We’re going to wrap things up for this year’s race. Thanks for joining us through the day, we’ll send you on your way with some further reading:
A reminder of the top six - many bookies were paying out for sixth place, which went to One For Arthur, the 2017 winner of the Grand National.
1st Tiger Roll 4/1
2nd Magic Of Light 66/1
3rd Rathvinden 8/1
4th Walk In The Mill 25/1
5th Anibale Fly 10/1
6th One For Arthur 25/1
And the rest:
7th Regal Encore 66/1
8th Singlefarmpayment 50/1
9th Outlander 66/1
10th Valseur Lido 66/1
11th Livelovelaugh 25/1
12th A Toi Phil 50/1
13th Bless The Wings 50/1
14th Ultragold 50/1
15th Vieux Lion Rouge 50/1
16th Captain Redbeard 66/1
17th Folsom Blue 66/1
18th Valtor 66/1
19th Don Poli 66/1
The rest either fell or were pulled up.
Updated
Last in the race was Don Poli, the final finisher in 19th. “Don Slowly”, as they call him, was only bought from the O’Leary Gigginstown cartel on Thursday evening by Darren Yates for £170,000. Yates made his fortune by betting and winning on all seven races Frankie Dettori won at Ascot in 1996, converting £59 into £550,000...please gamble responsibly.
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It was at the 29th and 30th fences where Tiger Roll took control, and pulled away. Magic of Light knuckled at the last, but fought on bravely when they got to The Elbow. By the way, Tiger Roll was the first horse to win the National in blinkers since L’Escargot in 1975.
The watch-back of the race suggest this was a calm race as these things go, while taking the tragedy that befell Up For Review into consideration, and Tiger Roll picked his way through, having made a mistake at the 23rd fence - Foinavon. And the 24th, too. Magic of Light ran a cracker, the sole mare in the race; the last to win it was Nickel Coin in 1951. You can see the calm of Davy Russell as they approached the business end.
Updated
Up For Review and Vintage Clouds fell at the first, but there were then no falls until the 16th fence when Monbeg Notorious came down.
The presentations are being made, with Michael O’Leary cracking a smile as Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell come to collect their gongs.
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Sad news to report
Up For Review, as trained by Willie Mullins, and owned by Graham Wylie, has sadly died after falling at the first. General Principle has been treated for injuries said to be superficial. The rest of the 38 seem to be OK, though we wait for further news, plus news on the jockeys, too.
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Here’s our snap report.
An emotional day, always, Aintree and Tiger’s groom, Louise Dunne, is in tears. So, it seems, are most of the Gordon Elliott team, though it is difficult to think Michael O’Leary does much sobbing.
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Here’s the finish. That was a win for the ages.
🐯 TIGER ROLL - the small horse with a big heart who has made history
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) April 6, 2019
😍 Was the result ever really in doubt? Congratulations to connections of an Aintree legendpic.twitter.com/0L4AldemGi
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott: “What a horse, what a horse! Tiger....”
He doesn’t say much more than that of his horse.
Tiger Roll, Magic Of Light, Rathvinden. Walk In The Mill, Anibale Fly is your order for winner and places.
“Keep him walking,” says Gordon Elliott as his horse enters the winners’ enclosure. Michael O’Leary says he thought it would be impossible. Brother Eddie admits Tiger Roll was bought to win a Fred Winter at Cheltenham.
Compared to last year, when he was ridden so close by Pleasant Company, that was an easy win for Tiger Roll. He didn’t tie up at the last.
Back-to-back wins for Tiger Roll in the @RandoxHealth Grand National.
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 6, 2019
He makes history! #RandoxHealth #GrandNational #Aintree #TheWorldIsWatching pic.twitter.com/Ay3Hx7TlLA
“I can’t believe it,” says Davy Russell. “Ah, jaysus.” Tributes paid to Gordon Elliott and Michael O’Leary, the owner.
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That was a wonderful ride by Davy Russell. Tiger Roll is an Aintree great, emulating Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. There was one scare, but that was won almost as easy as his win in the Cross Country at Cheltenham. What a horse, what a rider. Gordon Elliott has now won three Nationals as a trainer; he won with Silver Birch in 2007.
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Tiger Rolls wins the Grand National!
Tiger Rolls clears the last in the lead, and to The Elbow. And he has won by three lengths from Magic of Light and Rathvinden.
Updated
Tiger Roll is going well in fourth...Magic of Light leads to the second last. Anibale Fly is in touch.
They all clear Becher’s with Rathvinden leading, same story at Foinavon. Tiger Roll is making his move under Davy Russell. Rathvinden makes a mistake, and so does Tiger Roll as Magic of Light leads.
