14.04.07 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Silver Birch wins the 2007 John Smith's Grand National

FINAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2007
4.15pm JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL HANDICAP CHASE (GRADE THREE)

£700,000 guaranteed, 4m 4f Grand National Course, For 6yo+ which are allotted a rating of 110 or more Minimum Weight 10st Hedgehunter’s Handicap Mark 158 Entries 119 pay £450 1st Forfeit 106 pay £500 2nd Forfeit 81 pay £500 Confirmed 68 pay £550 Penalty Value 1st £399,140; 2nd £149,730; 3rd £74,970; 4th £37,380; 5th £18,760; 6th £9,380

1 SILVER BIRCH (IRE) (Brian Walsh (Co Kildare)) Gordon Elliott IRE 10-10-06t Robert Power 33/1
2 MCKELVEY (IRE) (Noel Elliott) Peter Bowen 8-10-04p Tom O'Brien 12/1
3 SLIM PICKINGS (IRE) (Doubtful Five Syndicate) Tom Taaffe IRE 8 -10-08 Barry Geraghty 33/1
4 PHILSON RUN (IRE) (Gale Force One) Nick Williams 11-10-05 Daryl Jacob 100/1
5 LIBERTHINE (FR) (Robert Waley-Cohen) Nicky Henderson 8-10-06 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen 40/1
6 NUMBERSIXVALVERDE (IRE) (Bernard Carroll) Martin Brassil IRE 11-11-03 Niall Madden 14/1
7 LONGSHANKS (Alan Halsall) Kim Bailey 10-10-07 Tony Dobbin
8 PUNTAL (FR) (Terry Neill) David Pipe 11-10-05tp Tom Scudamore
9 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE 11-11-12 Ruby Walsh
10 L'AMI (FR) (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR 8-11-08p Tony McCoy
11 CLAN ROYAL (FR) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 12-10-09 Mr J T McNamara
12 GALLANT APPROACH (IRE) (Byrne Bros (Formwork) Ltd) Charles Egerton 8-10-09 Jimmy McCarthy
13 KELAMI (FR) (Halewood International) Francois Doumen FR 9-10-12 Mick Fitzgerald

F1 POINT BARROW (IRE) (Mrs P Clune Hughes) Pat Hughes IRE 9-10-12 Philip Carberry 8/1 co-fav
U1 TIKRAM (Mike Charlton & Rodger Sargent) Alan King 10-10-05 Wayne Hutchinson
F6 LE DUC (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls 8-10-02 Dominic Elsworth
U6 LIVINGSTONEBRAMBLE (IRE) (Favourites Racing) Willie Mullins IRE 11-10-09 Davy Russell
F6 JACK HIGH (IRE) (Brenda Ross, M McShane, D Montgomery, W Moore) Ted Walsh IRE 12-10-03B Richard McGrath
R7 MONKERHOSTIN (FR) (Martin St Quinton) Philip Hobbs 10-11-06 Richard Johnson 8/1 co-fav
P bef 7 ZABENZ (NZ) (Michael Watt) Philip Hobbs 10-10-08b Barry Fenton
U8 KNOWHERE (IRE) (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-13 Tom Doyle
F8 KANDJAR D'ALLIER (FR) (Let’s Live Racing) Alan King 9-10-08 Robert Thornton
F9 ROYAL AUCLAIR (FR) (Clive Smith) Paul Nicholls 10-11-01t Joe Tizzard
Ref bef 15 CLOUDY BAYS (IRE) (Cloudy Bay Syndicate) Charles Byrnes IRE 10-11-00P Andrew McNamara
P bef 19 BILLYVODDAN (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Henry Daly 8-11-04b Leighton Aspell
U19 IDLE TALK (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain Jnr 8-11-02 Jason Maguire
U19 THE OUTLIER (IRE) (Pat Murphy) Venetia Williams 9-10-05 Paul O'Neill
P bef 20 JOES EDGE (IRE) (Chemipetro Limited) Ferdy Murphy 10-10-02 Graham Lee 8/1 co-fav
P 22 HOMER WELLS (IRE) (Madeleine McMahon) Willie Mullins IRE 9-10-06 Davy Condon
P bef 22 EUROTREK (IRE) (Paul Green) Paul Nicholls 11-11-08 Liam Heard
P bef 22 CELTIC SON (FR) (David Johnson) David Pipe 8-10-11t Timmy Murphy
F22 BEWLEYS BERRY (IRE) (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 9-10-07 Paddy Brennan
F22 GRAPHIC APPROACH (IRE) (Mr & Mrs Peter Orton) Charles Egerton 9-10-06 Paul Moloney
P bef 23 NAUNTON BROOK (David Langdon) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-10-04tb1 Noel Fehily
U 24 BALLYCASSIDY (IRE) (Roddy Owen & Paul Fullagar) Peter Bowen 11-10-09 Denis O'Regan
F25 SIMON (Mercy Rimell) John Spearing 8-10-11 Andrew Thornton
P bef 27 DUN DOIRE (IRE) (Dunderry Racing Syndicate) Tony Martin IRE 8-10-08 Paul Carberry
P29 BOTHAR NA (IRE) (Helen O’Dwyer) Willie Mullins IRE 8-10-06 David Casey
P bef 29 SONEVAFUSHI (FR) (Brian Dice) Venetia Williams 9-10-03 Mr T Greenall
P bef 30 THISTHATANDTOTHER (IRE) (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 11-11-05 Jamie Moore

40 ran

Time: 9m 13.6s

Distances: 3/4, 1 1/4, 15, 5, 21, 1 1/4, 13, 1 1/2, dist, 14, 2, 29

Breeding: b g Clearly Bust - All Gone

Breeder: J & Mrs Power

Totes: Win: £41.90 Places:£.20; £4.20; £9.80; £29.30 Exacta: £667.60

Winning Trainer: Gordon Elliott Age: 29 Based: Capranny, Trim, Co Meath, Ireland Background: Former point-to-point ride. Started out at Tony Martin’s Meath stables. Moved to Martin Pipe in 2002 and rode one winner from six amateur rides. Began training in 2006 at Capranny Stables, owned by Barry Callaghan, head of the Dun Doire Syndicate. Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2007 Silver Birch) Wins in Britain this season: 4

