, Jr. in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.-Racing career:...
won the race, securing the first-place prize money of £535,135 and a first Grand National win for trainer
Horse trainer
In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...
Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs....
, the son of four-time winning trainer Ginger McCain
Ginger McCain
Donald "Ginger" McCain was an English National Hunt trainer, perhaps best known for training the legendary horse Red Rum. A successful trainer who won many races, he trained Red Rum on Crosby beach near Liverpool...
. Owned by Trevor Hemmings
Trevor Hemmings
Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland....
, Ballabriggs was ridden by Irish jockey
Jockey
A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:...
Jason Maguire
Jason Maguire
Jason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham...
and was sent off at odds of 14/1. The pairing completed the race in 9 minutes 1.2 seconds, the second-fastest time in Grand National history.
Race card
On 2 February 2011 Aintree released the names of 102 horses submitted to enter, including 34 IrishRepublic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
-trained and three French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
-trained horses. Ten were trained by Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls (horse racing)
Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
, including a leading contender in Niche Market; nine were handled by Irish trainer Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland...
, and three by Jonjo O'Neill
Jonjo O'Neill
Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and...
, the trainer of last year's winner. Ballabriggs, another leading contender, was trained by Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs....
, the son of Ginger McCain
Ginger McCain
Donald "Ginger" McCain was an English National Hunt trainer, perhaps best known for training the legendary horse Red Rum. A successful trainer who won many races, he trained Red Rum on Crosby beach near Liverpool...
who trained Red Rum
Red Rum
Red Rum was a champion Thoroughbred racehorse who achieved an unmatched historic treble when he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and also came second in the two intervening years...
to three National victories in the 1970s and returned with another winner, Amberleigh House
Amberleigh House
Amberleigh House was the horse that won the 2004 Grand National. He is now retired and living at the National Stud in Newmarket.-Staff:Amberleigh House was trained by legend Ginger McCain, and was usually ridden by jockey Graham Lee, amongst others...
, in 2004
2004 Grand National
The 2004 Grand National was the 157th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 3 April 2004 and attracted the maximum permitted field of 40 competitors for total prize money of £600,000 including £348,000 to the...
.
20 contenders were withdrawn in the first scratchings. After a second scratchings deadline on 24 March, 74 horses remained on the list of entrants, with the top weight handicap of 11 st 10 lb
Pound (mass)
The pound or pound-mass is a unit of mass used in the Imperial, United States customary and other systems of measurement...
allocated to last year's winner Don't Push It
Don't Push It
Don't Push It is a Grand National-winning thoroughbred racehorse.- Debut :Don't Push It began his career on the 5th December 2004 at Warwick Racecourse in a National Hunt Flat race . He finished 3rd.- 2005-2006 Season :...
. The official odds on 24 March placed Mullins-trained The Midnight Club at 10/1 favourite. Backstage and Oscar Time were given joint-second favourite odds of 12/1.
At the five-day deadline on 4 April, nine further withdrawals since the second scratchings left a total of 65 contenders still in the running to compete. Nina Carberry, the sister of 1999
1999 Grand National
The 1999 Grand National was the 152nd official renewal of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 10 April 1999....
winner Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers...
, became the first female jockey to take a third ride in the Grand National. Four amateur jockeys lined up to compete. Official odds on favourite The Midnight Club were cut to 8/1, while What A Friend replaced Oscar Time as a joint-second favourite with Backstage on odds of 11/1.
On 7 April, Aintree declared the final confirmed list of 40 runners and four reserves as follows. The reserves would replace any withdrawals prior to 9 am on 8 April. None of the reserves, however, were required.
