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vf
It was indeed Bounce Back, he fell a further twice during the race, quite unusual for a loose horse!
I don’t think these are set in stone, but I think Air Force One isn’t going, and Equus Maximus is being aimed at the Irish national. The one that worries me is The Package! One of 2 I’ve backed, but I don’t recall any confirmation from connections that he’s going! I hope I’m wrong!
There’ll be a few others though! Ground withdrawals, and at least a couple of last minute injuries!
The funny thing is, if Little Polvier had won in 88, West Tip, would prbably have become the double winner in 89!
Grey Desire, the same for me, Alverton at my grans as a six year old. My first experience of a fatality in racing. I still remember it vividly, as my dad had bet Rubstic. He was well pleased obviously, but as a six year old, I couldn’t quite get my head round a horse dying.
The worst sights I’ve ever seen on the course, were Griffins Bar in the 98 National, a stricken Book of Music being comforted by his jockey in the 95/96 King George, and a horse called Lilla Sophia in the bumper at Aintree last year.
The worst visually for me though was Rasharrow at Kelso, it was horrific, easily the worst I’ve seen. Took me a while to get over that one.
For just the circumstances, there will never be a greater tragedy than One Man. I’ve never felt as low with a fatality, as I did with that one.
You’re welcome gc
The thing about Mr Chris was, his owner, Chris Liveras, had, years earlier, bet a horse called Mr Chris to win the Grand National at, if memory serves me, 1000-1. I think he stuck a good amount on, £500 possibly. I don’t think he had even owned a horse, when he struck this bet, before buying one and calling it Mr Chris. Imagine the poor guy, placing the bet, buying the horse, getting it entered, and sneaking in off 6-10….only to see it cantering along and falling at the Water Jump. He must have been gutted………nearly gutted as I was last year. As I mentioned on a previous thread, I was on Zabenz at a silly price, and he too cantering, falls at the water. Not good!
As for unlucky losers, yeah, you’d have to go something to beat Loving Words, in recent times anyway. He would have went close! There’s been loads of others, one of the most well known being Clan Royal getting carried out in 2005. Colnel Rayburn was also brought to a standstill in this incident, and he was going very well, with my money on him, couldn’t believe it. Mind you, I don’t think either of them would have beaten Hedgehunter that day!
gc
In 89, Mr Chris was due to carry 6-10, followed by Smartside on 7-01, and Mearlin on 7-04. Mr Baker was due to carry 8-13.
I hope that helps?
Tough one Raymo, I’ll sit on the fence with that one! If pushed I’d say it made no difference. It was the perfect 1-2 in my opinion. As for Marcus Armytage, I can see where you’re coming from in the respect that, on that day, the horse was exceptional, however, he did ride Romany King to be 5th in 95 as well!
As for previous postings, on prices alone, I agree with Merry People and Cerium, for having boxed above their weight. Merry People would have hacked up, though I suppose jumping is the name of the game. Must have been gutting for connections though! As for Cerium last year, it was an amazing display, especially with his injury.
As for worst horses, too many to mention, could give you 2 or 3 for each race from the last 30 years, not that I mind the no-hopers in there, would be boring without them. Art Prince has been mentioned for falling at the first 2 years in a row, a feat also achieved by Bishops Hall in 95 & 96 (unseating Marcus Armytage). I’d like to make a special mention for Hettinger though, first fence faller in 88, before performing miracles to make it to Bechers with Ray Goldstein in 89. A brave man!
I don’t doubt it was a proud moment for him, and there would be something wrong if he wasn’t excited, but for the whole team to drool about it for the rest of the week, and become Team Walsh, was what baffled me.
I also think her ride on Thousand Stars was superb, however, "Highlight of the festival"
Come off it!
If back to his Scottish National form, he could be of serious interest, I still can’t believe how easy it was for him that day. Would be great to see a smaller stable win. He hasn’t looked the part recently though, I’m sure I read that he finished distressed at Doncaster. Always a risk Ante-post I suppose.
I’m on The Package 33/1 (not certain to run), and Maljimar 40/1 (not certain to get in) from when the weights came out.
Langlee Boy….you got it spot on! I’ve been trying to keep quiet about it, for fear of getting slaughtered. It was embarassing, great ride on Thousand Stars though!
The Festival Top 20, and particularly the Unsung Heroes section were also of great interest.
There were downsides though. As per Gingertipsters post, some of the camera angles were poor, far too many close ups, just give us the best view of the field. Simple, traditional camera angles please, don’t ever recall anyone complaining about them.
The biggest disappointment though, was "Festival Al a Carte". A very, very boring segment, what were they thinking?