The Best of McFly at Aintree - Friday 14th June

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14.04.12 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

The John Smith's Grand National - Grand National Day

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE, 2012

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

GOING NEWS THIS MORNING

Grand National course - Good, Good to Soft in places

The going remains the same as yesterday after selective watering of between three and five millimetres last night.

Mildmay - Chase & Hurdle courses - Good

The going has changed on these courses from Good, Good to Soft in Places yesterday. The courses were watered selectively last night.

All bends, as well as hurdles, were moved to the inside line last night to provide fresh ground on the inside for today’s racing.

It was dry overnight and the forecast is for a dry and sunny morning, with possibly a light shower this afternoon and temperatures up to10C.

Andrew Tulloch, Aintree’s Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing, said: “We have maintained good ground and there will be a bit of good to soft out in the country on the National course.

“We had a band of rain on Monday which was very welcome. We thought we would be alright but the showers we were forecast did not materialise so we watered on Thursday night and last night to maintain safe jumping ground.”

SATURDAY’S NON-RUNNERS

Sixth race - The John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle

No.10 TED SPREAD (Self certificate - knocked joint)

Seventh race - John Smith’s Champion Open National Hunt Flat Race

No.17 SPIRIT OF SHANKLY (Vet certificate - lame)

SEABASS PROVING TO BE THE DISH OF THE DAY FOR JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL PUNTERS WITH BETFRED

Seabass has been the big gamble ahead of the John Smith’s Grand National this morning and Katie Walsh’s mount has been cut to 12/1 by Aintree’s official betting partner Betfred.

Initially priced up at 22/1, the rapidly-improving gelding has been incredibly popular with punters and is now the joint-second favourite for the race alongside last year’s winner Ballabriggs.

“Seabass has been smashed off the boards this morning for the John Smith’s Grand National with punters reeling in the price in the hope that this won’t be the one that got away,” said Betfred spokesman George Primarolo.

Punters have been very keen on the Irish as well to the extent that the price on an Irish-trained winner has been cut to 6/4 (from 7/4). There has also been support on the winning distance as well and over three lengths to 10 lengths has been trimmed to 7/4 (from 2/1).

Looking at the rest of the card, Chaptoturgeon has been popular at the head of the market for the John Smith’s Handicap Chase (5.35 Aintree) and has been cut to 5/2 (from 3/1) by Betfred. Constant Contact has been cut to give Donald McCain another Aintree winner in the John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (5.05 Aintree) and he is now 71 (from 8/1).

Population has been all the rage for the final race on the card and now heads the market at 9/4 (from 11/4).

John Smith’s Grand National – Betfred bet: 9 Synchronised; 12 (from 22) Seabass; 12 Ballabriggs; 14 Cappa Bleu, Shakalakaboomboom, West End Rocker; 16 Becauseicouldntsee, ChicagoGrey, Giles Cross, Junior, On His Own, Organisedconfusion, Sunnyhillboy, 18 Killyglen; 22 Treacle, 25 Always Right, 33 According To Pete, Planet Of Sound, The Midnight Club; 40 Calgary Bay, Neptune Collonges, Quiscover Fontaine, Rare Bob; 50 Alfa Beat, Black Apalachi, Mon Mome, Weird Al; 66 State Of Play, Vic Venturi; 80 Deep Purple; 100 Arbor Supreme, Hello Bud, Midnight Haze, Neptune Equester, Tatenen, Viking Blond; 125 Swing Bill; 150 In Compliance, Postmaster, Tharawaat. ¼ the odds1-2-3-4

John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Betfred bet: 4/9 Simonsig; 9 Aland Island, Super Duty; 11 Colour Squadron; 14 Molotof; 16 Baby Shine; 28 Go All The Way; 50 Old Tricks; 66 Flycorn; 100 Maggio. 1/5 the odds 1-2-3

John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase – Betfred bet: 1/7 Sprinter Sacre; 9 Toubab; 14 Australia Day; 25 Kudu Country. Win Only

John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle – Betfred bet: 2 Oscar Whisky; 5/2 Rock On Ruby, Zarkandar, 9/2 Thousand Stars; 50 Third Intention; 100 Saphir River. ¼ 1-2