They bypass the first fence on the second time round, and all bar three are going. That’s 37 horses. Nico de Boinville leads on Step Back before Rathvinden takes up the pace again. Rock The Kasbah has gone and Minella Rocco is pulled up.
Off towards halfway, Step Back leads Pleasant Company and Rathvinden. Monbeg Notorious is the back marker, and Anibale Fly makes a mistake at the 14th of 30. Step Back leads as they go past the stands. Tiger Roll is sat in eighth.
Updated
Rathvinden is well placed, with Tiger Roll halfway down the field at the Canal Turn. Ruby Walsh is riding out in front in the style he has employed at this festival. Rock The Kasbah makes a mistake at the 12th.
Updated
Vintage Clouds falls at the first with Up For Review, and Tiger Roll makes a mistake at the second. The back marker at the third is Rock The Kasbah and they approach Becher’s, which Step Back clears in the lead, as do the rest.
The start is delayed. “You are not going like that,” barks the starter. It’s going to be a standing start. And they are off....
Under starter’s orders and we are almost ready to go....
There is no more canny rider than Davy Russell. Tiger Roll is as short as 4/1 now.
Cheers for the reigning champion, Tiger Roll and @_Davy_Russel_ as they head out 🐯#RandoxHealth #GrandNational #Aintree #TheWorldIsWatching pic.twitter.com/Vag1q5pI1O
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 6, 2019
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The horses have been mounted are making their way to the start line. The nerves are starting to jangle for everyone. Tea For Two, at 25/1, and ridden by the popular Lizzie Kelly, is one of the last to break from the parade as they canter to the starter.
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Mark Bradstock, who trains the fancied Step Back, was curt with the cameras there; he looked nervous. “I just hope he gets round,” he says echoing the thoughts of us all, and for all the horses and jockeys.
Livelovelaugh, at 33/1, began the day at 100/1, so a significant bet has gone down there. That’s a bet for the extrovert optimists and the Mullins followers.
The jockeys are saying their final words to the trainers and owners, and here’s the National Anthem. The chorus from the crowd is lusty, and perhaps a little over-refreshed.
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And here are the latest odds.
- Tiger Roll – 5/1
- Rathvinden – 10/1
- Jury Duty – 14/1
- Pleasant Company – 16/1
- Anibale Fly – 12/1
- Vintage Clouds – 18/1
- Lake View Lad – 18/1
- Joe Farrell – 20/1
- Rock the Kasbah – 18/1
- Dounikos – 25/1
- Walk in the Mill – 33/1
- Step Back – 33/1
- Livelovelaugh – 33/1
- Ramses De Teillee – 33/1
- One for Arthur – 33/1
- Tea for Two – 40/1
- General Principle – 50/1
- Go Conquer – 50/1
- Noble Endevour – 66/1
- Minella Rocco – 66/1
- Up For Review – 66/1
- Singlefarmpayment – 80/1
- Monbeg Notorious – 80/1
- Ballyoptic – 66/1
- Vieux Lion Rouge – 80/1
- A Toi Phil – 80/1
- Ultragold – 80/1
- Bless the Wings – 100/1
- Valseur Lido – 100/1
- Captain Redbeard – 100/1
- Regal Encore – 100/1
- Valtor – 125/1
- Outlander – 125/1
- Mala Beach – 125/1
- Folsom Blue – 125/1
- Don Poli – 150/1
- Blow by Blow – 150/1
- Magic of Light – 150/1
- Warriors Tale – 150/1
- Just a Par – 200/1
Those come courtesy of Oddschecker.
That Anibale Fly, previously at 16/1, is now at 10/1 suggests a JP McManus plunge in the betting ring. The horses are in the parade ring now, on a beautiful spring day. Rathvinden, winner of last night’s Virtual Grand National (there’s no such thing as a virtual win?), looks resplendent.
The sole mare in the race is Magic of Light, trained by Jessica Harrington, and she is priced at 66/1.
Tiger Roll is trying to emulate Red Rum, winner in 1973 and 1974, plus 1977 of course. And the shrewdies say that he has the best chance of a repeat of any recent winner.
The view from Aintree
Initial paddock verdict:
— chris cook (@claimsfive) April 6, 2019
Up For Review looks like a model
Step Back looks like your geography teacher after a night out (handsome is as handsome does, of course)
Ramses De Teillee will surely win best turned out for the heart shapes brushed into his bum
Rathvinden is second-favourite at around the 17/2 mark, and the Mullins team, having landed the Gold Cup, seem pretty confident. Ruby Walsh rides, having twice won the race, in 2000 on Papillon for father Ted, and for Willie Mullins in 2005 on Hedgehunter.