| Number | Horse | Age | Weight (st-lb Pound (mass) The pound or pound-mass is a unit of mass used in the Imperial, United States customary and other systems of measurement... ) |
SP | Jockey Jockey A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:... |
Trainer Horse trainer In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter... |
Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don't Push It Don't Push It Don't Push It is a Grand National-winning thoroughbred racehorse.- Debut :Don't Push It began his career on the 5th December 2004 at Warwick Racecourse in a National Hunt Flat race . He finished 3rd.- 2005-2006 Season :... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 11-10 | Tony McCoy Tony McCoy Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey.... |
Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and... |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
|
| 2 | Tidal Bay Tidal Bay Tidal Bay is an Irish bred Bay gelding Thoroughbred race horse foaled on 12 May 2001. He is the winner of two Grade 1 jumps races, the Arkle Challenge Trophy and the Maghull Novices' Chase in 2008... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 11-09 | Brian Hughes | Howard Johnson | Mr. & Mrs. Graham Wylie | |
| 3 | What A Friend | 8 | 11-06 | Daryl Jacob | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson Alex Ferguson Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986... |
|
| 4 | Vic Venturi (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 11-06 | Andrew Lynch | Dessie Hughes (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Seamus Dunne | |
| 5 | Majestic Concorde (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
8 | 11-05 | Mr. Robbie McNamara | Dermot Weld Dermot Weld Dermot K. Weld is one of Ireland's most successful racehorse trainers. He holds the record for the most winners trained in Ireland .... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Dr. Ronan Lambe | |
| 6 | Or Noir de Somoza (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
9 | 11-05 | Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in... * |
David Pipe David Pipe (racehorse trainer) The son of the prolific horseracing trainer Martin Pipe David Pipe is the trainer of the David Johnson owned Comply or Die, who ridden by Timmy Murphy won the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree racecourse.... |
Filsal Stadeg Racing | |
| 7 | Dooneys Gate (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 11-04 | Mr. Patrick Mullins | Willie Mullins Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Mrs. Jackie Mullins | |
| 8 | Big Fella Thanks | 9 | 11-01 | Graham Lee Graham Lee (jockey) Graham Lee is a successful Irish National Hunt jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy... |
Ferdy Murphy | Crossed Fingers Partnership | |
| 9 | The Tother One (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 11-00 | Mr. Ryan Mahon | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
Graham Roach | |
| 10 | Ballabriggs Ballabriggs Ballabriggs is a Grand National-winning National Hunt racehorse trained by Donald McCain, Jr. in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.-Racing career:... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 11-00 | Jason Maguire Jason Maguire Jason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham... |
Donald McCain, Jr. Donald McCain, Jr. Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs.... |
Trevor Hemmings Trevor Hemmings Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland.... |
|
| 11 | The Midnight Club (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-13 | F | Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:... |
Willie Mullins Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Mrs. Susannah Ricci |
| 12 | Niche Market (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-13 | Harry Skelton | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
Graham Regan | |
| 13 | Silver by Nature (grey Gray (horse) Gray or grey is a coat color of horses characterized by progressive silvering of the colored hairs of the coat. Most gray horses have black skin and dark eyes; unlike many depigmentation genes, gray does not affect skin or eye color Their adult hair coat is white, dappled, or white intermingled... ) |
9 | 10-12 | Peter Buchanan | Ms. Lucinda Russell | Geoff Brown | |
| 14 | Backstage (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
9 | 10-12 | Paul Carberry Paul Carberry Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers... |
Gordon Elliott Gordon Elliott (racehorse trainer) Gordon Elliott is a County Meath-based National Hunt racehorse trainer who was 29 when his first Grand National entry, the 33 to 1 outsider Silver Birch won the 2007 race on 14 April, 2007... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
MPR & Capranny Syndicate | |
| 15 | Chief Dan George (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 10-12 | Paddy Aspell | Jimmy Moffatt | Maurice Chapman | |
| 16 | Calgary Bay (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
8 | 10-10 | Hadden Frost | Ms. Henrietta Knight | Mrs. Camilla Radford | |
| 17 | Killyglen (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-10 | Robert Power | Stuart Crawford (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
David McCammon | |
| 18 | Oscar Time (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-09 | Mr. Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt... |
Martin Lynch (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Robert Waley-Cohen & S. & M. Broughton Martin Broughton Sir Martin Faulkner Broughton is a British businessman who is the current chairman of British Airways and former chairman of Liverpool Football Club... |
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| 19 | Quinz (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
