Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: Rip Van We Go Again on April 06, 2011, 11:10:05 AM

Title: Grand National
Post by: Rip Van We Go Again on April 06, 2011, 11:10:05 AM
Oscar time for me.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 06, 2011, 11:23:20 AM
Some of your posts have been good in the last 12 months but I don't think any of them deserve an award.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Javu on April 06, 2011, 11:24:37 AM
It'll be a turkey.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Yeltzer on April 06, 2011, 11:49:46 AM
I'm going for Dusty Carpet.... never been beaten
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 06, 2011, 12:40:04 PM
For work reasons, I hate the Cheltenham -> Grand National period.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 06, 2011, 12:47:33 PM
If Tim the Villan is reading this....

Don't go for a curry in Liverpool the week after the Grand National as the meat is sourced from Beechers Brook.

I hear that one year at the Toxteh Tandoori they found a horses ear in the Chicken Madras.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: peter w on April 06, 2011, 12:53:51 PM
Oscar time for me.

The Councillor is running?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Villa'Zawg on April 06, 2011, 01:16:05 PM
Form                Horse                                       Age/Wgt           Owner                          Trainer/Probable Jockey

1) P1-P000 DON'T PUSH IT (IRE)  11-11-10  J P McManus  Jonjo O'Neill/Tony McCoy

2) 04-3226 TIDAL BAY (IRE)  10-11-09  Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson/Brian Hughes

3) 211-524 WHAT A FRIEND  8-11-06  Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson Paul Nicholls/Daryl Jacob

4) 1B-0044 VIC VENTURI (IRE)  11-11-06  Seamus Dunne  Dessie Hughes IRE/Andrew Lynch

5) U62/1-31 MAJESTIC CONCORDE (IRE) 8-11-05  Dr Ronan Lambe Dermot Weld IRE/Mr Robbie McNamara

6) 42F14 OR NOIR DE SOMOZA (FR) 9-11-05  Filsal Stadeg Racing David Pipe/Tom Scudamore

7) 1F24-41 DOONEYS GATE (IRE) 10-11-04  Jackie Mullins  Willie Mullins IRE/Mr Patrick Mullins

8) 14-2F44 BIG FELLA THANKS  9-11-01  Crossed Fingers Partnership Ferdy Murphy/Graham Lee

9) 205-244 THE TOTHER ONE (IRE) 10-11-00  Graham Roach  Paul Nicholls/Mr Ryan Mahon

10) 111-112 BALLABRIGGS (IRE)  10-11-00  Trevor Hemmings Donald McCain/Jason Maguire

 11) 3133-21 THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) 10-10-13 Susannah Ricci  Willie Mullins IRE/Ruby Walsh

12) 20P-F50 NICHE MARKET (IRE)  10-10-13 Graham Regan  Paul Nicholls/Harry Skelton

13) 121-001 SILVER BY NATURE  9-10-12 Geoff Brown  Lucinda Russell/Peter Buchanan

14) 0BP-500 BACKSTAGE (FR)  9-10-12 MPR & Capranny Syndicate Gordon Elliott IRE/Paul Carberry

15) 11-053F  CHIEF DAN GEORGE (IRE) 11-10-12 Maurice Chapman Jimmy Moffatt/Paddy Aspell

16) 4-56242 CALGARY BAY (IRE)  8-10-10 Camilla Radford Henrietta Knight/Hadden Frost

17) 2P-2536 KILLYGLEN (IRE)  9-10-10 David McCammon Stuart Crawford IRE/Robert Power

18) 152-263 OSCAR TIME (IRE) 10-10-09 Robert Waley-Cohen/Sir Martin & S Broughton Martin Lynch IRE/ Mr Sam Waley-Cohen

19) 10-1131 QUINZ (FR)   7-10-08 Andrew Cohen  Philip Hobbs/Richard Johnson

20) 500423 NORTHERN ALLIANCE (IRE) 10-10-08 Irish Rover Syndicate Tony Martin IRE/Barry Geraghty

 21) 2212-42 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) 8-10-08 Noel Glynn  Noel Glynn IRE/Davy Russell