That Ruby, who has fallen off in the previous Saturday races before and thus missed the big one, sat out the rest of the day, might say something about his belief in his mount. At 39, and as a rider who has often been in the wars, there may not be many more chances for him.
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A reminder: Top weight Anaibale Fly, second in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, goes at 16/1, and is ridden by Mark Walsh after Barry Geraghty, JP McManus’ top man, broke his leg in yesterday’s Topham Chase.
Walsh, who does most of his racing in Ireland, rode Espoir d’Allen to win this year’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and is a canny rider.
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Analysis of that 4.20 Betway Handicap Chase.
That three-mile chase has sometimes been a pointer to future Grand National contenders and Don’t Push It won it the year before his big day under AP McCoy. Kildisart is probably more of a Hennessy horse than a National one, according to his jubilant trainer, Ben Pauling, who had all but lost his voice in cheering him home. Colin Tizzard, in the runner-up’s spot with Mister Malarkey, said he was trying to sow the seed of a tilt at the National with the horse’s owner, Wendy Hezel. Tizzard was almost as happy as Pauling, his horses have been running so well here after a thin time of it in February and March, and he is starting to make optimistic noises about Ultragold in the big one. What’s the secret to getting them back in form at Aintree, I asked Tizzard, who has done this before. “I wish I knew,” he replied. “Wouldn’t have to worry so much about it then.”
Afternoon everybody. By now, you have made your selections, right? And you are getting a little tingly at that Grand National music from the film Champions - Bob Champion, Aldaniti and all.
Tiger Roll, having touched 11/2 45 minutes ago or so, is now at 5/1 across the board. That was just too tempting a price not to take up, it seems.
I’m handing over to John Brewin now for the build-up to the National and for the big race itself. Hope you back the winner ...
4.20pm Betway Handicap Chase result
1 Kildisart (D A Jacob) 8-1
2 Mister Malarky (Jonjo O’Neill Jr.) 11-2
3 Oldgrangewood (Harry Skelton) 7-1
4 Gold Opera (Craig Nichol) 50-1
18 ran
Also: 9-2 Fav Debece
4.20pm Betway Handicap Chase
They’re off ... Willie Boy leads in the early stages ... On Tour and Amaulino are at the back and they are all still standing as they go past the winning post for the first time ... Federici now takes the lead and kicks a few lengths clear ... Debece is second ... Federici now weakening ... Theatre Territory comes into the reckoning ... Gold Opera makes ground ... Kildisart makes a challenge ... Mister Malarkey makes a move ... but Kildisart kicks clear and wins under top weight.
Updated
4.20pm Betway Handicap Chase betting
- Debece – 9/2
- Kildisart – 13/2
- Mister Malarky – 15/2
- Oldgrangewood – 9/1
- Polydora – 10/1
- Touch Kick – 9/1
- Springtown Lake – 12/1
- On Tour – 14/1
- Theatre Territory – 16/1
- Amaulino – 20/1
- Reikers Island – 22/1
- Federici – 33/1
- Clondaw Westie – 33/1
- Red Giant – 40/1
- Some Buckle – 40/1
- Gold Opera – 50/1
- Willie Boy – 50/1
- Smooth Stepper – 80/1
Full betting here via Oddschecker
Gordon Elliott said of Apple’s Jade: “She got beaten fair and square but she’s run 100 times better than at Cheltenham. She’s won 10 Grade Ones and got beaten a neck in another one today. You can’t complain. We’ll see how she is after this; if she’s fine, she could go to Punchestown.”
A personal view is that Sam Spinner, ridden to go alongside her as they came out of the back straight, has softened Apple’s Jade up for the later challenges of Roksana and If The Cap Fits. In the end, Sam Spinner was beaten by miles and Apple’s Jade was game to sustain her effort as long as she did.
4.20pm Betway Handicap Chase preview
We warm up for the trickiest handicap chase of the year with another extremely tricky handicap chase. Mister Malarkey features at the head of the betting as we near the end of what has been a fruitful season for the six-year-old, a game fourth in the RSA at Cheltenham. Still, completing a three-mile race in mid-March and then running here is a lot to ask, as we saw when Topofthegame was well beaten here yesterday. Kildisart is another classy sort who might have left his chance behind at the Festival. The hat-trick-seeking Debece is a likely sort, making his handicap debut over fences, having been fourth off this mark over hurdles at last year’s Grand National meeting. Some Buckle has lots of quality form in his past, but there have obviously been problems as well, judging by some of his absences. He makes his second start for Richard Bandey and could get involved, or blow out completely. My pick at 33-1 is CLONDAW WESTIE, from the unsung but sharp yard of Lawney Hill. He has a fine record over fences in the spring and gave the impression he had more to offer when scoring at Stratford last month.