Winning Jockey: Robert Power Age: 25 Background: Robert Power is the son of legendary Irish showjumper and trainer Con Power, who is regarded as the top man in Ireland to deal with horses who find it difficult to learn to jump properly. A silver medallist at the European Junior Showjumping Championships in 2000, Power made the switch to jump racing the following year. First winner as a professional came on the Paddy Mullins-trained Bob What at Leopardstown in February, 2002. He was honoured at the 2004 Irish Jump Racing Awards as the leading claiming rider Aintree Festival Wins: John Smith’s Grand National (2007 Silver Birch) Other Big Race Wins Include: John Smiths Midlands Grand National (2003 Intelligent), Galway Plate (2003 Nearly A Moose) Wins in Ireland (2001/02-2005/6): 8; 12; 28; 35; 25 Wins in Ireland this season: 15 Wins in Britain (2002/03-2005/06): 1; 0; 0; 0 Wins in Britain in this season: 2

SILVER TURNS TO GOLD Silver Birch, who had promised so much earlier in his career, finally realised that promise to win the John Smith’s Grand National in a thrilling finish. "We thought he would run a good race, but this is a dream come true," said Gordon Elliott, at 29 the youngest trainer in the race. "We only got the horse a year ago, and sweetened him up with some cross country chases," said Elliott, who was covered by almost as much water as his horse in the celebrations afterwards. The trainer, winning the John Smith’s Grand National only a year after getting his full training licence, was confident that once the horse had mastered Barry Geraghty’s horse Slim Pickings that Silver Birch would win. "If he jumped the last two then I thought we had it. We struggle enough in this game and I’m certainly going to celebrate tonight," he said. Brian Walsh, the owner and at just 26 also the youngest in the race, immediately paid credit to his trainer. "He’s done a heck of a job to get this horse ready," he said. Walsh also paid credit to Michael Donohoe of the Irish BBA who bought the horse for him for just £20,000 at the Doncaster Sales last year. Donohoe explained: "They were looking for a hunter chaser to have a bit of fun with and he had a bit of leg when we bought him, but this...this is a fairytale."

THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL WINNING JOCKEY

Robbie Power, the winning jockey on Silver Birch, said: "Unbelievable, what a ride I got all the way. "He jumped and travelled great. It does not get better than this. I should retire now. "I looked around turning for home and he was going the best. Credit to Gordon Elliott - the trainer), he has done some job to get this horse ready. "Gordon was worried that Silver Birch wouldn't be able to lay-up early on, but it meant I was able to keep out of trouble. "Once I got to the front he did nothing. Gordon picked him up for nothing (20,000 guineas) and he looks a bargain now."

THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL WINNING OWNER

Brian Walsh, the winning owner, said: "Gordon (Elliott) advised me to try for Silver Birch, and, together with Mick Donohoe of the BBA, I went to Doncaster Sales last May and managed to pick him up for 20,000gns. "I probably had only one more bid in me, but, though Silver Birch looked A1 and was surprisingly cheap for a horse who had already won a Welsh National and a Becher Chase, when he walked off the box at Troytown he was in a right old state. "Michael Sadler rang me to tell me that he was lame here and lame there and that, in his opinion, I had two choices; either we could inject his tendons and leave him standing in his box for a month or give him a year off. "We decided on the injections, and he was grand after a month and has never given us a bother since. "We will be celebrating in Gregory's in Kilcock (Co Kildare) when we get home, and I've got a good lump of cash to collect, too. I had a decent bet on Silver Birch at 66-1, and, having won plenty at Cheltenham, it has been a good spring. "I come from a farming family, but nowadays I concentrate on the horses and we have 12 in training. "I also have the Rheindross Stud at Kilcock, which keeps me busy as we have 20 broodmares there, including two in foal to Galileo and Johannesburg, though my first love is definitely jumping. "We also have a decent broodmare prospect in Rhacophorus, who won the Aintree bumper last season. I bought her later that month for £220,000 at Brightwells Auction at Cheltenham, and she might run at Punchestown at the end of the month."

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Silver Birch, bought for just 20,000 guineas from Paul Nicholls’ stable at Doncaster Sales in May last year, proved a dream purchase for his 29-year-old Co Meath-based trainer Gordon Elliott, who has still to saddle a winner in Ireland. It was a victory for 20-somethings as the horse’s Co Kildare-based owner Brian Walsh is just 26 years old while jockey Robert Power is 25. "We were second at Cheltenham and Punchestown with this horse and he seemed quite well in at the weights here. I thought that if we were in the first five or six I’d be over the moon," said Elliott, whose yard is owned by Barry Callaghan, who heads the syndicate that owns Dun Doire. "Robbie and everyone at home has been brilliant. It was a real team effort." Elliott paid tribute to Jason Maguire, who had ridden Silver Birch to be second at Cheltenham. "A lot of thanks go to Jason, who is the most under-rated rider in England. I was meant to be going to stay with him tonight but we’ll see what happens. He was the first man I saw in the weighing-room today and would be one of my best friends," added the trainer. "Punchestown was originally our plan, for the cross-country chase, but we have to enjoy tonight now and think about it. "I rode 50 winners on the track (under Rules) and over 200 in point-to-points but got a few falls on my shoulder and had always been keen to train. We have 25 to 30 horses, mainly point-to-pointers. I’m lucky that someone like Brian, who buys a lot at different ends of the business, has supported me. "I’ve had four winners in England but never trained a winner in Ireland. I’m meant to have two runners at Worcester tomorrow. "It goes without saying that to win a Grand National is a dream come true. When I was with Mr Pipe I was jocked up to ride a couple of times but didn’t get to ride." Power added: "This is better than sex - Mick Fitzgerald was right!," echoing the comments of Fitzgerald when successful on Rough Quest in 1996. "The horse was relaxed through the prelims and when they charged the tape for the first time he let everything go on around him. "We jumped off and had a lovely position and the only small bit of trouble came at Becher’s second time. But the loose horse didn’t off put me at all. "I wasn’t sure we were going to win until we crossed the Melling Road but nothing seemed to be going better than the horse in front. I could then hear the commentator saying there was something coming on the outside (McKelvey) and thought ‘oh shit’ but we stayed on. "This is definitely now the best horse I’ve ever ridden. Well done to Godon, who runs a good show with his brother Joey Elliott and he’s not trained a winner in Ireland yet." The winner was led up Fiona Dowling from Co Kerry, who was taking a break from her time on the Irish National Stud course to lead up Silver Birch. "There’s not a bother on him and the horse has come out of the race very well," said Dowling after the race.