7 | 10-08 | Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:... |
Philip Hobbs Philip Hobbs Philip Hobbs is a British racehorse trainer specializing mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables near Minehead, Somerset.... |
Andrew Cohen | |
| 20 | Becauseicouldntsee (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
8 | 10-08 | Davy Russell Davy Russell Davy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002... |
Noel Glynn (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Noel Glynn | |
| 21 | Comply or Die Comply or Die Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
12 | 10-08 | Timmy Murphy Timmy Murphy Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :... |
David Pipe David Pipe (racehorse trainer) The son of the prolific horseracing trainer Martin Pipe David Pipe is the trainer of the David Johnson owned Comply or Die, who ridden by Timmy Murphy won the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree racecourse.... |
David Johnson | |
| 22 | Quolibet (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
7 | 10-08 | Mark Walsh | Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and... |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
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| 23 | Grand Slam Hero (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-07 | Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman is an Irish horse racing jockey.Born in Innishannon, Cork, Ireland, Coleman rode in the 2008 Grand National at the age of 19, his first time riding in that steeplechase. He was one of the youngest riders ever to start the Grand National... |
Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Naunton, Gloucestershire.... |
Walters Plant Hire Ltd. | |
| 24 | State of Play | 11 | 10-06 | Paul Moloney | Evan Williams | Mr. & Mrs. William Rucker | |
| 25 | King Fontaine (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
8 | 10-06 | Denis O'Regan | Malcolm Jefferson | Trevor Hemmings Trevor Hemmings Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland.... |
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| 26 | In Compliance (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 10-05 | Leighton Aspell | Dessie Hughes (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Westerly Breeze Syndicate | |
| 27 | Hello Bud (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
13 | 10-05 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Naunton, Gloucestershire.... |
Seamus Murphy | |
| 28 | West End Rocker (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-05 | Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey) Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King.... |
Alan King Alan King (horse racing) Alan King is a British racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at Barbury Castle stables near Wroughton, Wiltshire.... |
Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater | |
| 29 | Santa's Son (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 10-05 | Jamie Moore Jamie Moore (jockey) Jamie Moore is an English National Hunt jockey. He is the brother of champion flat jockey Ryan Moore, and son of successful dual-purpose trainer Gary L. Moore.... |
Howard Johnson | Douglas Pryde & Jim Beaumont | |
| 30 | Bluesea Cracker (mare Mare Female horses are called mares.Mare is the Latin word for "sea".The word may also refer to:-People:* Ahmed Marzooq, also known as Mare, a footballer and Secretary General of Maldives Olympic Committee* Mare Winningham, American actress and singer... ) (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-04 | Andrew McNamara | James Motherway (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
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| 31 | That's Rhythm (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
11 | 10-04 | James Reveley | Martin Todhunter | Don't Tell Henry | |
| 32 | Surface to Air | 10 | 10-04 | Tom Messenger | Chris Bealby | Tim Urry | |
| 33 | Piraya (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
8 | 10-04 | Johnny Farrelly | David Pipe David Pipe (racehorse trainer) The son of the prolific horseracing trainer Martin Pipe David Pipe is the trainer of the David Johnson owned Comply or Die, who ridden by Timmy Murphy won the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree racecourse.... |
Terry Neill | |
| 34 | Can't Buy Time (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-04 | Richie McLernon | Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and... |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
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| 35 | Character Building (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
11 | 10-04 | Ms. Nina Carberry Nina Carberry Nina Carberry is an Irish female National Hunt jockey. She hails from a racing family and is the daughter of jockey Tommy Carberry. In 2011 she won the Irish Grand National on Organisedconfusion which was trained by her uncle Arthur Moore and became only the second woman rider to win the race... |
John Quinn | Patricia Thompson | |
| 36 | Ornais (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
9 | 10-04 | Nick Scholfield | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
The Stewart family | |
| 37 | Arbor Supreme (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-03 | David Casey | Willie Mullins Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
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| 38 | Royal Rosa (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
12 | 10-03 | Paul Gallagher | Howard Johnson | Mr. & Mrs. Graham Wylie | |
| 39 | Skippers Brig (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-02 | Dominic Elsworth | Nicky Richards Nicky Richards Nicholas Gordon Richards is a British racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Greystoke, near Penrith, Cumbria, England... |
