Top trainer Paul Nicholls joins the panel to discuss the Aintree action

Did this year’s Grand National pan out anything like you anticipated?

Paul Nicholls, trainer I don’t think the race ever pans out the way you anticipate as anything can happen and usually does. From our point of view Warriors Tale had stamina issues in the conditions and was eventually pulled up. But fair play to Tiger Roll as he had all the qualities for the race – he had won the four-mile chase and the cross-country at Cheltenham, and it all worked out for him.

Gavin Sheehan, jockey I thought we were going a sensible gallop after the first fence. I’ve watched the race back and it seemed to ride a lovely race, but soft ground seemed to play against most of the horses. It was very special that Tiger Roll won. He’s won over all types of courses now.

Jimmy Mangan, trainer It’s easy to say it now but Tiger Roll had the form to win an Aintree Grand National after winning the cross-country at Cheltenham and, as well as that, he is trained by a brilliant man in Gordon Elliott and ridden by a class jockey in Davy Russell. He wasn’t a surprise winner for me, no way.

All smiles: Jockey Davy Russell and trainer Gordon Elliott lift the Grand National trophy after Tiger Roll’s winCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Andrew Tinkler, jockey It was a really good race this year and Davy Russell gave a masterclass. Having watched Tiger Roll jump, I thought his technique might make him vulnerable over some of the biggest fences, but Davy was A1. Keith Donoghue deserves plenty of credit for what he’s done as well. It was no surprise to see the Irish do so well given how this season has gone.

Richard Horner, Sky Bet odds compiler Certainly not as I’d hoped anyway as the two I backed both departed at Becher’s first time round! As the price suggested, Tiger Roll was one of the most likely winners and proved again he is one for the big occasion, adding a National to his various Cheltenham Festival successes.