WINS AT 33/1- SILVER BIRCH (IRE) FACTFILE

b g Clearly Bust - All Gone (Giolla Mear) 10-10-06 Form: 4113/3124P/111/4PPF-82421 Owner: Brian Walsh (Co. Kildare) Trainer: Gordon Elliott IRE Breeder: J & Mrs Power Jockey: Robert Power Silver Birch A leading fancy for the 2005 John Smith’s Grand National, Silver Birch failed to make the line-up at Aintree after heat was discovered in a leg, one month before the race. His prominence in the market owed everything to a hat-trick of victories in November and December 2004, which included the totesport Becher Chase over the Grand National course. On that occasion he proved a length too good for Just In Debt, and followed up with a two-length defeat of Strong Resolve in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow. Prior to that successful sequence in the first half of the 2004/05 season, he had shown plenty of potential. He made his racecourse debut in a Chepstow maiden hurdle in November, 2002, running fourth to Shardam, and returned to the Welsh track to score his first success later that month. Another win, this time at Plumpton, was followed by a disappointing effort at Exeter in April that marked the end of his debut season. He made a belated return in January of the 2003/2004 season, running third to Ballet-K at Exeter, on his first start over fences. He won next time out, again at Chepstow, in the Letheby & Christopher Beginners’ Chase. A second to Fork Lightning at Wincanton was followed by a fourth-place finish behind Native Emperor in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He was subsequently pulled up in a novices’ chase at Ayr in April. His three wins from three starts the following term, in a season cruelly cut short by injury, promised great things for this campaign. Given a year to get over his set-back, Silver Birch returned to action at Warwick in January, 2006, when he ran an encouraging fourth and returned to fences at Wincanton the following month and was pulled up. He failed to fire again over hurdles at Chepstow before falling at the Chair in last year’s John Smith’s Grand National. He was sent to Doncaster Sales in May last year when he was bought by Brian Walsh for 20,000gns, joining trainer Gordon Elliott. He has run four times since and most recently came a good second in the Sporting Index Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month. He famously wins the John Smith’s Grand National today in a thrilling finish Race Record: Starts; 21: Wins; 7: 2nd; 3: 3rd; 2: Win & Place Prize Money; £537,504. Brian Walsh From a farming family, Brian Walsh runs Rheindross Stud at Kilcock, County Kildare, named after the racehorse trained by Arthur Moore and Charlie Mann which Walsh owned. The stud currently houses 20 broodmares, including two in foal to Galileo and Johannesburg. Walsh has also invested heavily in racehorses, last April paying £220,000 for Aintree bumper winner Rhacophorus at the Brightwells Auction at Cheltenham. At the time, it was a public auction record for a National Hunt mare in training. Rhacophorus is entered for the Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown later this month. In total, Walsh has 12 horses in training. Paul Nolan has two of them, including Rhacophorus, and there are three with Charlie Mann, including Air Force One who was second in the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdles at Cheltenham last month. Silver Birch joined the Walsh fold in May last year, when he was purchased for 20,000gns at Doncaster Sales. Walsh is just 26, and, if we exclude the syndicates, he is the youngest owner in the race. No previous Grand National Runners Gordon Elliott Gordon Elliott was a very successful point-to-point rider, who also rode winners under Rules as well. He started his racing career while still at school, working at Tony Martin's stable in County Meath. From there, he moved to Martin Pipe's in 2002, and during his spell at Pond House his six rides as an amateur included one winner. Elliott then returned to Ireland for another term at Martin's stables. In 2004, Barry Callaghan, head of the Dun Doire syndicate, bought Capranny Stables at Trim in County Meath. When Elliott started his training career, early last year, those stables became his base. At 29, Elliott is the youngest trainer with a horse in this year's Grand National. No previous Grand National Runners Robbie Power Robert Power is the son of legendary Irish showjumper and trainer Con Power, who is regarded as the top man in Ireland to deal with horses who find it difficult to learn to jump properly. A silver medallist at the European Junior Showjumping Championships in 2000, Power made the switch to jump racing the following year and rode his first winner on only his third attempt when partnering his mother's Younevertoldme, trained by Jessica Harrington, in a hurdle race at Punchestown in December, 2001. The 25 year-old is attached to Harrington's Co. Kildare stable where he began as an amateur after receiving encouragement from Richard Dunwoody. His first winner as a professional came on the Paddy Mullins-trained Bob What at Leopardstown in February, 2002. He partnered the Mulilns-trained Nearly A Moose to success in the 2003 Galway Plate. That success came after he had sprung to prominence in Britain with a win aboard the Harrington-trained Intelligent in the Midlands Grand National earlier in the year. He was honoured at the 2004 Irish Jump Racing Awards as the leading claiming rider and in August of that year he partnered his first Australian winner to clinch victory in the annual Irish jump jockey challenge down under. A broken bone in a foot, sustained in a schooling accident, cost him the winning ride on Newmill in the 2006 Queen Mother Champion Chase. Grand National Record: 2005 Spot Thedifference (18th) 2007 1st SILVER BIRCH.

Race 5 - John Smith’s Grand National - Placed Quotes

SO CLOSE FOR BOWEN

McKelevey came within three-quarters of a length of providing the first Welsh-trained winner of the John Smith’s Grand National since Kirkland in 1905 and trainer Peter Bowen was left wondering what might have been. He said: "That felt brilliant, until we got beat! "He has run a real good race. "We have now finished second in a Gold Cup [with Take The Stand in 2005] and second in a Grand National - I suppose someone has to get beat! "It has been a very good week and we’ve earned lots of money. "Maybe we will have some celebrations tomorrow - it’s a long way home from here. "Tom has ridden a good race. The horse stays forever and we didn’t want to be too near the front."

WILLIAMS VINDICATED

Trainer Nick Williams was was very satisfied after 100/1 chance Philson Run stayed on from off the pace to take fourth place, some 17 lengths adrift of the winner. Williams said: "I’m thrilled to bits. "I said in the Racing Post this morning that I thought he could win and he’s run a great race. "I think the ground was perfect for him. He wouldn’t have wanted it any softer as he has finished tired enough as it is. "He will be turned out for the season now and the plan will to come back here next year. "It worked coming here on the back of just one run this time and I think we may do that again. "I think you need a relatively fresh horse and you can’t come to the National as an afterthought."

GALLANT LIBERTHINE

The mare Liberthine, partnered by amateur Sam Waley-Cohen, ran a superb race to come home in fifth place. Her trainer Nicky Henderson said: "She ran a wonderful race and Sam gave her a lovely ride - he’s buzzing. "Horse and jockey enjoyed themselves and she’ll go to Hernando next week. "If she doesn’t get in foal we’ll have another think. "She gets her fun next week!"

MONKERHOSTIN REFUSED

Philip Hobbs saddled 8/1 co favourite Monkerhostin in the John Smith’s Grand National but got no further than the Foinavon (seventh) fence on the first circuit, when he refused. The Minehead trainer contined: "Richard Johnson said he hit the third and that frightened him a bit. "We don’t know whether he got baulked, or what made him refuse. "Also, Richard said a leather broke at Becher’s."