Ashelybank Investments Ltd. | |
| 40 | Golden Kite (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-02 | Shane Hassett | Adrian Maguire Adrian Maguire Adrian Maguire, born 29 April 1971 in Kilmessan, County Meath, Ireland, is a racehorse trainer and former jockey.Maguire began his career in Irish pony racing at the age of nine, in which he rode more than 200 winners. In 1990 he rode his first winner under rules, at Sligo, before his first victory... (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
Dr. Anthony Calnan | |
| R1 | Always Waining (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-02 | Peter Bowen | Mr. & Mrs. Peter Douglas | ||
| R2 | Faasel (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
10 | 10-01 | David Pipe David Pipe (racehorse trainer) The son of the prolific horseracing trainer Martin Pipe David Pipe is the trainer of the David Johnson owned Comply or Die, who ridden by Timmy Murphy won the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree racecourse.... |
Jim Ennis | ||
| R3 | Le Beau Bai (FRA France The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France... ) |
8 | 10-01 | Richard Lee | Glass Half Full Syndicate | ||
| R4 | Giles Cross (IRE Republic of Ireland Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,... ) |
9 | 10-00 | Victor Dartnall | KCMS Partnership |
*Barry Geraghty
Barry Geraghty
Barry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in...
rode Or Noir de Somoza after his original jockey, Tom Scudamore
Tom Scudamore
Tom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:...
, withdrew due to an injury sustained in a race the day prior to the National.
Finishing order
Ten-year-old BallabriggsBallabriggs
Ballabriggs is a Grand National-winning National Hunt racehorse trained by Donald McCain, Jr. in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.-Racing career:...
led for much of the race, and the gelding eventually saw off a strong run-in challenge from amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen
Sam Waley-Cohen
Sam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt...
on Oscar Time who secured second place. Third was 2010
2010 Grand National
The 2010 Grand National was the 163rd renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at the Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 10 April 2010....
winner Tony McCoy
Tony McCoy
Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
on Don't Push It
Don't Push It
Don't Push It is a Grand National-winning thoroughbred racehorse.- Debut :Don't Push It began his career on the 5th December 2004 at Warwick Racecourse in a National Hunt Flat race . He finished 3rd.- 2005-2006 Season :...
, twelve lengths behind the second. 15/2 favourite The Midnight Club made a mistake at the third fence and finished sixth.
State of Play, the eleven-year-old 28/1 shot trained by Welshman Evan Williams, finished in the top four for the third successive National.
Nineteen runners completed the course, including three of the six 100/1 shots. This was the highest number of finishers since 2005
2005 Grand National
The 2005 Grand National was the 158th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 9 April 2005 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £700,000 including £406,000 to...
when twenty-one horses passed the finishing post.
| Position | Horse | Jockey Jockey A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:... |
SP | Distance | Prize money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ballabriggs Ballabriggs Ballabriggs is a Grand National-winning National Hunt racehorse trained by Donald McCain, Jr. in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.-Racing career:... |
Jason Maguire Jason Maguire Jason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham... |
Won by 2¼ lengths | £535,135 | |
| 2 | Oscar Time | Mr. Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt... |
12 lengths | £201,590 | |
| 3 | Don't Push It Don't Push It Don't Push It is a Grand National-winning thoroughbred racehorse.- Debut :Don't Push It began his career on the 5th December 2004 at Warwick Racecourse in a National Hunt Flat race . He finished 3rd.- 2005-2006 Season :... |
Tony McCoy Tony McCoy Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey.... |
2 lengths | £100,890 | |
| 4 | State of Play | Paul Moloney | 7 lengths | £50,445 | |
| 5 | Niche Market | Harry Skelton | 4 lengths | £25,270 | |
| 6 | The Midnight Club | Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:... |
F | 13 lengths | £12,635 |
| 7 | Big Fella Thanks | Graham Lee Graham Lee (jockey) Graham Lee is a successful Irish National Hunt jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy... |
A head | £6,270 | |
| 8 | Surface to Air | Tom Messenger | 19 lengths | £3,230 | |
| 9 | Skippers Brig | Dominic Elsworth | 8 lengths | ||
| 10 | Backstage | Paul Carberry Paul Carberry Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers... |
½ length | ||
| 11 | King Fontaine | Denis O'Regan | 25 lengths | ||
| 12 | Silver by Nature | Peter Buchanan | 5 lengths | ||
| 13 | In Compliance | Leighton Aspell | 8 lengths | ||
| 14 | Bluesea Cracker | Andrew McNamara | 16 lengths | ||
| 15 | Character Building | Ms. Nina Carberry | 12 lengths | ||
| 16 | Golden Kite | Shane Hassett | A distance | ||
| 17 | Chief Dan George | Paddy Aspell | 20 lengths | ||
| 18 | Royal Rosa | Paul Gallagher | A distance | ||
| 19 | Piraya | Johnny Farrelly | Last to complete |
Non-finishers
Ten horses fell during the race, four unseated their riders, two were brought down by other fallers and five were pulled up.100/1 outsider Santa's Son had led the field over the Canal Turn
Canal Turn
The Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England....