22) 000-06P COMPLY OR DIE (IRE) 12-10-08 David Johnson  David Pipe/Timmy Murphy

23) F-FF25P QUOLIBET (FR)  7-10-08 J P McManus  Jonjo O’Neill/Mark Walsh

24) 1FP10P GRAND SLAM HERO (IRE) 10-10-07 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Nigel Twiston-Davies/Aidan Coleman

25) 6/454-P6  ROLL ALONG (IRE)  11-10-07 Bryan & Philippa Burrough Nigel Twiston-Davies/Wayne Hutchinson

26) 0/144/P3- STATE OF PLAY  11-10-06 William & Angela Rucker Evan Williams/Paul Moloney

27) 11-11P5 KING FONTAINE (IRE)  8-10-06 Trevor Hemmings Malcolm Jefferson/Denis O’Regan

28) U-3431U  IN COMPLIANCE (IRE) 11-10-05 Westerly Breeze Syndicate Dessie Hughes IRE/Leighton Aspell

29) 005P-1P HELLO BUD (IRE)  13-10-05 Seamus Murphy Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies

30) P/00-11P WEST END ROCKER (IRE) 9-10-05  Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater Alan King/Robert Thornton

 31) 200010 SANTA'S SON (IRE)  11-10-05 Douglas Pryde & Jim Beaumont Howard Johnson/Jamie Moore

32) C21-046 BLUESEA CRACKER (IRE) 9-10-04 J P McManus         James Motherway IRE/Andrew McNamara

33) 01050 THAT'S RHYTHM (FR)  11-10-04 Don't Tell Henry Martin Todhunter/James Reveley

34) P2/111/-0 SURFACE TO AIR  10-10-04 Tim Urry  Chris Bealby/Tom Messenger

35) P-234PP PIRAYA (FR)   8-10-04 Terry Neill  David Pipe/Johnny Farrelly

36) 6F-0P5P CAN'T BUY TIME (IRE) 9-10-04 J P McManus  Jonjo O'Neill/Richie McLernon

37) 0-30563 CHARACTER BUILDING (IRE) 11-10-04 Patricia Thompson John Quinn/Miss Nina Carberry

38) 15/1P/-52  ORNAIS (FR)   9-10-04 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls/Nick Scholfield

39) U2U-0P2 ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) 9-10-03 J P McManus  Willie Mullins IRE/David Casey

40) 013111- OUR MONTY (IRE)  8-10-03 Colland Sand & Gravel Ltd Willie Mullins IRE/Ms Katie Walsh


Reserves

41) P5U-42P ROYAL ROSA (FR)  12-10-03 Andrea & Graham Wylie Howard Johnson/Paul Gallagher

42) 313-011 SKIPPERS BRIG (IRE)  10-10-02 Ashleybank Investments Limited Nicky Richards/Dominic Elsworth

43) 210010 GOLDEN KITE (IRE)  9-10-02 Dr Anthony Calnan Adrian Maguire IRE/Shane Hassett

44) 006004 ALWAYS WAINING (IRE) 10-10-02 Mr & Mrs Peter James Douglas Peter Bowen/???


I fancied Surface to Air a couple of years ago before he was injured. He had made mincemeat of successive 10lb handicap rises, winning 10 lengths each time including the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. They have given him a blow out over hurdles a few weeks ago. If he's fully fit, he could go well for a place at a big price.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: VillaZogmariner on April 06, 2011, 02:13:06 PM
Ever wondered why Becher's Brook at Aintree is so named? In the 1839 race Captain Martin Becher was thrown from his horse at the notorious fence and took shelter in the small brook beneath it while the other riders jumped over. You can see the incident in the pic below.

(http://www.colorsport.co.uk/media/images/galleries/CAPT_BECHER_1839_GRAND_NATI.jpg)

Quote
Captain Becher (in yellow) sheltering in the brook, after being thrown off Conrad during the first Grand National in 1839. Becher reputedly waited for the other horses to negotiate the jump before remounting and setting off in persuit of the field, only to be thrown off again at the next brook. He later remarked that he "never realised how disgusting water tasted without the benefits of whisky". Although at the time considered to be the fourth running of the Grand Liverpool chase, the three races prior to the 1839 meet were relatively poorly organised and are now merely considered precursors to the National proper. Therefore Becher, who won the first meeting in 1836, was destined not to go down in history as a National winner, but instead has forever after given his name to the course's most famous, and perilous, obstacle.