Race 5 Jockeys' Quotes

John Smith's Grand National Handicap Chase

JOCKEY QUOTES

Sam Waley-Cohen, rider of the fifth Liberthine: "That was magic - she's so game that mare. I just wish I could have tucked her in a bit for some cover, but she was jumping so well and in her stride and I didn't want to start breaking that and then meeting the fences wrong. She made one mistake when she went down on her nose, but I don't know how much that cost us." J T McNamara, rider of the 11th Clan Royal: "He jumped great, but they were always going a bit quick for him." Jimmy McCarthy, rider of the 12th Gallant Approach: "I had a super ride, but he was always flat out." Tony Dobbin, rider of the seventh Longshanks: "He travelled well and jumped well, but it's a long time since he last ran. I thought he had a chance going to the third-last, but he got tired after that." David Casey, rider of Bothar Na who was pulled up before the 29th: "It went great for a circuit - he was travelling well and jumping super, but he got tired after that and we were lucky to get home." Wayne Hutchinson, rider of Tikram, unseated at the first: "He banked the first and I think it was the second before I fell off. It took a long time before gravity took over." Ruby Walsh, rider of ninth Hedgehunter: "He ran another fine race, but I suppose the weight and lack of a run told in the end. We were never going well enough for me to think we might win. The ground wasn't a factor." Richard Johnson, rider of Monkerhostin who refused at the seventh: "He jumped the first two great, but then took off a stride too soon at the first ditch [the third] and frightened himself. He was lucky not to come down. He got over Becher's, but he was very careful, and with all the horses running down Foinavon it gets very narrow and he refused." Andrew McNamara, rider of Cloudy Bays who refused at the 15th: "He can be a tricky customer at the start, and while he was okay initially we had to line up so many times he got sick of it. Eventually he got into the race in mid-division, but he wasn't enjoying it and he stopped at the Chair." Paul Moloney, rider of Graphic Approach who fell at Becher’s second time around: "It was always the plan to drop the horse in, because that was how I rode him at Ascot and we weren't sure whether he'd get the trip. I did that for a circuit and he was going so well, so it was very disappointing when we went at Becher's second time." Choc Thornton, rider of Kandjar D'Allier who fell at the eighth: "I got wiped out by loose horses at the Canal Turn. He was going well and when I got over Becher's I thought if he stays we'll get round. Then two loose horses got in the way." Liam Heard, rider of Eurotrek whoi was pulled up at the 22nd : "Everything was going a bit quick for him and when Royal Auclair fell he was nearly brought down. After that he was careful at the fences, never travelling and always flat out. I pulled up before Becher's second time." Denis O'Regan, rider of Ballycassidy who unseated at the 24th: "He ran into the corner at the Canal Turn, jinked in behind some loose horses, on he went and I came off. The cheekpieces were taken off him at the start because they weren't declared and he probably needed them because he was just starting to labour a bit. It was a disadvantage, but probably didn't make any difference." The National fences did not suit Monkerhostin at Aintree today after he was well-supported in the market to start the 8-1 co-favourite of three with Point Barrow and Joes Edge. The 10-year-old returned unscathed after racing towards the rear before an uncharacteristic refusal at the Foinavon fence (seventh) finished his chances. Jockey Richard Johnson said: "He frightened himself today." Andrew Thornton had a great ride aboard Simon who came to grief close up home when in contention at the 25th. The jockjey said: "He jumped for fun all the way round but was abit close when he fell. The horse is fine, he’ll be back another year older and another year wiser." Graham Lee, rider of Joes Edge who pulled up at the 20th: "I pulled him up after the first fence down the back on the second circuit when he went very lame. I was never happy on him. We don’t know what the problem is."" Jockey Barry Geraghty looked to be heading for National success aboard Slim Pickings, who eventually finished in third place. Geraghty said: "When the winner came to me two out I knew I was in trouble but he kept on well." Reflecting on his National mount, Billyvodan, pulled up before the 19th fence, jockey Leighton Aspell explained: "After two or three attempts to get the race started he momentarily stood still and I was further back than I wanted to be. At the Canal Turn he was badly hampered and couldn’t get back into the race. After that he didn’t seem to enjoy himself." Davy Condon, rider of Homer Wells, pulled up at the 22nd fence said: "I was going fine until the Canal Turn on the first circuit when I nearly got brought down by the fall of Kandjar D’Allier ridden by Choc Thornton. I lost a lot of ground and couldn’t catch up after that. I jumped Becher’s twice and pulled up." Tom Greenall aboard Sonevafushi who was pulled up two from home in the National said: "He ran and jumped very well but didn’t get the trip and got tired. He gave me a fantastic ride and was foot perfect but after the second Becher’s he became very tired." Tom Doyle, rider of Knowhere: "He jumped well, but just got a bit tight at Valentine's first time. He made a mistake and I went out the side door." Noel Fehily, rider of Naunton Brook: "He was brilliant on the first circuit. Once a few headed him he didn't want to go round again. He jumped great and gave me a great spin." Richard McGrath (Jack High, fell sixth): "He just crimpled on landing jumping Becher's first time." Tom Scudamore (Puntal, eighth): "He gave me a great ride really. He is not as quick as he used to be but he popped round nicely." Mick Fitzgerald (Kelami, 13th and last): "He gave me a brilliant ride he jumped like a gazelle but then just choked." Tom O'Brien (McKelvey, second): "I have to be happy that but I didn't think I was quite going to get up. Everything went to plan and he jumped super." Daryl Jacob (Philson Run, fourth): "He gave me a great first National ride, jumped and travelled well for me. I thought we had a chance three out but there were a lot there and they got a run on me." Tony McCoy (L'Ami, 10th): "He ran well but had too much weight and probably didn't get the trip anyway." Jimmy McCarthy (Gallant Approach, 12th): "I got hampered early. They went a good gallop and I'm always chasing them. I was never close enough and although he picked up again at Becher's second time I was never been able to make up the lost ground." Paddy Brennan (Bewleys Berry, fell 22nd): "He was cantering when he fell at Becher's second time round." Jason Maguire (Idle Talk, fell 19th): "He put his foot in the big ditch and that was that." Paul Moloney (Graphic Approach, fell 22nd: "He was going well when he knuckled over at Becher's second time. He was giving me a brilliant ride and I would have definitely been in the first six." Dominic Elsworth (Le Duc, unseated rider 6th): "He unseated me at Becher's first time." Joe Tizzard (Royal Auclair, fell ninth): "He fell at Valentines first time and was going okay at the time but I suppose we didn't last very long." Barry Fenton (Zabenz, pulled up before seventh): "The leather broke at Becher's and that was that." Dominic Elsworth (Le Duc, unseated rider sixth): "I was unseated at Becher's. It was on the first circuit so it was too early to tell." Philip Carberry (Point Barrow, fell first): He just overjumped at the first, landed too steep and came down." Paul Carberry, who pulled up before the 27th on Dun Doire, said: "We got a good early position, and he jumped the first okay, but they went too quick and I couldn't lay up. The ground was too fast for him."

