Soft-ground Grand Nationals whet appetite for tales of the unexpected

At this rate it won’t be long before the phrase 'old-fashioned' will usurp Randox Health as a more frequently used appendage to the Grand National. Sponsors deserve their due, but this year’s renewal seems likely to be run in conditions that conjure memories of bygone days.

Soft-ground Grand Nationals hark back to an era when the race shared much in common with events at Balaclava during the Crimean War. Mud-spattered horses running loose in all directions around Aintree, often causing mayhem within the ranks of those still mounted.

It will be interesting to see whether such imagery is still considered appropriate in these politically correct times. But when 40 highly tuned horses are released by the starter, there’s no telling what may unfold.