, but the short-distance runner eventually fell out of contention and jockey Jamie Moore
Jamie Moore (jockey)
Jamie Moore is an English National Hunt jockey. He is the brother of champion flat jockey Ryan Moore, and son of successful dual-purpose trainer Gary L. Moore....
pulled him up before the 27th fence. Killyglen fell at the 27th, having been close to leader Ballabriggs at the beginning of the second circuit.
Ornais and Dooneys Gate both suffered fatal falls on the first circuit, the former at fence four (a plain, 4 ft 10 in obstacle) and the latter at fence six (the 5 ft Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
). According to one animal rights group, this brought to 20 the total number of equine deaths at all Aintree meetings since 2000. Aintree had made significant modifications to its National Course in recent years, including improving veterinary facilities and reducing the severity of some fences, but another notable change was highlighted in this race — that the course has been widened to allow more fences to be bypassed if necessary. As the remaining contenders on the second circuit approached the 20th fence, arrowed signposts and marshals waving chequered flags signalled them to bypass on the outside as Ornais' body was covered on the landing side. Two jumps later and they were again diverted, this time around the famous Becher's Brook, where veterinary staff attended to the fatally-injured Dooneys Gate. This was the first time since the modern course was finalised in the 1880s that only 28 fences had been jumped.
| Fence | Horse | Jockey Jockey A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:... |
SP | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | That's Rhythm | James Reveley | Fell | |
| 2 | Becauseicouldntsee | Davy Russell Davy Russell Davy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002... |
Fell | |
| 2 | Vic Venturi | Andrew Lynch | Brought down | |
| 4 | Calgary Bay | Hadden Frost | Fell | |
| 4 | Ornais | Nick Scholfield | Fell | |
| 6 (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Or Noir de Somoza | Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:... |
Fell | |
| 6 (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Dooneys Gate | Mr. Patrick Mullins | Fell | |
| 6 (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
The Tother One | Mr. Ryan Mahon | Fell | |
| 6 (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
West End Rocker | Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey) Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King.... |
Brought down | |
| 10 | Tidal Bay | Brian Hughes | Unseated rider | |
| 11 | Quoilbet | Mark Walsh | Unseated rider | |
| 13 | Grand Slam Hero | Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman is an Irish horse racing jockey.Born in Innishannon, Cork, Ireland, Coleman rode in the 2008 Grand National at the age of 19, his first time riding in that steeplechase. He was one of the youngest riders ever to start the Grand National... |
Fell | |
| 15 (The Chair) | Quinz | Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:... |
Pulled up | |
| 18 | Can't Buy Time | Richie McLernon | Fell | |
| 24 (Canal Turn Canal Turn The Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England.... ) |
Majestic Concorde | Mr. Robbie McNamara | Unseated rider | |
| 27 | What A Friend | Daryl Jacob | Pulled up | |
| 27 | Santa's Son | Jamie Moore Jamie Moore (jockey) Jamie Moore is an English National Hunt jockey. He is the brother of champion flat jockey Ryan Moore, and son of successful dual-purpose trainer Gary L. Moore.... |
Pulled up | |
| 27 | Killyglen | Robert Power | Fell | |
| 28 | Comply or Die Comply or Die Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008... |
Timmy Murphy Timmy Murphy Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :... |
Pulled up | |
| 28 | Arbor Supreme | David Casey | Fell | |
| 29 | Hello Bud | Sam Twiston-Davis | Pulled up |
Broadcasting
The Grand National has the status of being an event of significant national interest within the United Kingdom and thus is listed on the Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated EventsOfcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events
The Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed & Designated Events is a series of regulations issued originally by the Independent Television Commission then by Ofcom when the latter assumed most of the ITC's responsibilities in 2003, which is designed to protect the availability of live coverage of...