HOSPITAL CHECK-UP FOR RUSSELL

Davy Russell, who was unseated from Livingstonebramble at the sixth, has been taken to hospital as a precaution for X-rays on his back and a shoulder.

Race 5 - The John Smith’s Grand National Steeple Chase

GRAND NATIONAL WINNER POWER LANDS BAN

Robbie Power, the winning jockey of the John Smith’s Grand National, has landed a four-day ban for hitting his horse, Silver Birch, with "excessive frequency and in the wrong place." The stewards added that the jockey had hit the horse, "too short and too near the stifle area." Power has been stood down for four days, from April 25th to 28th. Barry Geraghty and Tony Evans also incurred the displeasure of the stewards. They felt that Geraghty, riding third-placed Slim Pickings in the Grand National had used the whip with excessive force. Geraghty was stood down for three days, April 25th-27th. Evans incurred his two-day ban for excessive frequency in the fourth race on the card, when he was riding Mistanoora. His ban will also commence on April 25th.

THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL BETFAIR REPORT

Winner: SILVER BIRCH - Price at off: 60 (59/1) LOWEST price matched before off: 36 (35/1) (£31 matched) HIGHEST price matched before off: 70 (69/1) (£118 matched) In running LOW: 1.06 (1/100) (£952 matched) In running HIGH: 70 (69/1) (£281 matched)

RACE NOTES

SILVER BIRCH backed as high as 319/1 on the Betfair ante-post market - and available at 59/1 at the off won the John Smith's Grand National Chase. The Irish trained winner hit an in-running low of 1.06 with the spirited challenge of Mckelvey making for some dramatic last second trading. Mckelvey hit an in-running low of 1.50 (for £1,106). Silver Birch traded at an-running high of 70 (for £281). Slim Pickings traded as low as evens in running and Simon was traded at 4 (3/1) before falling when travelling well. Other runners to trade at 5 or less in running:
Simon 4.00 (118)
L'Ami 4.80 (126)
Slim Pickings 2.00 (1,956)
Liberthine 5.00 (1,838) APPROXIMATE PRICES OF PLACED HORSES AT OFF
1st Silver Birch (IRE) 60 (59/1 SP 33-1)
2nd Mckelvey (IRE) 16.5 (15.5/1 SP 12-1)
3rd Slim Pickings (IRE) 55.0 (54/1 SP 33-1)
4th Philson Run (IRE) 180.0 (179/1 SP 100-1)

OFFICIALS INCUR MINOR INJURIES

Three officials suffered minor injuries due a loose horse on the National course today. All received immediate medical attention at the scene.

CROWD

Today’s attendance was 68,100, down by 1,580 on the 69,680 seen last year on John Smith’s Grand National day. This was because a popular promotion by the Grand National sponsor, John Smith’s, for the No Nonsense Steeplechase Enclosure last year was not repeated in 2007. Charles Barnett, Aintree’s managing director, said: "I am delighted with the attendance today. There have been more people in the main enclosures this year."

UPDATE ON GRAPHIC APPROACH

Having had the opportunity to assess Graphic Approach further, the veterinary team suspects that he has concussion. He has been anaesthetised on the course and is currently en route to the Equine Hospital at Liverpool University Vet School where he will be further assessed.

FINAL RACE ABANDONED

The John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race, the final race of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting at Aintree, has been abandoned. Charles Barnett, Aintree Racecourse managing director, said: "The horse Graphic Approach was suffering from heat stress and continuing to be treated on the course for some time after the Grand National. "This delayed the sixth race. It was an extremely difficult situation and, following discussions with both owners and trainers of the runners, it was decided to abandon the last (seventh) race. "We would like to apologise to racegoers, and the owners and trainers involved, but I’m sure that everyone will understand that the welfare of a horse who is being treated - and the horses taking part in the final race - must always be our number one priority."

Race 1 Quotes

John Smith's Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle

THE GROUND THE KEY TO QUAY

Malton trainer John Quinn saddled his second winner at this year's John Smith's Grand National meeting when Kings Quay took this 22-runner John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle. Quinn, who put Tony McCoy on Blythe Knight's back for yesterday's victory in the Imagine Appeal John Smith's Novices' Hurdle, legged up Dougie Costello for King's Quay's victory. Giving praise to Costello, the trainer said: "I said to Dougie, if they go too quickly early on, drop in and gamble. If it's going to happen it will, don't try to make it happen. They go too quick and take each other on at this meeting, and they keep taking each other on. It's like roly-poly, but those that wait have got a better chance. "To be fair to the horse he's needed drier ground and he's been running well when conditions were not in his favour. He's needed a bit of luck, but he got some today. "We bought him at the Horses-in-Training Sale [at Tattersalls in Newmarket] and he was the type of horse we like dealing in - a dual-purpose horse that we could run on the Flat if he failed to make it over hurdles. He had good form in the book and he jumped well today." Kings Quay runs in the colours of Marie Taylor and Vanessa Stone, and Quinn added: "Paul Taylor and his family have been with us through thick and thin. Paul was my very first owner and it's great to win for him. "I'm going to think about the Galway Hurdle for their winner, depending on how we're treated [by the handicapper]. They go quick in that race, it'll be fast ground and the lads will have a bit of fun."

BETFAIR REPORT

Winner: KINGS QUAY Price at off: 18.5 (17.5/1) HIGHEST price matched before off: 34.0 (33/1) (£39 matched) LOWEST price matched before off: 15.5 (14.5/1) (£6 matched) In running LOW: 1.01 (1/100) (£17,159 matched) In running HIGH: 55 (54/1) (£4 matched) KINGS QUAY pounced late to land the opener on National Day - hitting a high of 55 in running. Sunday City was still trading at 6 when leading at the second last but out to 8.8 at the last as the cavalry arrived. Supporters of Princelet soon knew their fate - he was trading at 12.5 at the off but double those odds after just four flights when trailing the field. Diego Cao, who traded at a high of 75 pre-race, stayed on to be second, beaten one length.

COSTELLO BANNED FOR TWO DAYS

Dougie Costello, rider of the winner, Kings Quay, of the opening John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle, has been banned for two days, (April 25 & 26) for careless riding. The stewards judged that Kings Quay had interfered with The Dukes Speech after the last hurdle by drifting left.

