I've always found the Grand National a hard watch - but this year's race was a real breath of fresh air
Despite being a lifelong jump-racing enthusiast, I have found the Grand National a hard race to watch. The gruelling and at times chaotic nature of the contest leads to its share of romantic results, but all too often it felt like the glory of success was embellished by the misfortune of fallers.
As a fan, it made each running a tense experience and the viewing became even more anxiety-inducing when I finally experienced the race with a vested interest during my time at a racing yard. Ten minutes can feel like a lifetime when hopes for a safe trip overwhelm any thoughts of success. Yes, there is nothing quite like the National, but that did not always feel like a good thing.
There has been a lot of contention over the last couple of days about the changing nature of jump racing's most famous race after I Am Maximus bolted to victory on Saturday. For some, it may have felt like a shadow of its former self after Grade 1 winners dominated the top four placings and 21 of the 32 runners crossed the line; for others, a National in which there were no fallers may have felt like a victory itself.
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Published on 15 April 2024inAnother View
Last updated 14:19, 15 April 2024
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- So much to like at Sandown - but day was tarnished by a farce at the start which robs punters
- Guineas weekend may soon be viewed as the start of the turf season with trials losing their importance
- The fab four - my magic moments to savour as a memorable jumps season reaches its finale
- There will never be another Olivier Peslier; modern racing simply wouldn't produce one
- Gavin Cromwell's remarkable achievement and the worrying implications for British jump racing