3.40pm Ryanair Stayers Hurdle result
1 If The Cap Fits (Sean Bowen) 7-1
2 Roksana (Harry Skelton) 10-1
3 Apple’s Jade (J W Kennedy) 5-6 Fav
15 ran
3.40pm Ryanair Stayers Hurdle
False start ... might as well start early ... Apples Jade is odds-on at the off after a big gamble ... and she takes the lead in the early stages as many who backed her hoped she would ... Apples Jade still leads to Sam Spinner ... Sam Spinner challenges the leader on the home turn ... If The Cap Fits is in third ... Roksana makes a challenge ... Roksana challenges but Apples Jade fights and it’s a great three-way finish with If The Cap Fits involved too ... If The Cap Fits wins a great race in a photo-finish.
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ITV goes full Tiger Roll
What is Matt Chapman wearing on ITV?
What is going on in the Social Stable?
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 6, 2019
It's a Tiger Roll party 🐯
Get involved with @MCYeeehaaa and @chrishughes_22 now using the hashtag #SocialStable pic.twitter.com/Q6mCZxmdSH
3.40pm Ryanair Stayers Hurdle betting
- Apples Jade – 11/8
- If the Cap Fits – 15/2
- Sam Spinner – 15/2
- William Henry – 10/1
- Roksana – 10/1
- Wholestone – 20/1
- Kilbricken Storm – 28/1
- Uknowhatimeanharry – 28/1
- The World’s End – 33/1
- West Approach – 33/1
- Lord Napier – 50/1
- Agrapart – 66/1
- Sykes – 66/1
- Clyne – 80/1
- Nautical Nitwit – 150/1
Full betting here via Oddschecker
Apple's Jade primed for success
Aintree’s Mildmay course is a fine place for front-runners when it dries out and Ornua was allowed a soft lead on his way to scoring just now. Earlier, the 20-1 winner Reserve Tank led or was prominent from the off. I’m looking for Apple’s Jade to be right up there from the ‘off’ in the next and the others will really be in trouble if she’s allowed her own way there.
Meanwhile, Reserve Tank is a second Grade One winner in two days for Colin Tizzard, who told me just four days ago that he was worried about his stable form. Not for the first time, Aintree has turned things around for the Dorset man and the drying ground is a help to his National runner, Ultragold. I don’t think he’ll see out the four miles but his chance is clearer now than it was on Friday morning.
3.40pm Ryanair Stayers Hurdle preview
Not for the first time, APPLE’S JADE was disappointing at the Cheltenham Festival, where she started favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Subsequently, she failed to scope clean, so it may be that there was some bug holding her back that day. This is her first race at Aintree since she hosed up by 41 lengths as a juvenile, the first time that we really saw what a great race-mare she was to become, and there is every reason to hope that she can go in again. This is a big field but the runners are known quantities and there is no doubt that Apple’s Jade is the pick of them. I’m encouraged to see she’s being supported but, at 6-4, she’s still a very fair price. Some of her rivals got better results at Cheltenham, like Roksana, who lucked into winning the Mares Hurdle, and William Henry, who just got up in the Coral Cup, while Sam Spinner was a game second in the Stayers. The question is how much those exertions will have cost them; the answer could be, more than it cost Apple’s Jade, who was not in the heat of battle in the closing stages.
3.00pm Maghull Novice Chase result
1 Ornua (D N Russell) 3-1 Jt Fav
2 Us And Them (J J Slevin) 3-1 Jt Fav
3 Destrier (Harry Skelton) 7-1
7 ran
3.00pm Maghull Novice Chase
And they’re off ... with Ornua blazing a trail in the lead ... a bad mistake by Destrier ... Knocknanuss is in second spot ... Caid Du Lin is at the back ... Lalor makes a bad mistake at the ditch ... Ornua still going well but Us And Them is on his tail and Lalor is beaten ... Ornua now being challenged by Destrier ... Ornua jumps well and is a winner for Tiger Roll’s rider Davy Russell ... Us And Them stayed on for second.
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Does your Grand National fancy share your birthday?
Love this. Who shares your birthday? Come on Walk the Mill! #grandnational pic.twitter.com/3fms2f8NxQ
— Gina Bryce (@GinaBryce) April 6, 2019
Never ask a jockey what the going is ...
Ground description bingo at Aintree - reaction after the first on hurdles track.