FIRST RACE PLACED QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S EXTRA SMOOTH HANDICAP HURDLE

DIEGO LOSES OUT BY A LENGTH

The Nick Gifford-trained Diego Cao came within a length of landing the opening John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle when finishing second to Kings Quay. "He’d been in great form at home and has run at cracker," said Gifford. "Straight after he ran at Fakenham last time, Leighton (Aspell) said that there was a two-mile handicap hurdle at Aintree for him. "They really need to stay round here and I said to Leighton today not to push him if they went too quickly because they really have to get the trip. "He’s had a wind operation but he’s a horse who has always had plenty of ability. We’ll look to see if there’s something for him at Sandown next weekend and he could well have a couple of spins on the Flat - he’s not had much racing." Trainer Richard Fahey was full of praise for the ground after Dancing Lyra finished third at 50/1. "He’s really a soft ground horse but the ground here is beautiful, they have done a great job and every horse can perform on it. "I didn’t think he’d get in the race and it’s nice to be competitive here - the owners had a good each-way bet. "I was a little disappointed by his run at Fakenham last time, but that’s a funny track and he ran well at Newcastle (when second in the Spring Mile on the Flat). "He can mix jumping and Flat and if I knew he’d get this ground I’d send him summer jumping."

Race 1 - John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle - Ground

JOCKEYS PRAISE GROUND AGAIN

After the running of the first race on John Smith’s Grand National day, the John Smith’s Extra Smooth Handicap Hurdle, the following jockeys gave their reaction as to the state of the ground and were again full of praise: Dougie Costello, rider of the winner Kings Quay: "On him, true good jumping ground." Leighton Aspell, rider of the runner-up Diego Cao: "Lovely, good ground again." Tom Greenway, rider of fourth-placed Sunday City: "It’s a bit loose on top. You can tell it has been watered, but it’s still beautiful ground with a good covering of grass. I’ve never ridden on better." Alan O’Keeffe, rider of I’m So Lucky: "Good, on the quick side." Timmy Murphy, rider of Jubilant Note: "Good, I thought." Tom Doyle, rider of Slew Charm: "Beautiful." Tony McCoy, rider of Princelet: "Good." Noel Fehily, rider of Thunder Rock: "Good." Davy Condon, rider of Classic Croco: "Good ground." Wayne Hutchinson: rider of Forthright: "Good ground."

Race 2 - John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase - Winning Quotes

THE NEW AZERTYUIOP?

Paul Nicholls was full of praise for Twist Magic, the impressive five-length winner of the £125,000 Grade One John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase and hopes that the five-year-old can reach the very top in the two-mile division. The Somerset handler said: "I always prefer to look forward, not backwards, but he was travelling ominously well when he fell in the Arkle. "I would have been disappointed if he hadn’t won today. "The track and ground were ideal for him. He also jumps very well too. "We haven’t had a really good two-miler since Azertyuiop retired but he could be the one and will be trained with the Champion Chase in mind. "He will now have a break and we will bring him back next year. "He could maybe start off in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. He doesn’t want a lot of racing this horse. Soft ground would not be suitable for him." Reflecting on Twist Magic's victory today and his recent penultimate-fence fall at Cheltenham, jockey Ruby Walsh added: "I suppose he was a bit unlucky at Cheltenham, but whether he would have beaten the winner, My Way De Solzen, we'll never know. "I thought he had every chance today and he jumped magnificently, and probably too well because I wanted to take my time on him and he kept making ground in the air. He got me to the front way sooner than I wanted. "The first time I rode him at Fakenham all he did was stand off outside the wings, then he went to Kempton and he was a good bit better. Maybe nudging the second-last at Cheltenham and having that fall taught him a lot. Today he was going into the board [at the bottom of the fence] and still making ground on Lennon [the pace-setter] and I really like that in a horse. That's a sign of a really good jumper." Second Fair Along’s trainer Philip Hobbs said: "He’s run well and I am very happy with him. He got outpaced around here which we expected. He’s more of a staying chaser. "We might consider the Chester Cup - I will discuss it with the owner." Steve Gollings, trainer of the third Royal Shakespeare , commented: "We were devastated at Ascot last month when we thought he was a stone cold cert. But when we looked at the video we saw that he made a mistake and after couldn’t get the bit out of his mouth and couldn’t breath. "This was more like it. You won’t get many better novice chases than this and though he made a couple of mistakes, he was never far away. With a bit of luck it’s Punchestown now, but he’ll want good ground that’s the key to him."

The John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase

BETFAIR REPORT

Winner: TWIST MAGIC Price at off: 3.35 (around 9/4) LOWEST price matched before off: 3.0 (2/1) (£220 matched) HIGHEST price matched before off: 4.2 (3.2/1) (£15 matched) In running LOW: 1.01 (1/100) (£20,232 matched) In running HIGH: 4.2 (3.2/1) (£15 matched) The favourite TWIST MAGIC, who had run so well in the Arkle before falling, was always travelling well under Ruby Walsh and was 1.69 in-running four from home and 1.06 two out before sealing victory at the last when he traded at 1.25. Runner-up Fair Along drifted to 50 during the race before shortening up to 2.00 (evens) before his mistake at the last handed victory to the favourite.

THIRD RACE WINNING QUOTES

BALTIKA BEER AINTREE HURDLE (GRADE 1)

AL EILE BACK TO BEST

The John Queally-trained Al Eile, winner of the Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle in 2005, landed the Grade 1 event for a second time when scoring by a length and a half from Gaspara. "This is his Champion Hurdle and we rode him a bit more positively today" said a delighted Queally. "He wasn’t right for Cheltenham - he was scoping badly - and I was happy enough to miss it as he’s not performed to his best there, even though he was fourth in a Champion Hurdle. "He’s a good stone better here and will probably not go to Punchestown, he likes this type of track best. He is in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr "Long term we’ll look at the big Flat handicaps in England such as the Northumberland Plate and Ebor. He was so unwell all winter that I thought why let him go when he’s just come to himself." Successful jockey Timmy Murphy added: "That was fantastic. All credit must go to John Queally as this horse hasn't been right all season. It took some guts to come for this race after a layoff and the horse hadn't finished a race all season. "The horse has come back 110 per cent today. John told me to just to pop him in and keep him handy as he was a bit ring rusty. John said ths should keep him interested and he was right - his instructions are right 99 per cent of the time! "The horse was probably more fancied the first time he ran this race but he travelled fantastically today and gave me as good a feel as he ever has." Winning owner-breeder Michael Ryan, who also owns the current 1000 Guineas favourite Finsceal Beo, commented: "He won this race two years ago but nothing went right last year - he hurt his shoulder and came back with mucus in his lungs. "We all backed him today at 14/1 and 16/1 this morning and will be going home tonight for a big celebration." Al Eile also won the 2004 John Smith’s Anniversary 4-Y-O Hurdle.

