Racing's brightest jewel returns as we say welcome back to the Grand National

Twelve months ago, just when the world should have been watching Aintree, we had to make do with animation. There is nothing virtual about the treat now being laid before us. At long last it is time to welcome back the Randox Grand National.

Throughout its long history there have been periods when the greatest of all horseraces faced a horribly uncertain future. Since Covid became part of our lives we have all experienced something similar, while for all too many people there has been real tragedy. In most of our lifetimes there has never been such a sense of collective trauma. Finally, however, it really does feel like a page is turning.

The Duke of Edinburgh's death was met with understandable sadness, but there are imminent reasons why the nation's mood may soon be lifted.