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 6, 2019
🗣 Harry Skelton: "on the slow side"
🗣 Richard Johnson: "good to soft but getting better"
🗣 Tom Bellamy: "dead and tacky"
🗣 Paddy Brennan: "good"
🗣 Nico de Boinville: "fairly soft"
3.00pm Maghull Novice Chase betting
- Us and them – 3/1
- Lalor – 4/1
- Ornua – 3/1
- Clondaw Castle – 13/2
- Destrier – 15/2
- Knocknanuss – 10/1
- Caid du Lin – 28/1
Full betting here at Oddschecker
3.00pm Maghull Novice Chase preview
Lalor’s participation here will be an interesting test of two questions: how much has the ground actually dried up and how much did soft at Cheltenham affect his performance? He looked a top-notcher in scoring there in the autumn but was pulled up a long way out in the Arkle Chase. No horse has better credentials for an Aintree bounce-back, given that he has won at this race-meeting for the past two years, but he has a bit to prove now. Us And Them is the obvious alternative, having been second in the Arkle, but he was beaten a fair distance and is a short price for a Grade One, considering his only win over fences was a beginners chase five months ago. Given that front-runners are faring quite well here this week, ORNUA could be the way to go. He fell early in the Arkle, his first run since December, but was beaten only by a promising rival in a Grade One at Sandown and his October form with Cadmium looks pretty good in light of that one’s Topham success on Friday.
Updated
2.25pm Betway Mersey Novice Hurdle result
1 Reserve Tank (R M Power) 20-1
2 Brewin’upastorm (R Johnson) 10-3
9 ran
Also: 11-4 Fav Angels Breath
2.25pm Betway Mersey Novice Hurdle
They’re off ... The Big Bite and Reserve Tank are the early leaders ... The Big Bite is very keen in the lead ... but Angels Breath is even more so and refusing to settle ... Colonel Custard is also prominent ... Angels Breath has calmed down a bit in fourth place now ... One For Rosie is last ... Colonel Custard joins The Big Bite in the lead ... on the home turn and Angels Breath tries to make a move ... Reserve Tank from Brewin’upastorm ... and Reserve Tank stays on to win at 20-1 with Brewin’upastorm second.
Updated
2.25pm Betway Mersey Novice Hurdle betting
- Angels Breath – 3/1
- Brewinupastorm – 3/1
- One for Rosie – 7/1
- Kateson – 6/1
- Umbrigado – 8/1
- Chosen Mate – 10/1
- Reserve Tank – 22/1
- The Big Bite – 28/1
- Colonel Custard – 50/1
- Full betting here at Oddschecker
2.25pm Betway Mersey Novice Hurdle preview
The betting is headed by a couple of horses who were well fancied for the Cheltenham Festival but let down their supporters and finished unplaced. Some horses take much better to Aintree than Cheltenham, as we saw with Champ on Friday, and that’s what fans of Angels Breath will be pinning their hopes on after he was only seventh in the Supreme. The drying ground and extra half a mile will help him but he looks a chaser in the making. That could also be true of Brewin’upastorm, who didn’t finish strongly when fifth in the Ballymore. It may pay to take on both with a progressive youngster who remains unbeaten under Rules. UMBRIGADO is taking a big step up in grade but was really impressive in landing an Exeter novice hurdle, while being green enough to suggest the experience will bring him on. From the David Pipe stable that is finishing the season well, he makes plenty of appeal at 10-1.
Updated
1.45pm Gaskells Handicap Hurdle result
1 Aux Ptits Soins (Harry Skelton) 11-1
2 Tommy Rapper (Bridget Andrews) 20-1
3 Keeper Hill (R Johnson) 25-1
4 Burbank (J McGrath) 25-1
21 ran
Also: 7-2 Fav Sire Du Berlais
1.45pm Gaskells Handicap Hurdle
They’re off ... Theclockisticking leads in the early stages ... Coole Cody is at the back but there’s a long way to go ... a mistake by Nadaitak ... Vive Le Roi has joined Theclockisticking at the head of affairs ... Keeper Hill is prominent ... into the home straight for the first time and a bad blunder from Sire Du Berlais ... Poker Play is in trouble and Flemcara is now at the back ... Burrows Park has moved closer ... Nestor Park has pulled up ... Nadaitak has made very good ground ... Aux Ptits Soins has moved to the lead and kicked clear ... and turned this into a procession ... Tommy Rapper was second for a Dan Skelton-trained one-two ...
Updated
We are nearing the time of the first race on Grand National day. ITV has not started its coverage yet but you can watch on Racing TV or follow the action here. The Guardian tip is Forza Milan, currently trading at 14-1.
Updated
1.45pm Gaskells Handicap Hurdle betting
- Sire Du Berlais – 7-2
- Poker Play – 8-1
- Nestor Park – 17-2
- Aux Ptits Soins – 14-1
- Coolanly – 12-1
- Theclockisticking – 14-1
- Forza Milan – 14-1
- 18-1 bar
- Full odds here at Oddschecker
Conservative MP George Freeman, whose father Arthur won the 1958 Grand National on Mr What, has announced a project designed to help turn around the lives of those who have suffered a life collapse and help them find work in the racing industry.