Race 3 Quotes

Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle

GASPARA COPES WITH RISE IN CLASS

Gaspara, the miniscule mare who has been one of the stars of this season, gained more plaudits when second in this Grade 1 event. After four straight victories, two in novices' hurdles and two in handicap company, she found Al Eile too good on this occasion, but held at bay a number of top-grade performers. David Pipe, who trains Gaspara for his father, Martin, said: "That was better than we could have expected. He was flat out from the start on this ground, but every time Tom [Scudamore] asks she responds. "She's not over-big, but she's very tough. She's out-done herself again. Today was totally different after running in handicaps, but she's beaten the Champion Hurdle third [Afsoun] and that says it all. He seems to have run his race and finished third again, running on at the finish, and our filly has run on, too. She's a credit to the yard. "We might call it a day for now, or we might take her back to France [where she was bred] for a race." Asked whether Gaspara could one day become a broodmare, Pipe laughed and said: "Don't ask Dad about his breeding operation because it hasn't gone too well so far." Afsoun stayed on stoutly for third place and trainer Nicky Henderson was in no doubt as to the horse's future. "We didn't even have to talk as we walked back after the race. Owner, advisor, trainer and jockey, we all know where he's going next year. "He could go over fences, but he doesn't get any of the allowances, so he'll stay with hurdling and we'll put him up to three miles," said Henderson.

DETROIT CITY DISAPPOINTS

Sent off favourite in the Grade One Smufit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and running poorly, the grey Detroit City was again unable to live up to expectations today when market leader - the 7-4 favourite - and could only finish last. Following a de-brief with jockey Richard Johnson, trainer Philip Hobbs said: "I don’t know. Like Cheltenham, there is no reason and we are no further forward. He was flat in the race and never travelling. He will have a holiday now."

BETFAIR REPORT

Winner: AL EILE Price at off: 19.5 (18.5/1) LOWEST price matched before off: 8.0 (7/1) (£6 matched) HIGHEST price matched before off: 26 (25/1) (£9 matched) In running LOW: 1.01 (1/100) (£22,609 matched) In running HIGH: 27 (26/1) (£52 matched) AL EILE, hit an in-running high of 27, and came late and strong to repeat his success of two years ago. Last year's winner Asian Maze traded as low as 1.5 in running and on the in-running place market Arcalis was matched at the basement price of 1.01 but finished out of the frame - despite looking the winner at one stage. With a circuit to go, the favourite Detroit City was still trading at 3.8 but quickly drifted when failing to respond to Richard Johnson's urgings.

Race 4 - The John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle

WINNING RUN FOR ALBERTA

Responsible for the first and third, trainer Jonjo O’Neill commented: "The little mare (Refinement) ran a blinder really. You’d be pleased with them both." The winning post came in time for ther winner Albertas Run, the 9-2 favourite, and O’Neill commented: "He’s a great leaper and did everything right. I can put up with that. We hoped he would be alright on the ground. "I’d say that’ll be the lot for the season - there might be another race at Haydock or Punchestown. I will have a word with Mick (Meagher - the owner’s racing manager." Noel Fehily, the winning jockey, added: "He is a very, very tough horse. "Jonjo has done a superb job with him and he’s improved all season. Ever since his last run at Sandown, the horse has come on. "I think he will make a lovely chaser in time. It is beautiful ground out there - just slightly on the slow side of good." Trevor Hemmings, the horse’s owner, added: "We work hard with our team - it is a big team that brings the horses on. "Isn’t he good, I’d like another 10 like him."

LYES GREEN BOOST FOR MCKELVEY

Oliver Sherwood’s Lyes Green gave a timely boost to John Smith’s Grand National hope McKelvey when he finished in good style to take second place behind Albertas Run in the John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle. Lyes Green had previously been beaten a neck by McKelvey in the Grand National hopes prep race, a hurdle at Bangor-on-Dee last month. "Actually I thought we were going to win that race," said Sherwood, "And I was wishing that the Grand National could have been before this race, and McKelvey could have won first and highlighted our form!" Sherwood did not feel that the way the Aintree race panned out favoured his charge. " They didn’t go a very strong gallop and our horse needs a strong gallop. The winner was strong though and won his race at the last. Our lad is a good intelligent horse and we’re very pleased with that," he said.

Race 6 - John Smith’s Novices’ Handicap Chase - Winning Quotes

FIRST RULES WINNER FOR GUERRIERO

Amateur Josh Guerriero, last season’s champion novice point-to-point rider, rode his first winner under rules when partnering Private Be to success for trainer Philip Hobbs in the John Smith’s Novices’ Handicap Chase. The 12/1 winner survived a mistake at the last to come home three lengths clear of 9/4 favourite Bob Hall. Philip Hobbs said: "Private Be stayed on well today and this is the first winner under rules for Josh Guerriero. "He was champion novice point-to-point rider last season and has been with us for three years - he’s a good lad. "It’s great for him to have had his first rules winner at Aintree."

BETFAIR REPORT

Winner: PRIVATE BE Price at off: 17.0 (16/1) LOWEST price matched before off: 13.5 (12.5/1) (£16 matched) HIGHEST price matched before off: 36 (35/1) (£4 matched) In running LOW: 1.01 (1/100) (£25,037 matched) In running HIGH: 30.96 (30/1) (£4 matched) PRIVATE BE outbattlled the favourite Bob Hall to win the 5.00, the start of which was delayed around 50 minutes. Coming to the last the pair had the race to themselves and Bob Hall traded as low as 1.52 for £132 but had to give second best and was three lengths adrift at the line.