. The race therefore must be covered live on free-to-air terrestrial television
Terrestrial television
Terrestrial television is a mode of television broadcasting which does not involve satellite transmission or cables — typically using radio waves through transmitting and receiving antennas or television antenna aerials...
in the UK. The BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
aired the race on radio for the 80th consecutive year and on television for the 52nd year.
Clare Balding
Clare Balding
Clare Balding is a BBC sports presenter, journalist and jockey.-Early life:In 1989 and 1990, Balding was a leading amateur flat jockey and Champion Lady Rider in 1990....
presented the BBC's television coverage, supported by Rishi Persad and retired jockey Richard Pitman
Richard Pitman
Richard Pitman, is a retired jump jockey who rode 470 winners in his career including Lanzarote in the 1974 Champion Hurdle). He also won the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park Racecourse twice, the Whitbread Gold Cup once and the Hennessy Gold Cup once....
, which was broadcast on BBC One
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
and, for the second year, BBC HD
BBC HD
BBC HD is a high-definition television network provided by the BBC. The service was initially run as a trial from 15 May 2006 until becoming a full service on 1 December 2007...
. Former National-winning jockeys Richard Dunwoody
Richard Dunwoody
Thomas Richard Dunwoody MBE is a retired British jockey in National Hunt racing. He was a three-time Champion Jockey, riding 1699 British winners in his career. His father was a leading Point to Point rider...
and Mick Fitzgerald
Mick Fitzgerald
Mick Fitzgerald is an Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He has ridden the winners of the Grand National, on Rough Quest in 1996, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business in 1999. He was the stable jockey for Nicky Henderson and was leading jockey at the...
provided expert analysis, while betting news was provided by Gary Wiltshire and John Parrott
John Parrott
John Parrott MBE is an English professional snooker player and TV personality.He won the World Snooker Championship in 1991, defeating Jimmy White in the final. Two years earlier he had lost 3–18 to Steve Davis, the heaviest final defeat in modern times...
. Suzi Perry
Suzi Perry
Suzi Perry is an English television presenter, best known for covering MotoGP for the BBC for 13 years and The Gadget Show.-Early life:...
was due to be providing soundbites from spectators but did not take part in the programme. Her place was taken by last-minute replacement Dan Walker
Dan Walker
Dan Meirion Walker is a British sports journalist. He is the current presenter of Football Focus, the BBC's Saturday lunchtime football show. He has also been seen presenting sport on the BBC News Channel and BBC Network News, as well as regularly reporting for Score, Football Focus and Match of...
who had been at Aintree to present Football Focus
Football Focus
Football Focus is a BBC television show, broadcast on BBC One on Saturday lunchtimes, covering football, presented from the 2009/2010 season by Dan Walker...
, aired prior to the National.
The race commentary team was led by Jim McGrath
Jim McGrath (Australian commentator)
Jim Aloysius McGrath is the BBC's senior horse racing commentator. He was previously deputy race commentator, and sometimes a paddock commentator.-Career:...
, who called the winner home for the 14th consecutive year; he was supported by Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett is a horse racing commentator and occasional analyst for the BBC.. He has also commentated for Channel 4 Racing.For the BBC's television coverage of the Grand National, Bartlett commentates on four sections of the 4½-mile steeplechase, from the 1st to 5th fence, 10th to 12th, 17th to...
and Darren Owen
Darren Owen
Darren Charles Owen is a horse racing commentator, born 3 June 1967 in St. Asaph, North Wales.Having been interested in horse racing since a young age, Owen won the regional final of an amateur sports commentator competition, organised by BBC Radio 2 and sponsored by Fosters Lager, in 1989. He...
