03.04.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Going on easy side of good say first jockeys

Jockeys who rode in the opening race on day one of the John Smith's Grand National meeting, generally reported the ground as on the easy side of good. Of those interviewed only Denis O'Regan, who was third on the favourite Inglis Drever, felt the ground was 'tacky'.

Robert Thornton, who rode the winner, Blazing Bailey, said: "It's lovely ground, on the slow side of good."

Brian Harding, who rode runner-up Faasel, said: "It's lovely, though on the slow side of good."

Denis O'Regan, third on favourite Inglis Drever, said: "It's good to soft and very tacky."

Tom Scudamore, fourth on Logh Derg, "It may be a little dead, though no cause for concern."

Brian Hughes, last on Chief Dan George, said: "It's on the slow side of good and lovely ground."

Wayne Kavanagh, 10th on Kawagino, said: "It's nice ground, though a little on the slow side."