I love it when I find out little snippets of info like that and learn something new. For a start I thought it was Beeches Brook!

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: andyaston on April 06, 2011, 04:55:10 PM
im going for Creosote, it's good over fences  :o
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Nev on April 06, 2011, 05:40:51 PM
I love National Hunt Racing but hate the national. The whole meeting has descended into a Ascot like fashion (of a sort) show where even the Aintree website describes the meeting as a "social event". I'm sick of seeing publicity seekers like Colleen Rooney parading about with as much interest in the racing as a pig has in a holiday brochure.

Behind all the bullshit, bluster and fake tan there is a quality race meeting taking place where, with the exception if the National, there are some cracking horses running. I shall have a punt on most races with the exception of the 4.15 on Saturday.

As my old man always says at this time of year: Grand National day in the bookies, like Christmas Day in the pub.

Give me Cheltenham any time.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on April 06, 2011, 08:29:43 PM
How about a H & V Grand National sweepstake, no money but just for the fun of it ?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: bertlambshank on April 06, 2011, 08:57:40 PM
CALGARY BAY e/w for me.Just a heads up Paddy Power are paying the first six in the Masters.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: SX150 on April 06, 2011, 09:55:46 PM
Going for V-NEC, heard its a nice jumper.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: john e on April 06, 2011, 10:23:06 PM
Grand Slam Hero,  66/1 yesterday,  if you like a each way bet, get on,
 you can thank me later
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: richard moore on April 06, 2011, 10:42:26 PM
Can't stand horse racing, the National is the second biggest Springtime non event for me after the boat race...
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Villa'Zawg on April 06, 2011, 10:51:53 PM
How about a H & V Grand National sweepstake, no money but just for the fun of it ?

How might we organise it?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 06, 2011, 10:59:30 PM
How about a H & V Grand National sweepstake, no money but just for the fun of it ?

How might we organise it?

Easy.

Right, I've randomized the horses on a document on my PC.
Pick a number between 1 & 44 (to include the reserves, tough if you don't get a runner) and I'll tell you which hoss you've got, I'll take the last one left unless someone pips me to it before I get chance to nick it.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Villa'Zawg on April 06, 2011, 11:31:11 PM
How about a H & V Grand National sweepstake, no money but just for the fun of it ?

How might we organise it?

Easy.

Right, I've randomized the horses on a document on my PC.
Pick a number between 1 & 44 (to include the reserves, tough if you don't get a runner) and I'll tell you which hoss you've got, I'll take the last one left unless someone pips me to it before I get chance to nick it.

That's exactly how I would have done it if I wasn't a lazy bastard. I'll take number 11 if you don't mind :-)
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: VillaZogmariner on April 07, 2011, 12:04:33 AM
Northern Alliance for me.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2011, 12:23:45 AM
I'll take #12. Or 15. Or 22 please Dave.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: TheSandman on April 07, 2011, 12:58:52 AM
8 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 07, 2011, 01:24:23 AM
I'll have 7 please Mr Cooper.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 01:35:35 AM
I'll take number 11 if you don't mind :-)

You get: Big Fella Thanks
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 01:36:14 AM
Northern Alliance for me.
Pick a fucking number between 1 & 44 you ******.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 01:38:22 AM
I'll take #12. Or 15. Or 22 please Dave.

One number please

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 01:39:45 AM
8 please

Calgary Bay

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 01:41:01 AM
I'll have 7 please Mr Cooper.

Chief Dan George


Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 07, 2011, 01:42:17 AM
25 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Tucson Villain on April 07, 2011, 01:46:34 AM
23 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Brian Taylor on April 07, 2011, 02:23:47 AM


14

but I like Nina Carberry chances.

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: usav on April 07, 2011, 02:33:56 AM
15 ta!
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: VillaZogmariner on April 07, 2011, 09:21:19 AM
17
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 11:37:58 AM
25 please.

Don't Push It
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 11:38:51 AM
23 please.

Grand Slam Hero
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 11:39:44 AM
14

Ornais

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 11:40:49 AM
15 ta!

The T'other One

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 11:41:49 AM
17

State of Play

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Newquay_AVFC on April 07, 2011, 11:43:08 AM
Number 5 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on April 07, 2011, 12:02:20 PM
Dave.....Hit me with 33.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:03:05 PM
Number 5 please.

