Grand National Day has always had special resonance for me. As I have previously mentioned, I was sucked in by National Velvet at a young age, and never quite recovered. The race is the ultimate test of horse and rider, and has for me, a special romance that the Cheltenham Gold Cup can’t quite emulate.Anyway, enough wittering. My tips for glory tomorrow are:
- Hedgehunter – I know everyone says he can’t do it again, but I shall keep the faith. He was only beaten by the weight last year. C’mon Ruby!
- Longshanks – I keep hearing good things about this horse.
- Simon – simple name and lovely story. He was bred and is owned by Mercy Rimell, who is now in her mid-80s. More than half a century ago, her late husband trained the first of his four Grand National winners. Oh, and this horse is supposed to be quite good, as well.
Disclaimer: Do not back a horse based on my tips. It will only lead to heartache. I will not be responsible for the loss of any monies due to you disobeying this advice. However, if you do win thanks to my foresight, commission should be paid at the rate of 25% ...
16 comments:
My money's each way on Longshanks - Mr Frisk (you're probably too young to remember!) came good for me and I think that was the same yard.
what about joes edge M&M? much excitement here as trained in north yorks by a Mr Murphy - have read about bookies going broke after they took early bets at 50-1 before he became favourite
Ziggi - Mr Frisk was ridden by Marcus Armatyge (sp) who writes a racing column in Horse & HOund. He did a write up this week on Longshanks.
Arthur - my grandad's going for Joe's Edge as the 'Northern horse'.
I went for Longshanks, Joe's Edge and Eurotrek. Hm. What does that tell you about my knowledge of all things horsey?
Today? Saturday? I missed it.
Oh well, there's always next year ...
HEY! I've got a good tip. Don't bet.
Gill, that would be no fun!
The trick is not to bet more than you can afford to lose.
apropos of nothing in particular, Gee Armytage used to come into the branch of the 'dark horse' bank in newbury when I worked there nearly twenty years ago.
i used to feel a little sorry for her having to wear dark glasses if she had a bit of a tumble, as i'm sure some would have thought she just had a hangover.
another young lady with horsey connections got more excited at the enquiries counter than is safe in a bank after a big win by Desert Orchid..I almost had to give her a rub down with the proverbial damp edition of the Radio Times...
but i shall not bore you with the tales of serving the stable lads in our Lambourn sub-branch.
Suffice to say that the horses are treated like the proverbial white elephants, with every conceivable benefit to hand, oops, I mean hoof.
Ah anon, but did you ever serve Ruby Walsh? Now there's a man!
My tip is a little known horsey called "Silver Birch". Actually, at the stables he is known as "Winnie" because of his distinctive greetings which even cause the other horses to falter in their tracks. He has a good pedigree and is a stayer. He is a strong horse, alert and determined. I don't know but just gotta hunch that this is Silver Birch's year but hey - what do I know?
Silver Birch- that's a good idea. Now where did I leave my time machine. Or when?
Ruby Walsh ? No, I don't think so, but does he live on the mainland ?
I thought a lot of these jockeys lived in a helicopter and were just hopping from racetrack to racetrack.
Great story !
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/6559173.stm
I put my money (only £5) on Longshanks as the BBC website gave it a good write up. Gutted I didn't go for Silver Birch (see my comment on the post "It must be love" on my blog).
Didn't win the fucking lottery either.
Hurrah! I put £2 on each way on Silver Birch and won £104!
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