60yrs ago my Dad won the #National.
— George Freeman MP (@GeorgeFreemanMP) April 6, 2019
50yrs ago he suffered #LifeCollapse
30yrs ago he died a broken man.
This week @AintreeRaces I’ve launched @HopeInRacing: to give other people who’ve had a life collapse a 2ndChance in life.
Here’s dad winning the #GrandNational in 1958: pic.twitter.com/1DFjqGWX33
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Tea For Two attracting National backers
More evidence that the general public are banking on Lizzie Kelly creating history by becoming the first female rider to win the Grand National. A spokesperson for bookmakers.tv said: “Following on from the success at Cheltenham and earlier on at this meeting, the public are desperate for a lady to finally win the Grand National and the ‘once a year’ punters have latched onto Lizzie Kelly in record numbers. Tea for Two has crashed to as low as 20-1 from 80-1 and will now be another horse the bookies will be desperate to see out of the frame. Interestingly, the liabilities with some bookies for the ‘public’ horses (Tea for Two and Livelovelaugh) are now worse than Tiger Roll.”
Here’s Chris Cook’s interview with Kelly from last weekend’s Observer.
Latest Grand National betting moves
Thanks to the recent Cheltenham Festival and today’s Grand National, horse racing has been a welcome source of diversion to those of us horrified by the current state of our politics, so I’m sorry to have to mention Brexit here. But apparently there’s a slightly Brexity feel to the betting on today’s major race.
“We’re seeing absolutely no support for Ramses De Teillee,” said Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes. “And that seems to be true just now for any horse that punters would have trouble pronouncing.” Vieux Lion Rouge is another National runner today who seems short of friends. I think the Francophobes need to get over themselves, not least because many of the best jumpers in Britain and Ireland are of French extraction.
Meanwhile, Tea For Two was reported by McGeady as the firm’s best backed horse this morning and is 25-1 from 66-1. Pleasant Company also has his supporters and is 14s from 20s. Rock The Kasbah is also proving popular with, er, bettors of a certain age. Tiger Roll is being backed but perhaps not to the extent suggested by his odds and is 9-2 now from the early 7-2.
Meanwhile, William Hill report some faith in the winner from two years ago, One For Arthur, 20-1 from 25-1 in the blue shops. Pleasant Company is also going down well with them, as are Dounikos and Livelovelaugh.
The Tiger Roll fan club have arrived at the track.
Updated
Police investigate 'large-scale fight' at Aintree
A “large-scale” fight broke out between racegoers and youths following Ladies’ Day at Aintree, police have said.
Officers were called to the former Old Roan pub on Copy Lane, about a mile from the racecourse, at 7.30pm on Friday following reports a large group of youths had confronted racegoers, resulting in a fight. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray but has since been released under investigation.
Superintendent Dave Charnock of Merseyside Police said: “This kind of violent disorder in a public place will not be tolerated and we are currently examining CCTV and video footage and following a number of lines of inquiry to identify those responsible.
“A dispersal zone has been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour and high-visibility patrols will be stepped up in the area over the weekend. This means that any groups of people gathering in the areas of Old Roan to Warbreck Moor can be moved on. I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has any footage to contact us.”
He added: “Despite this incident occurring away from the racecourse, the actions of individuals involved have tarnished what was an otherwise fantastic day for racegoers and we will continue to pursue those responsible and put them before the courts. We have no doubt that everyone attending the final day of the Grand National Festival will have a fantastic time and officers will be both inside and outside the course to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Police had praised racegoers for their behaviour on Ladies’ Day as thousands descended on the world-famous racecourse for the second day of the Grand National Festival. Only two arrests were made on the course on Friday, with one man held on suspicion of possession of counterfeit currency and another arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. Anyone who witnessed the disturbance, has any dashcam or video footage or any information is asked to contact MerPolCC ON 101 or CrimestoppersUK. PA
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Winners, losers, fun-seekers and, of course, horses are all in evidence as Guardian and Observer photographer Tom Jenkins captures the essence of Aintree (our snapper will be adding to this great gallery throughout the day)
Rathvinden is the most popular Grand National tip in this morning’s newspapers, getting four votes from those pundits whose selections are collated by the Racing Post. Three have put their faith in Tiger Roll for a second victory, while Vintage Clouds gets a couple of votes. But the experts have evidently found this year’s race as much of a puzzle as everyone else, as there are also tips for Joe Farrell, Anibale Fly, Step Back, Ramses De Teillee, Jury Duty, General Principle and Lake View Lad. That makes a quarter of the field that have been put up by a newspaper tipster somewhere …
Going update ... it’s getting less squishy
Going change on the Grand National course
— chris cook (@claimsfive) April 6, 2019
Now good to soft all round, from soft in places earlier
Anyone here on Thursday would be stunned imo
You will be bored by 5.15pm today hearing everyone waffle on about the great potential stories in the National. Tiger Roll winning for the second year running and emulating Red Rum; the first female rider; Trevor Hemmings becoming the most successful Grand National-winning owner of all-time etc. But what about a Guardian journalist winning the race? Normally that’s only if one of our punts is successful, but Professor Caroline Tisdall, the art critic at the Grauniad in the 1970s, owns Vieux Lion Rouge and the horse is far from out of it , as trainer David Pipe pointed out:
‘As for my National team, both RAMSES DE TEILLEE and VIEUX LION ROUGE are in great nick and ready to take their chance in the big one on Saturday. They have been schooled over the Aintree-style fences that the racecourse kindly erected here at Pond House. This week, we have had all the West Country trainers here, including Paul Nicholls, getting some practice into their runners.