Comply Or Die

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:04:05 PM
Dave.....Hit me with 33.

The Midnight Club



Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:05:51 PM
Slight change of plan, no one has drawn a reserve yet so I've removed them, if your horse is pulled you'll get the reserve that comes in in it's place.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on April 07, 2011, 12:06:47 PM
Dave.....Hit me with 33.

The Midnight Club





 :) Nice one, thats the 8/1 favourite  :)
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:10:50 PM
I'll take #12. Or 15. Or 22 please Dave.

I've decide to take your first number, so you get:

Quolibet
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 07, 2011, 12:11:26 PM
13 for me please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: glasses on April 07, 2011, 12:12:05 PM
Can I have Number 2 if nobody else has had it?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: rjp on April 07, 2011, 12:13:43 PM
Can I have 37 please?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:13:47 PM
13 for me please

Can't Buy Time
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:14:49 PM
Can I have Number 2 if nobody else has had it?

Arbor Supreme
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 12:15:45 PM
Can I have 37 please?

Character Building
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Brian Taylor on April 07, 2011, 02:48:24 PM
Can I have 37 please?

Character Building

Nina Carberry - First woman to win the National?

Always worth a punt on her horses when she rides in England. She only bothers with best.

Then Paddy her brother is equally astute in picking out a good runner. Nina will stay out of trouble and should do well. CB can jump and has good form and stamina. strong E/w
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Bosco81 on April 07, 2011, 02:58:32 PM
Can I have 34 please Dave ?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 04:14:45 PM
Can I have 34 please Dave ?

Santa's Son
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dr Butler on April 07, 2011, 04:20:01 PM
many left Dave ? 
if so, I will have the lowest number still available.

cheers

UTV
The Doc   
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 04:21:17 PM
many left Dave ? 
if so, I will have the lowest number still available.
 

Number 1 then!

Ballabriggs

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dr Butler on April 07, 2011, 04:23:08 PM
many left Dave ? 
if so, I will have the lowest number still available.
 

Number 1 then!

Ballabriggs



cheers
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Villa'Zawg on April 07, 2011, 06:07:17 PM
I'll take number 11 if you don't mind :-)

You get: Big Fella Thanks


Interesting, I hadn't really considered it. Was joint fav last year and looked to have a great chance 3 out before seeming to run out of steam. I'll throw a fiver on all the same.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: mattjpa on April 07, 2011, 06:21:25 PM
39 please!
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 06:39:28 PM
39 please!

Dooney's Gate
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: bertlambshank on April 07, 2011, 06:49:53 PM
Any numbers left Dave?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 06:52:20 PM
Any numbers left Dave?

Loads.
3,4,6,9,10,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,24,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,35,36,38,40

Not really that popular this!
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: bertlambshank on April 07, 2011, 06:53:18 PM
Number 9 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 06:54:23 PM
Number 9 please.

Niche Market
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: b23 on April 07, 2011, 06:59:28 PM
No. 19 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 07:03:53 PM
No. 19 please

Bluesea Cracker
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 07, 2011, 07:10:20 PM
18 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 07:19:03 PM
18 please.

Silver By Nature
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Warren Aspinall on April 07, 2011, 07:54:20 PM
27 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: jamestownvilla on April 07, 2011, 08:39:21 PM
16 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: b23 on April 07, 2011, 08:48:12 PM
No. 19 please

Thank you.

Bluesea Cracker
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Louzie0 on April 07, 2011, 09:08:54 PM
May I have number 40 please, Dave?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 09:45:07 PM
27 please

Our Monty
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 09:46:08 PM
16 please

Killyglen

Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 09:48:09 PM
May I have number 40 please, Dave?

Oscar Time
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 07, 2011, 09:49:30 PM
Numbers left:

3,4,6,16,17,20,21,22,24,26,28,29,30,31,32,35,36,38
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Louzie0 on April 07, 2011, 10:01:54 PM
Thanks.

I see it comes with your recommendation!  (sorry!)
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Louzie0 on April 07, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
I mean RVB's
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Yeltzer on April 08, 2011, 11:54:08 AM
31 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dr Butler on April 08, 2011, 02:33:48 PM
right who got this beauty ? 