LEADING JOCKEY FINAL STANDINGS

Jockey 1st 2nd 3rd Tony McCoy 3 3 1 Tony Dobbin 2 1 1 Noel Fehily 2 - - Ruby Walsh 1 2 1 Mick Fitzgerald 1 1 1 Richard Johnson 1 1 1 Robert Thornton 1 1 1 Graham Lee 1 1 - Paddy Brennan 1 - 2 Timmy Murphy 1 - 2 Mr Richard Burton 1 - - Dougie Costello 1 - - Dominic Elsworth 1 - - Mr Josh Guerriero 1 - - Jamie Moore 1 - - Robert Power 1 - - Leighton Aspell - 2 1 Tom Scudamore - 2 1 Tom O’Brien - 2 - Wilson Renwick - 1 1 Mr Richard Harding - 1 - Mr J T McNamara - 1 - Liam Treadwell - 1 - Philip Kinsella - - 2 Miss Nina Carberry - - 1 Tony Evans - - 1 Barry Geraghty - - 1 Mr Richard McLernon - - 1 Mr Sam Waley-Cohen - - 1

LEADING TRAINER FINAL STANDINGS

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd Jonjo O’Neill 3 3 1 John Quinn 2 - - Paul Nicholls 1 2 1 Peter Bowen 1 2 - Nicky Henderson 1 1 2 Howard Johnson 1 1 2 Philip Hobbs 1 1 1 John Queally IRE 1 - 1 Nicky Richards 1 1 1 Alan King 1 1 - Ferdy Murphy 1 1 - Henry Daly 1 - - Gordon Elliott IRE 1 - - James Fanshawe 1 - - James Moffatt 1 - - Alan Swinbank 1 - - Ian Williams 1 - - David Pipe - 2 3 Nick Gifford - 1 1 Richard Barber - 1 - Niall Madden IRE - 1 - Oliver Sherwood - 1 - Venetia Williams - 1 - Richard Fahey - - 1 Steve Gollings - - 1 Peter Monteith - - 1 Eugene O’Sullivan IRE - - 1 Keith Reveley - - 1 Tom Taaffe IRE - - 1 Nigel Twiston-Davies - - 1

THE JOHN SMITH’S PEOPLE RACE

Kevin Old, a 44-year-old pawnbroker from Bournemouth, realised a lifelong dream when steering the Paul Nicholls-trained Hoo La Baloo to an all-the-way victory in the John Smith's People's Race, thereby raising £55,000 for charity. The race offered 10 members of the public, who had never previously ridden a racehorse, the chance to train for a unique piece of history, and Old was ecstatic afterwards. He said: "I am absolutely exhausted but it was the most fabulous feeling. I grabbed hold of his reins, got him balanced and kept kicking, and, though I feared that they would reel us in at the furlong-pole, we managed to hold on." It was, in fact, a five-length romp, and Old added:"I have been riding out five times a week with Jonathan Geake (in Hampshire), and the team down at Andover have been such a terrific help. "The horse I was originally meant to ride got injured, so I got a copy of 'Horses In Training' and rang up Paul, taking the view that he could only say no. "He rang me back the following morning and told me that I could ride Hoo La Baloo, and Dan Skelton, his assistant, said when I went down to give him a breeze, 'nick six lengths at the start and they won't catch you' And I also borrowed AP's (McCoy) riding gloves! "I had to lose 10lb which was very hard and have not had a drink for a fortnight, but I might have a couple tonight. It has all been worthwhile as the money goes to the Injured Jockeys Fund. "Jonathan and Paul have been brilliant, as have Bob Buckler and Toby Balding, who told me to tuck my backside into the horse and keep pushing and kicking. It's just unreal." Nicholls, who has had a disappointing week at Aintree, beamed: "What a magical moment, and we have finally had a winner! "To think Hoo La Baloo won the Grand Military Gold Cup over three miles in the mud at Sandown last time, and here he is winning a nine-furlong race on the Flat. Kevin gave him a terrific ride, and it's been a lot of fun." In contrast, it proved a heartbreaking moment for Michael Sweeney, who rode the 5-4 favourite. His horse whipped round at the start and unshipped him. Similarly, Jamie Robertson experienced an unhappy ending, being dumped after the winning post from Super Sensation. He was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured arm.

WANG WINS CITROËN IN STYLE

A breathless Stephen Wang could hardly believe it when his name was called as the winner of the Looking Good Style Contest on John Smith’s Grand National Day. "I’ve being rushing around for the last half-hour to get here and then they spring this on me. It’s a major shock, I really expected it to be one of the ladies. I only went in for it for a laugh, but it’s turned out all right in the end," said the 21-year-old who won a magnificent Citroën C4 coupé by Loeb. Stephen wore a satiny white suit by Zegna that he bought at Cricket in Liverpool, offset by a black silk scarf and shoes, he almost whispered, "from Burtons". In the blazing sunshine, wrap-around sunglasses by Dior were de rigueur. Stephen, from the Liverpool suburb of West Derby, was presented with his prize by Coleen MacLoughlin, fiancée of footballer Wayne Rooney, which was particularly appropriate as Stephen went to the same school, De La Salle in Croxteth, and was in the same year as Rooney. The most stylish lady prize was won by Charlotte Atherton and The Most Stylish Over-40 was awarded to Faith Almond who has become something of a standing-dish at this event. Faith was retaining the title she won at last year’s John Smith’s Grand National Day and in the final for the third time overall.

GOING NEWS AT 10.00AM

The going for the final day of the John Smith’s Grand National meeting, John Smith’s Grand National day, remains: GOOD on all courses. Watering of the Grand National course finished at 1.00am this morning while there is selective watering of both the Mildmay and Hurdles courses this morning. On the hurdles course, new ground will be used on the inside of most of the course. Andrew Tulloch, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Aintree, said: "The groundstaff, led by head groundsman Mark Aynsley, have done a magnificent job over the last three weeks in watering the courses here at Aintree. "It has been heartening to hear the complimentary comments from jockeys and trainers about the state of the ground over the previous two days. "The groundstaff have worked all hours - going to bed very late and getting up extremely early - to make sure that we have had good ground throughout the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National meeting."

LATEST BETFAIR ODDS FOR THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Joes Edge 9.5-1, Point Barrow 10-1, Hedgehunter 13-1, Mckelvey 16-1, Numbersixvalverde 17.5-1, Billyvoddan 20-1, L'Ami 21-1, Eurotrek 23-1, Idle Talk 24-1, Dun Doire 25-1, Simon 25-1, Monkerhostin 25-1, Bothar Na 26-1, Bewleys Berry 27-1, Longshanks 28-1, Royal Auclair 39-1, Kelami 49-1, Silver Birch 49-1, Jack High 49-1, Clan Royal 49-1, Homer Wells 54-1, Slim Pickings 54-1, Ballycassidy 59-1, Liberthine 64-1, Gallant Approach 74-1, Thisthatantother 99-1, Zabenz 119-1, Philson Run 119-1, Puntal 139-1, Le Duc 139-1, Graphic Approach 149-1, Celtic Son 179-1, Kandjar D’Allier 199-1, Cloudy Bays 219-1, Naunton Brook 299-1, Livingstonebramble 289-1, Tikram 289-1, Knowhere 299-1, The Outlier 329-1, Sonevafushi 349-1 Tony Calvin, spokesman for Betfair, Aintree’s official betting partner, said: "It is not clear yet who will start favourite for the 2007 John Smith’s Grand National with both Joes Edge and Point Barrow vying for favouritism. "Hedgehunter continues to prove strong