John Smith’s Handicap Chase – Betfred bet: 5/2 (from 3) Chapoturgeon; 7 Battle Group, Marufo; 8 Saint Are; 12 On Borrowed Wings, Ackertac; 14 Noland, Brackloon High, My Boy Paddy; 16 Cannington Brook, Carrickboy, Tullamore Dew; 25 The Hollinwell; 40 Ballyvesey.¼ 1-2-3

John Smith’s Grand National: Irish-trained National – Betfred bet: 11/2 Becauseicouldntsee, On His Own; 6 Chicago Grey, Killyglen, Organisedconfusion; 8 Treacle; 9 Seabass; 14 The Midnight Club; 16 Alfa Beat, Rare Bob; 20 Black Apalachi; 28 Vic Venturi; 50 In Compliance, Tharawaat. ¼ 1-2-3

John Smith's Grand National: What weight will the winner carry? - Betfred bet: 2/5 Under 11st, 7/4 11st and over. Win Only

John Smith's Grand National: Age of Winner - Betfred bet: 7/4 nine-year-old, 2/1 10-year-old, 7/2 11-year-old, 7/1 eight-year-old; 14/1 seven-year-old; 25/1 12-year-old; 50/1 13-year-old; 100/1 14-year-old. Win Only

John Smith's Grand National Specials - Betfred bet: 6/4 (from 7/4) Irish-trained winner; 11/2 Jonjo O’Neill-trained winner; 8/1 Willie Mullins-trained winner; 9/1 Nina Carberry or Katie Walsh-ridden winner; 11/1 Donald McCain-trained winner; 12/1 David Pipe-trained winner. Win Only

John Smith’s Grand National: Winning Distance – Betfred bet: 7/4 (from 2/1) Over 3 lengths to 10 lengths; 9/4 Over 1.5 lengths to 3 lengths; 11/4 Over 10 lengths; 4/1 0 to 1.5 lengths. Win Only

John Smith’s Grand National: Number Of Finishers – Betfred bet: 9/4 13-16; 5/2 17-20; 4/1 21-25; 9-12; 12/1 26-30; 20/1 8 or fewer; 40/1 31 or more.Win Only

John Smiths’ Handicap Hurdle – Betfred bet: 4 Kazlian; 6 (from 13/2) Paintball; 7 (from 8) Constant Contact; 10 Sire de Grugy; 11 Dee Ee Williams; 12 Dream Esteem, Redera; 16 Ubi Ace; 18 Gibb River; 20 (from 25) Kealigolane; 20 Ericht, Jubail; 33 Lifestyle, Saute, Conquisto, Ciceron, Idarah; 40 Akula, Lightening Rod; 50 Helium. ¼ 1-2-3-4

John Smith’s Champion Standard Bumper – Betfred bet: 9/4 (from 11/4) Population; 11/2 My Tent Or Yours; 7 The New One; 8 Devon Drum; 11 Minella Forfitness; 12 Sir Johnson; 20 Howaboutnow; Many Clouds, Il Presidente; 25 Ifyousayso, My Inheritance; 33 Court Minstrel, Big Water, Stock Hill Fair; 40 Kaysersberg; 50 Lataradud; 66 Ballyvoque, Yes Daddy; 100 Nemi. ¼ 1-2-3

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

SHOW-STOPPER

The race that almost stops a nation has given the media of wealth of material on John Smith’s Grand National day.

Packed with photographs, analysis, tipping pieces, features and news angles, the press has lapped up an occasion that intrigues and appeals to young and old, poor and rich. There is a good story in every runner, and a test for each newspaper and broadcaster to convey the magic of the big race.

The Racing Post front-page headline ‘A day of legends’ is not hyperbole in the context of this famous and historic occasion, while Racing Plus’s statement that this is a ‘Day of destiny’ will certainly apply to the winner.

Ireland’s strong challenge for the race is spiced by women riders Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh, but Wales provides plenty of content too thanks to three candidates from Evan Williams’ yard and one from Tim Vaughan’s. ‘Welsh rare bets’ is a Sun headline alongside Claude Duval’s assessment, while the Daily Express’s Bev Swingell states ‘Cappa can end century of hurt’, a reference to Cappa Bleu’s bid for Cardiff’s Williams. Peter Scudamore is another Cappa Bleu fan in his Daily Mail guide, while the same paper’s Marcus Townend believes Carberry will create history on Organisedconfusion

The Daily Telegraph has bragging rights on two of the day’s key components, for not only can it boast Tony McCoy as a regular columnist, but also J A McGrath, the commentator who calls the race for the BBC’s last Aintree broadcast. ‘My final BBC commentary will bring wave of nostalgia’, says McGrath, while McCoy says ‘I am confident we can make history’ a reference to his big-race ride on likely favourite Synchronised.

