Fine advert: former Irish pointers fill seven of first nine Grand National places

There was a 50-50 probability this year's Randox Grand National winner would come from an Irish point-to-point background.

As it turned out, the influence was dominant. Seven of the first nine started their careers in our branch of the sport, the exceptions being runner-up I Am Maximus, who made a gallant bid to repeat last year's win, and fourth-placed Iroko.

I mentioned last week that Nick Rockett was the type of horse the modern-day National could suit. I was surprised he was as big as 33-1, although I expect many punters thought he had a big task in meeting Tom Gibney's runner Intense Raffles on much worse terms than in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse.