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'Hi, mate. Got a tip for the National?' - the one phrase that makes me shudder
Everyone wants a tip for the Grand NationalCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)
Has it arrived yet? That casual once-a-year message that sends dread and fear through your very being.
"Hi mate. Hope you're well. Just wondering if you had any tips for the Grand National this year? Thanks." Shudder.
There are few things that contort me more than these messages, prompting as they do the sudden dropping of everything to allow for a full and thorough revision of all articles and formlines for the contenders for one of the maddest, most unpredictable races run anywhere in the world.
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- We know that times are tight - but racecourses really do need to step up and improve outdated weighing rooms
- The budget has heaped even more trouble on racing - and I fear many trainers will now decide the numbers just don't add up
- Why I think Cheltenham Festival handicaps need to change - JP McManus writes exclusively for the Racing Post
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- Four score and ten just a number to Peter Harris as July Cup triumph shows there's more to the elderly than medical conditions