510-1131 QUINZ (FR) 7 10-08
Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson
Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase at Kempton in February. Owned by Birmingham City fan Andrew Cohen, who also had dual National runner-up Suny Bay. Stable had runner-up What's Up Boys in 2002 and are great at getting one ready for a big race. Statistics are against seven-year-old horses winning this race, however.
Rating: 8/10 Odds: 20-1
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: peter w on April 08, 2011, 03:38:56 PM
I'll take number 21.

If there's any left over I'll have number 20 and number 4.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: eric woolban woolban on April 08, 2011, 09:51:58 PM
Can I have 30 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: eric woolban woolban on April 08, 2011, 09:54:50 PM
I'm betting on Razzle Subscriber - It's always first to the post.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Brian Taylor on April 09, 2011, 01:47:21 AM
I'll have 6  if some still going

or Backstage if hasn't been taken..one of the Carberry's is due a win.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 09:14:54 AM
31 please

Backstage
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 09:19:15 AM
I'll take number 21.

If there's any left over I'll have number 20 and number 4.
You can have all 3, I don't care!

Skippers Brig
Quinz
King Fontaine
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 09:19:49 AM
I'll have 6  if some still going


Majestic Concorde
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 09:21:05 AM
Numbers Left:

3,10,22,24,26,28,29,30,32,35,36,38
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villa1 on April 09, 2011, 10:24:02 AM
3 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
3 please.

Becauseicouldntsee
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villajk on April 09, 2011, 01:16:43 PM
10 please
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villajk on April 09, 2011, 01:18:00 PM
Could dave clark five have 22 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Brian Taylor on April 09, 2011, 01:23:03 PM
Thanks, sincerely, for my allocation but I still think

Character Building
Backstage
Silver by Nature 

are better options.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 01:36:14 PM
10 please

That's Rhythm
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 01:37:12 PM
Could dave clark five have 22 please.

In Compliance
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: TheSandman on April 09, 2011, 03:53:30 PM
My bets:

Silver by Nature
Oscar Time
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Karl Bridges on April 09, 2011, 04:01:13 PM
38 please.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 04:08:02 PM
38 please.

Or Noir de Somoza
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villajk on April 09, 2011, 04:19:13 PM
Bloody hell, game over at the first fence for me.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villajk on April 09, 2011, 04:27:50 PM
Ironically, No 10 at the race won.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dave Cooper please on April 09, 2011, 04:30:54 PM
Dr Butler wins the sweepstake.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: villajk on April 09, 2011, 04:34:28 PM
Well done Dr B.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Karl Bridges on April 09, 2011, 05:56:09 PM
I got £19.50 back on a £1 e/w on the winner.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 09, 2011, 08:25:46 PM
Oscar time for me.


Thanks. Got a bit of money back. Made up for the losses on John e's tip.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Somniloquism on April 09, 2011, 08:35:47 PM
So how many horses died this year? My Grandad who loved his weekly flutters always ignored the Grand national as he called it the cruellest race around.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: cdbearsfan on April 09, 2011, 08:41:04 PM
Got first in the worksweep and second and third at the bookies. Won about £50ish. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: stevenavfc on April 09, 2011, 09:18:24 PM
Nice of the BBC to avoid any unpleasant references in commentary to the poor horses that died and no mention on their 'sport' web site. Shame on them
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: SheffieldVillain on April 09, 2011, 09:38:06 PM
Nice of the BBC to avoid any unpleasant references in commentary to the poor horses that died and no mention on their 'sport' web site.

Wrong. Fifth paragraph.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/9451559.stm
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: richard moore on April 09, 2011, 11:38:45 PM
So how many horses died this year? My Grandad who loved his weekly flutters always ignored the Grand national as he called it the cruellest race around.

I hate horse racing but particularly loathe the Grand National for this very reason.

Still, only two horses died this year....pretty good really as long as you had a nice day out or won some money

When's Wimbledon because I don't watch tennis for the other 52 weeks of the year either?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Nev on April 10, 2011, 07:29:44 AM
There's no need to put the animals through this when you can have reasonable distances and fences and still have quality races such as this years Gold Cup. I am aware that horses can suffer fatal injury in standard races, but the make-up of the GN increases the risk significantly. Following a number of deaths at Cheltenham the course management re-sited the second last fence and this is continually reviewed resulting in a reduction in the fatality rate.