Not to be outdone The Times produces an ace in its eight-page racing pullout with the views of Tom Scudamore, who rides key contender Junior, while Phil Smith, the handicapper who set the weights for today’s race, engages in a revealing Q&A with Dave Yates in the Daily Mirror. Yates, in his guise as Newsboy, tips Killyglen, and while a Daily Star headline alongside a Mick Fitzgerald article proclaims ‘Ruby’s own goal’ it is not suggesting he has picked the wrong horse, but can win with On His Own.

Ladies’ Day provided the press with a proliferation of colour and a profusion of flesh and goose pimples that carried racing to the news pages. ‘It’s Raintree!’ exclaims The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mirror alongside a sequence of pictures showing Liverpool lasses sheltering from showers, while pages 2 of the Daily Mirror, 3 of the Daily Express, 5 of the Daily Star, 7 of the Daily Mail and 13 of the Sun are dominated by shots of Colleen Rooney, Aintree’s favourite footballer’s WAG.

The Guardian’s front page depicts a line of racegoers under a headline that says ‘Fashion Stakes - Under starter’s orders’, while the same paper chooses John Smith’s Grand National day to consider the risks to horses in jump racing, devoting more than a page of its Saturday section to a debate between former jockey Richard Pitman and Animal Aid’s Dene Stansall. Greg Wood, the same paper’s racing correspondent, analyses the aftermath of last year’s race and points out that 70,000 racegoers will enter Aintree today, compared to the “20 at most” Animal Aid protestors positioned outside.

Chris McGrath, The Independent columnist, reflects on a ‘vital renewal’ for the big race, while The Times’ Alan Lee points out ‘the best defence against those who despise the National is to point to the millions enriched by it’.

Many papers pick up on Liverpool’s day in the sporting spotlight with both the National and FA Cup semi-final between the city’s two football teams taking place within a few hours. ‘Mersey Paradise’ is The Independent’s message, while the Racing Post’s back page headline is ‘’What an amazing day ... The National and The Derby!’

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE, 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

CHARITY RACE QUOTES

Mick Kinane’s CV includes victories in most of the world’s greatest Flat races but he achieved a first at Aintree today when running away with the John Smith’s Aintree Legends Charity Race on American Trilogy for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

“I wouldn’t say that I was as stylish as I used to be - a fraction of it was still there! - but it was nice to do it again,” said Kinane. “Bob (Champion) rang me back in December and he got me in a good moment. This is a fantastic course and it’s a pleasure to be part of it. I had to fish around to get this horse, a couple of rides fell away, and fortunately (organiser) Liz (Ampairee) rang Paul Nicholls and he came up with this horse.

“Paul said that he had lost a bit of confidence over fences and he wanted to get a bit back to go on the Flat with him. His rating suited the race so I was more that delighted to ride him. It was great to ride for a champion trainer.

“He travelled beautifully. Sometimes you might not get a good run in these charity races but there was a lovely rhythm in the race and I knew that it would suit my horse. I was very confident that, unless somebody was stalking me, I was in very good shape.

“I’ve ridden pretty much everywhere but not Aintree. All my family are from a National Hunt background, my father and brothers have ridden here so it’s great to tick it off the list.

“I may have won easily but if you have a good jockey riding a slow horse it is still a slow horse.”

Winning trainer Paul Nicholls revealed that American Trilogy could become his first runner on the Flat.

“Mick gave him a great ride” said Nicholls. “He had a fall schooling before Cheltenham and he doesn’t seem in love with jumping so we thought we’d come here.

“The first thing Mick asked afterwards was what his Flat rating was. I’ve not had a runner (under Rules) on the Flat before but I’ve got a licence now and I think he could be my first runner on the level. He looked to have plenty of ability there.”

Tony Dobbin, who partnered runner-up Waldvogel, said: “I won the race last year but I don’t mind losing to Mick Kinane. He’s fantastic. It’s a great craic, I hope they ask me back next year.”

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

First race - John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

Winner’s quotes

SIMONSIG IS SO IMPRESSIVE AND COULD NOW GO OVER FENCES

Nicky Henderson’s abundance of riches bears few of greater potential than his six-year-old grey Simonsig, who races in the colours of Ronnie Bartlett, the Scottish potato merchant.