As for our two, we worked out that Vieux Lion Rouge has already jumped 152 national fences under rules in his lifetime to date, so he didn’t really need that much match practice! Both of my runners seem to be in great form and their preparations have been spot on up to this point.’
Good luck to @DavidPipeRacing in tomorrow's #GrandNational - read his thoughts on his two runners in @CityAM https://t.co/Of4gFfcixr pic.twitter.com/sZqzNwB6ha
— Bill Esdaile (@BillEsdaile) April 5, 2019
Lovely gesture at the home of the Grand National as the late, great sports writer, Hugh McIlvanney, is inducted into Aintree’s Hall of Fame today.
The legendary sports writer, Hugh McIlvanney, is inducted into Aintree's Hall of Fame at the McCoys, with his widow Caroline receiving the plaque 🙌
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 6, 2019
His commitment to the Grand National was simply superb!#GrandNational #TheWorldIsWatching #welldeserved pic.twitter.com/N4BhEd4XOa
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Donald McCain, son of the legendary Red Rum’s trainer Ginger, is unequivocal in his support of today’s race in a tweet today. McCain trained Ballabriggs to Grand National success in 2011 and rapper and actor Lethal Bizzle (aka Maxwell Owusu Ansahl) will always be grateful, as he explains below.
Non-runner news. DiscoBoy isn’t on the Aintree trains to the course this year which is a shame as last year was bangin’.
More jockey news ... Mark Enright is fit to ride Noble Endeavor in the Grand National. The jockey was taken to hospital, along with Barry Geraghty, after falling from his mount in Friday’s Topham Chase at Aintree. Geraghty broke his leg and lost the ride on Anibale Fly but Enright has recovered following his tumble.
Confirmation that Mark Enright has passed his medical examination and has been cleared to ride @AintreeRaces today.
— BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) April 6, 2019
Walsh bags ride on fancied Anibale Fly
News incoming (as expected) that Mark Walsh gets the leg up on Anibale Fly after Barry Geraghty’s unfortunate fall at Aintree yesterday. Jonathan Burke takes the place of Walsh on Regal Encore.
Jockey changes for the 2019 @RandoxOfficial #GrandNational @AintreeRaces :
— BHA Press Office (@BHAPressOffice) April 6, 2019
1. Anibale Fly - Mark Walsh
17. Regal Encore - Jonathan Burke
Hello and welcome to Grand National day, the biggest day of the racing year bar none and the one event that truly transcends the sport. Personally, I loved the days before racing’s weights-and-measures man, Phil “Tinkerman” Smith, started to fiddle about with the race and we started to get genuine outsiders winning, with the average winning odds now 33-1.
The best piece of advice is to shop around, get the best price about your fancy and take those odds early in the day. And check the bookies’ place and each-way terms. Some are betting each-way on the first five, six or even seven.
The tapes go up for the first race at 1.45pm with the big one set to start at the new, later off-time of 5.15pm. Stick with us here for more sage advice and the latest news from Aintree where Greg Wood and Chris Cook will be reporting from the track as we bring you the only Thoroughbred contest that merits the tag “the greatest race in the world”.
Grech & Parkin to break up
The Grech & Parkin partnership, which has been prolific in jump racing in recent seasons, is to break up with the sale of all horses. Claimantakinforgan and River Wylde are among those to be auctioned off with no reserve next month, following the decision by Mike Grech and Stuart Parkin to bring their time as joint-owners to an end.
