Review of Grand National Meeting 2008

The Grand National Meeting of 2008 was a very rewarding one for jockey Timmy Murphy, trainer David Pipe and owner David Johnson. Timmy Murphy rode a super race on Our Vic to catch Kauto Star right on the line in the Betfair Bowl Chase on the Thursday. Our Vic has been better than ever this season since sporting the headgear.

The David Johnson colours were in the winners enclosure again after a thrilling Grand National. Timmy Murphy gave Comply or Die a very cool ride. He was always travelling well in the leading group of runners. Snowy Morning ran well to be third and still only eight I am sure he will be back next year. He helped recover some of my stake lost on Hedgehunter who completed the course again. His cause was not helped by D’Argent crashing into him when falling 4 fences out. Tony McCoy and Butlers Cabin were still travelling strongly when falling at Bechers second time round. I am sure Butlers Cabin will be back for another crack at the race next year. He is also still only eight. On the day the best horse won and I would expect Comply or Die, who is nine, will also be back at Aintree next year.

Earlier in the afternoon the Irish owner Michael Ryan had “borrowed” Timmy Murphy to ride his Al Eile in the Aintree Hurdle. This was another smashing ride from Timmy Murphy and the partnership were winning the race for the third time. For me the Grand National signifies the end of the National Hunt season. Chasing and Hurdling is far more exciting than Flat Racing but I expect in a couple of weeks we will start talking about the first Classics to be run at Newmarket on the 3rd and 4th of May.

For all the runners and riders with the jockey's colours go to Paddy Power and click on "Horse Racing".