.
As well as being streamed to UK viewers on BBC Online, BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
also aired the race, presented by Mark Chapman.
The BBC later received some criticism for failing to mention the deaths of Ornais and Dooneys Gate until the end of its broadcast. A spokesman later said: "During the race and the re-run [the fatalities were] covered with as much sensitivity as possible."
Quotes
Selected quotes of participating jockeys speaking after the race:- Jason MaguireJason MaguireJason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham...
(BallabriggsBallabriggsBallabriggs is a Grand National-winning National Hunt racehorse trained by Donald McCain, Jr. in Cholmondeley, Cheshire.-Racing career:...
, 1st): "He loved it... I got him to the front to get him relaxed and put breathers into him and that helped him get the trip."
- Sam Waley-CohenSam Waley-CohenSam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt...
(Oscar Time, 2nd): "The plan was always to come with one smooth run. We knew he had a huge jump in him so I was just trying to get him to pop a little bit and save and not get too keen. He did everything I asked of him."
- Tony McCoyTony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
(Don't Push ItDon't Push ItDon't Push It is a Grand National-winning thoroughbred racehorse.- Debut :Don't Push It began his career on the 5th December 2004 at Warwick Racecourse in a National Hunt Flat race . He finished 3rd.- 2005-2006 Season :...
, 3rd): "He ran a great race and all credit to the horse. He was off the bridle a little bit early and he got a little bit low at a couple of fences late on which was energy-sapping."
- Paul Moloney (State of Play, 4th): "He's an incredible horse - he's just a little bit slower this year because time is catching up with him. He couldn't lay up with the pace and the ground was probably a little slower than ideal, but he's a fabulous horse."
- Harry Skelton (Niche Market, 5th): "He ran an absolute blinder and has given me a tremendous ride."
- Denis O'Regan (King Fontaine, 11th): "My horse ran a blinder. I was a bit slow earlier and nearly got brought down. He jumped like a buck. He's only a novice and will be an ideal spin next year."
- Andrew McNamara (Bluesea Cracker, 14th): "The ground was a bit quick for her."
- Nina Carberry (Character Building, 15th): "I was nearly brought down at Becher'sBecher's BrookBecher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
and that was his race over."
- Hadden Frost (Calgary Bay, fell at the 4th fence): "He jumped the fence fine, but landed a bit steep, which any horse could do. We were just behind Ballabriggs at the time so we were in the right place. Maybe we'll come back and try again."
- Robbie McNamara (Majestic Concorde, unseated rider at 24th): "We were too keen early. I was just starting to get him switched off when we came into the Canal TurnCanal TurnThe Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England....
and got in too close and tipped up."
- Timmy MurphyTimmy MurphyTimothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :...
(Comply or DieComply or DieComply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008...
, pulled up before 28th): "I would say that's his last race. He got very tired and he's not getting any younger, but he's a special horse to me and it's nice to think he's ended up at the course where we achieved our finest hour."
Aftermath
The unusually warm and sunny weather conditions were credited with helping the 2011 meeting set a Grand National attendance record. A crowd of 70,291 people attended the main Saturday race day, and a total of 153,583 attended over the course of the three-day meeting, beating the previous record of 151,660 set in 20052005 Grand National
The 2005 Grand National was the 158th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 9 April 2005 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £700,000 including £406,000 to...
.
The Grand National is always a major event for bookmakers, particularly in the United Kingdom. An estimated £300 million in bets were estimated to be struck on the 2011 race, including some from as far afield as Australia, Bermuda and Kazakhstan, with British troops in Afghanistan also joining in. It is estimated that nearly half of the adult population of the UK bets on the Grand National.