“After five years, the Grech & Parkin partnership will be dissolved at the end of this season,” said Ryan Tongue, racing manager for the pair. “All their horses will go to Doncaster sales in May, including some unraced animals and three-year-olds currently in France.”
The pair, whose backgrounds are in financial services, made their entry into the sport after paying £5,000 for a morning on Nicky Henderson’s gallops at a charity auction. During that visit, they were persuaded to buy the first of many horses they eventually owned at the Lambourn stable.
It is believed that, while Grech retains his passion for racing, Parkin’s interest has cooled this season. Their horses have achieved a 27% strike-rate over the past year, but big-race success has proved elusive and the pair have had more than their share of bad luck, with River Wylde missing most of the season through an injury sustained in a last-fence fall at Haydock. Yellow Dockets and Claimantakinforgan have also spent time on the sidelines.
In all, around 30 horses are expected to be sold, with Henderson expected to try to retain some of the classy animals that would otherwise be leaving his yard. The owners also have horses at the stables of Paul Nicholls, Ian Williams, Dan Skelton, Alan King and Warren Greatrex, and at one stage had plans to expand into Ireland.
Kupatana was their most recent winner, at Kelso last month. Mr Whipped ran fourth in a Grade One at Aintree this week and the pair are expected to have runners at the remaining big meetings this season, at Ayr, Sandown and Punchestown.
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Preamble
The first two days of the Grand National were distinctly so-so in terms of the weather, but it was a bright, clear dawn for National day itself and conditions are expected to stay that way, with highs of around 15C as we draw closer to the big race at 5.15pm BST.
A fine and memorable afternoon is in prospect, in other words, though runners that need to get their toes in are likely to find their chance slowly ebbing away as the day goes on. The official going on the Grand National course is currently good-to-soft and soft around the Canal Turn but it could well be edging towards good in seven hours’ time and this is unlikely to be a National that is won by the dourest stayer in the field.
As even the most casual once-a-year punters are surely now aware, the market for today’s race revolves around a single horse: Tiger Roll, last year’s winner and quite possibly the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win back-to-back Nationals. He has drifted slightly in the betting this morning but is still just 9-2 across the board and while he might edge out further still if there is serious money for the second-favourite, Rathvinden, he could just as easily tighten up if some serious punters decide that 9-2 is a price worth taking.
Back in the days when the on-course betting market was king, I suspect the layers would have been out to get Tiger Roll in a serious way and his price would have drifted markedly in the run-up to the race. Luck in running is a huge factor in the National, anything can go wrong at any stage in the nine or so minutes it takes to run and Tiger Roll is one of those horses that might have been at his best on his first attempt at these fences.
These days, though, it is all about Betfair and if the major players there decide a horse is worth backing at the price, they will. An interesting aspect of Frankel’s extraordinary run of 14 straight wins on the Flat a few years ago was the willingness of punters to take almost any price, for instance before the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood when he opened in the market at around 1-8 and was backed down to start at 1-20.
In all honesty, I have no idea which way his odds will go in the 15 minutes before the race. He could set off at 3-1 or 6-1, but if you are backing him with a bookie this morning, make sure that they are offering “best odds guaranteed” just in case he drifts.
There has been so much focus on Tiger Roll that other stories have been somewhat overlooked in the run-up to this year’s race. There is an outside chance at best that we will see the first National success for a female rider this afternoon, as Rachael Blackmore (who rides 100-1 chance Valseur Lido) and Lizzie Kelly (Tea For Two) are both on long-shots (though Kelly’s mount Tea For Two attracted some support yesterday and is now top-priced at 50-1).
Jury Duty, a former winner of the American Grand National – basically a hurdles event over two-and-a-half miles – is another runner with an outstanding back-story, having been bought by his owners after winning a couple of point-to-points in Ireland. The syndicate was set up by the late Ciaran Collins, a lifelong friend of Jury Duty’s jockey Robbie Power, who died shortly after his horse’s first big win, at Punchestown in November 2017. His brother, Shane, will be there to pick up the trophy if Jury Duty comes home in front today.
Gary O’Brien, a familiar face to viewers of Racing TV, will need to be excused from his punditry duties for a while if Folsom Blue, in which he has a share, emerges as the winner. Good luck too to all the commentators on the race, including Richard Hoiles, the impeccable caller for ITV Racing, as they try to work out which of the seven runners in the colours of Gigginstown Stud, Tiger Roll among them, is which.
There is more about Tiger Roll and the inevitable comparisons with Red Rum here, while his jockey Davy Russell talks about his big-race preparations (or lack thereof) here. Chris Cook’s tips for the National and the rest of today’s card are here, and this live blog is the place to come for all the National news that’s fit to print (or commit to the internet) in the run-up to the 172nd renewal of the world’s greatest steeplechase.
