It is now only five days to the greatest race in the world for us National Hunt lovers. According to the official Aintree site the first Grand National was run in 1839 and was won by Lottery. However in the book Gallant Sport written by John Penfold he argues that the first Grand National was run in 1836. All I know is that the first televised Grand National was run in 1960 which is when my love affair with the race started. The winner that year was Merryman II (pictured) ridden by Gerry Scott and trained by Neville Crump. Twelve days prior to the big event, Gerry Scott, whose second ride in the Grand National it was to be, broke his collar bone in two places. Refusing to stand down, Scott rode tied and strapped, ‘feeling’, as he said later, ‘no pain’. I do not think that would happen today. Merryman II took control of the race at Valentines and eventually won the race by fifteen lengths. I was one very happy punter.

The weather forecast for this week is fine and the going should be ‘good’ come Saturday. This will help those horses high in the handicap. War of Attrition will now carry second top weight with the withdrawal of those above him in the handicap. There was a lot of money reported for him last week from both sides of the Irish Sea and his odds have come down dramatically. He is trained by Mouse Morris and races under the name of Gigginstown House Stud, as do all horses owned by the no nonsence Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary who sponsors the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Incidently there was no truth in the rumour that the jockeys in the Ryanair Chase had to pay £25 to weigh in! War of Attrition won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006 and was later off the course from December 2006 until October 2008 through injury. He must have a big chance if back to his best form. The same owner and trainer also run Hear The Echo who won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in March last year. Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride My Will and his mount will receive 5lbs from War of Attrition.