Today he trounced a Grade 2 field in the John Smith’s Novices’ Hurdle as easily as he had those who took him on in Neptune Investment Management Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Henderson said: “He’s pretty good isn’t he? He was just a bit disappointing at Sandown when beaten by Fingal Bay, and while that is a very good horse we looked like we were set to beat him at the second-last. We gave him a break and started again and he’s been real class since then.

“I would have thought that’s his last run over hurdles, but we’ve got a long summer to think about that.

“He saw this trip out [2m 4f], but if we were to send him over fences it would definitely be over two miles. As Ronnie said ‘let’s just enjoy it’. With Darlan [who won yesterday’s Grade Two Tangle Teezer Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree] and him there are decisions to be made.”

Winning jockey Barry Geraghty said: “He’s as good as he looks - he does everything so easily they were going too slowly for him today. He missed one or two, especially the second-last, and I would say that really he wants to jump a fence.

“He’s a real chaser, and while he can jump hurdles well enough he can be a little careless and I think he would have more respect for fences.

“Nicky has a beautiful bunch of horses. I think that this lad will be very good over fences and obviously Finian’s Rainbow has done what he has done and Sprinter Sacre is doing what he is doing. It’s a great position to be in.”

Simonsig’s half-brother Simarthur, who won his first Irish point-to-point on Monday for breeder Simon Tindall, is being offered for sale at Brightwells’ Cheltenham venue next Wednesday evening as Lot 51a.

First race - The John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle - placed quotes

SUPER ROUND FOR RUNNER-UP

Donald McCain was delighted with Super Duty’s front-running effort in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, in which he capitulated only to Simonsig.

McCain said: “He missed the second-last and if not for that he’d have been clear second. He would have been as close to Simonsig as anything’s been this year.

“We’ve been waiting to get him out because he’s such a big baby and even going round out there he was pricking his ears a bit. I think that will be it for him now for this season.

“He’s just keeps finding and he’s a lovely prospect. I run his full-brother [Howaboutnow] in the last so I hope he runs as well as this one.”

First race - John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle - placed quotes

PUNCHESTOWN COULD BE NEXT FOR BABY SHINE

Lucy Wadham was delighted with Baby Shine’s third in the John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle and the Newmarket handler is now considering Punchestown for the six-year-old.

Wadham said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with Baby Shine. We were hopeful of a big run, but obviously she hasn’t really been tested before so we were a bit in the dark. She has always shown a lot of ability in her races - a lot more than she does at home.

“We will see how she is in the next couple of days, but we might go to Punchestown with her and run in the mares’ hurdle over two miles and two furlongs. I think she is a stayer and she will get three miles in time but the drop back in trip against her own sex won’t matter too much.

“We will think about going over fences next year, but we could mix and match a bit as there is such a good programme for mares over hurdles.”

GOING AFTER THE FIRST

Barry Geraghty, jockey of the 15-length winner Simonsig, said: “Perfect ground - just on the easy side of good.”

Jason Maguire, on board second Super Duty, said: “Good - they have done a great job with it.”

Leighton Aspell, partner of third Baby Shine, said: “On the easy side of good.”

Paul Townend, partner of fourth Flycorn, said: “It is just on the slow side of good.”

Andrew Lynch, jockey of Go All The Way, said: “On the slow side.”

James Reveley, rider of Maggio, said: “On the soft side of good.”

Ruby Walsh, on board Molotof, described the going as “Grand.”

Joe Tizzard, partner of Old Tricks, said: “It is slower than yesterday.”

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE, 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

SECOND RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE (GRADE 1)

SPRINTER SO IMPRESSIVE

The outstanding Sprinter Sacre justified 1/7 favouritism to win the Grade One John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase with great ease.

The winner completed a 2.45/1 double for trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty.

“He has been amazing all season but you are is getting to the stage now where anything but perfection doesn’t do,” said Henderson. “I think he is spectacular and it is a joy to watch when it is over. I said to (owner) Caroline (Mould) before that it has been fun until now but it’s not fun anymore - it’s frightening. You have come to expect to see frankly what we have seen him do again. It’s frightening.

“He is growing up all of the time and he can get stronger. He is getting very sensible but his scope and his whole swagger is just quite extraordinary. I thought that Finian’s Rainbow was pretty good yesterday but this horse has this aura about him and we have always said that he knows that he is very good looking.