With the sport in something of a crisis and Racing For Change attempting to promote a more positive image for the sport, any good work is instantly undone by this unedifying spectacle.

The fences should be downsized and the distance reduced to 3 and half miles, and while we at it, ban the whip altogether.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: mattjpa on April 10, 2011, 11:11:36 AM
Oscar time for me.

thankyou very much. i had him each way on your advice....only doubled my money but damn i enjoyed the race because of his performance!
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 10, 2011, 11:23:05 AM
I'm no expert in animal behaviour, but if the race is so cruel and the horses are only doing it under some form of duress, why do so many that fall/unseat their riders then carry on at full gallop, including jumping the fences?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Somniloquism on April 10, 2011, 11:32:54 AM
I'm no expert in animal behaviour, but if the race is so cruel and the horses are only doing it under some form of duress, why do so many that fall/unseat their riders then carry on at full gallop, including jumping the fences?

Because that is all they have known all their life.

I'm not against Horse racing per se but the GN fences are some of the tallest and widest in the sport and horses are more likely to fall and injure themselves on these then any other. And in this sport an injured horse is normally a dead horse as most owners will not want a horse that cannot race.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Nev on April 10, 2011, 11:41:03 AM
I'm no expert in animal behaviour, but if the race is so cruel and the horses are only doing it under some form of duress, why do so many that fall/unseat their riders then carry on at full gallop, including jumping the fences?

They are trained to jump and it's generally accepted that they do "enjoy" racing although some will run around an obstacle rather than jump it, and some refuse to run altogether as had happened at Aintree earlier this week.
The size of the fences is the issue and the animal will attempt to jump having no comprehension of the danger. The distance is also a concern and it's notable how many horses are pulled up long before the final stages. The Gold Cup is just over 3 miles and the National is four and a half, and there is a marked difference in the condition of many horses at the end of each of those races.

On a side note, the winning jockey has recieved a ban for excessive use of the whip on Ballabrigs and it's not his first this season either.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Somniloquism on April 10, 2011, 11:43:15 AM
On a side note, the winning jockey has recieved a ban for excessive use of the whip on Ballabrigs and it's not his first this season either.

Is that why the horse wasn't rode into the winning ring? Too bloodied?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Nev on April 10, 2011, 11:59:00 AM
I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I believe if the whipping leaves the horse marked then the stewards will take action including reviewing the video.

After the horse has run its bollocks off for four miles I don't believe it deserves to be whipped at all, a view shared by my dad who loves his racing and bizarrely by John McCririck. The argument for the whip is that it helps control the horse but if you look back at yesterdays race it didn't appear that the jockey was doing anything of the sort.

Maguire dismounted so that they could douse the horse with water, there was the added factor of unusually high temperatures yesterday.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Bosco81 on April 10, 2011, 12:46:01 PM
Ballabriggs was dehydrated which is why Maguire jumped straight off to get some water on the horse.

The 2 horse deaths don't make good viewing especially for people who have not seen a race since this time last year.

How to make the race safer without taking away the uniqueness of the event is going to be tricky.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Dr Butler on April 11, 2011, 08:36:46 AM
Dr Butler wins the sweepstake.

Get in there........... I got first, second and fourth, cheers everyone ! 

UTV
the Doc
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Risso on April 11, 2011, 08:46:25 AM
I got first, as me and just about everybody else on the Isle of Man went for the Manx owned horse.
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 11, 2011, 06:12:05 PM
Do Manx horses usually win by a short tail?
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Risso on April 13, 2011, 09:49:04 AM
Do Manx horses usually win by a short tail?

Arf!  It's the extra leg that gives the advantage.

A bloke I know works for Trevor Hemmings managing his estate in the north of the island, and he and his wife got flown over to Aintree in Trevor's helicopter. 
Title: Re: Grand National
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 13, 2011, 11:32:56 AM
I'd ban the "sport" tomorrow if I could. The only point in it, it seems to me, is purely for betting purposes. Surely there are other ways of gambling without killing horses unnecessarily. Flat racing I can just about tolerate, but the height of the fences in the National is a disgrace.
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