The race received a significant amount of negative media coverage over the two equine fatalities, which were more publicly noticeable than in prior Nationals due to two fences being bypassed for the first time. Those watching the race on television were given clear views of the tarpaulin-covered body of Ornais and of veterinary staff attending to the fatally-injured Dooneys Gate while the runners diverted around them.
Andrew Taylor, director of the animal rights group Animal Aid
Animal Aid
Animal Aid, founded in 1977, is a British animal rights organisation. The group campaigns peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle. It also investigates and exposes animal cruelty....
, called for an outright ban of the Grand National, saying: "It's a deliberately hazardous, challenging and predictably lethal event." The RSPCA
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charity in England and Wales that promotes animal welfare. In 2009 the RSPCA investigated 141,280 cruelty complaints and collected and rescued 135,293 animals...
's equine consultant David Muir stated: "I was gutted that two horses died... What I will do now is go back and have a look at each element, with the BHA and the racecourse management, to see if the jump contributed to what happened, look at the take-off and landing side and so on, and see if the evidence suggests something can be done about it. I'm trying to make the race better, safer where I can, but the one thing I can never do is eliminate risk: that's always going to be there." Muir did however add: "There's no way I'm going to get the National banned."
Aintree's managing director Julian Thick said: "We are desperately sad at the accidents during the running of the Grand National today and our thoughts go out to the connections of Ornais and Dooneys Gate... Only the best horses and the best jockeys are allowed to enter and all horses are inspected by the vet when they arrive at Aintree to ensure that they are fit to race. This year we had 20 horse catchers, at least two fence attendants at each of the 16 fences, four stewards to inspect the course, two BHA
British Horseracing Authority
The British Horseracing Authority, also known simply as the BHA, is the regulatory authority for horse racing in Great Britain.It was formed on 31 July 2007, after the merger of the British Horseracing Board and the Horseracing Regulatory Authority .Its stated objectives are to: “provide the most...
course inspectors, ten vets, 50 ground staff and 35 ground repair staff... We work closely with animal welfare organisations, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare
World Horse Welfare
World Horse Welfare is a registered charity in the United Kingdom and Scotland that was previously named The International League for the Protection of Horses . Anne, Princess Royal is its patron.-History:...
, to make sure we are up to date with the latest thinking and research... and to make sure that the horses are looked after properly and that the race is run as safely as possible."
Veteran trainer Ginger McCain
Ginger McCain
Donald "Ginger" McCain was an English National Hunt trainer, perhaps best known for training the legendary horse Red Rum. A successful trainer who won many races, he trained Red Rum on Crosby beach near Liverpool...
queried the suggestion of reducing the size of the fences in the aftermath of the race. McCain said: "You don't make things better by making it easier. Its speed that does the damage." Champion jockey Tony McCoy
Tony McCoy
Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
also defended the National, saying, "I personally don't think the sport could be in any better shape for horses or jockeys." Ornais's owner, Andy Stewart, later said: "We're still grieving but I think this whole hyped up situation regarding the Grand National is totally wrong... National Hunt racing is safer and compliant with every single sport that goes along. My son snowboarded in France and, unfortunately, he had an accident and he'll never walk again. Why don't we just get on with it and enjoy the sport?"
Winning jockey Jason Maguire was handed a five-day ban by the stewards for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs. The horse's trainer, Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr.
Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs....
, indicated that he will likely return to Aintree for the 2012 National
2012 Grand National
The 2012 Grand National will be the 165th annual renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England....
seeking the first back-to-back wins since Red Rum
Red Rum
Red Rum was a champion Thoroughbred racehorse who achieved an unmatched historic treble when he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and also came second in the two intervening years...
in 1974: "I'd have thought next season will revolve around the National and he may well go to the Becher Chase
Becher Chase
The Becher Chase is a Listed National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 3 miles and 2 furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-one fences to be jumped...
[in December] as well."
See also
- Horseracing in Great Britain
- List of British National Hunt races
- 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup2011 Cheltenham Gold CupThe 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup was a horse race which took place at Cheltenham on Friday March 18, 2011. It was the 83rd running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and it was won by the pre-race favourite Long Run who beat three previous winners of the Gold Cup in Kauto Star, Denman and defending champion...