“Just because they are beautiful doesn’t make them the best horses - it should do but it doesn’t always apply. Here it just does - everything fits everywhere and he has the athleticism and the attitude. I think that attitude has a lot do with it and there don’t seem to be any flaws in him.

“The joy with him is that along with his looks, ability and athleticism he has a great temperament to go with it as well.”

Asked about a possible clash with stablemate Finian’s Rainbow, winner of Friday’s John Smith’s Melling Chase, Henderson added: “We’ve got to think about what we do but we don’t need to rush into any decision at the moment.

“Sprinter Sacre has to stay at two miles, I can’t see how he can go further. You can’t try to stop him and there’s no point.

“Finian’s Rainbow does have more scope to go further but if they have to take each other on then so be it. There’s not an abundance of two-mile races.

“We don’t even have to think about whether he is better than Finian’s Rainbow at the moment. We have a long summer when the horses can relax and we can dream.”

Second race quotes - John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase - more winning quotes

GERAGHTY ELATED WITH SPRINTER SACRE AFTER MAGHULL ROMP

Sprinter Sacre made it five from five over fences with a scintillating performance in the Grade One John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase over two miles. His regular partner Barry Geraghty was full of praise for the six-year-old, who sauntered home for a 13-length success.

Geraghty said: “I just said to Nicky (Henderson) that Sprinter Sacre is frighteningly good. Every jump is like a bungy jump. I have never ridden a horse with so much scope.

“Time will tell if he is better than Moscow Flyer, but the way he jumped and travelled down the back; I don’t think I have ever ridden a horse that jumps and travels like he does, time will tell, but hopefully he can be the best.”

Second race - The John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase - placed quotes

TOUBAB BOUNCES BACK AFTER CHELTENHAM MISHAP

Confidence building was the object of the exercise for Toubab in the John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase after the grey was brought down in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and a positive round with just one hiccup at the second-last was mission accomplished, as he finished runner-up to Sprinter Sacre.

Nick Hitchings, representing his father Clive, who owns the six-year-old son of Martaline, said: “Obviously after being brought down at Cheltenham we were just hoping for a clear round and a small field here was ideal for him to boost his confidence.

“It’s no disgrace to finish second to a horse like Sprinter Sacre and Ruby [Walsh] said he was going very well. He hit the second-last and from then on there was only ever going to be one winner but he’s home safely and that’s the most important thing.

“We’ll hopefully get one more run into him before the end of the season, we’ll wait and see where Paul [Nicholls] wants to run him.”

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE, 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

RUBY WALSH

Ruby Walsh, who was set to ride On His Own in the John Smith’s Grand National, has been stood down on medical grounds by the racecourse doctor and will not ride again today after falling from Zarkandar in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle.

Paul Townend is set to take over on On His Own with Andrew Tinkler taking the mount on Townend’s former ride The Midnight Club.

Paddy Brennan will replace Walsh in the fourth race on Chapoturgeon.

Walsh also had to miss his intended mount Big Fella Thanks in the 2010 John Smith’s Grand National after falling from Celestial Halo in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle.

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Third race - The John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle - winner’s quotes

BACK-TO-BACK AINTREE HURDLES FOR OSCAR WHISKY

Dai Walters’ Oscar Whisky fought hard to see off Thousand Stars and Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby to land his second consecutive victory in the John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle.

Winning trainer Nicky Henderson said: “That was a replay of last year. I do feel sorry for the grey horse [Thousand Stars] - another two strides and he’d have been ahead of us, just like last year.

“We tried three miles [with Oscar Whisky, in the World Hurdle] and he had a very hard race at Cheltenham. He blatantly didn’t get the trip and was very tired after the race. He was very wobbly that day.

“We’ve had the extra week and there was work to do with him, so it’s amazing that he’s run to the pound again with Thousand Stars.

"The boys have done a great job with him at home. He's done really well to get back for this."

Looking ahead to next season, Henderson added: "He jumps really well and he'll have to go over a fence at some stage."

Owner Dai Walters said: "It's a dream come true. I'm just so delighted for Nicky Henderson's team. I have to thank them all very much."

Third race - John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle - winning quotes

THREE OUT OF THREE FOR GERAGHTY AS OSCAR WHISKY DEFENDS HIS AINTREE HURDLE CROWN

Oscar Whisky held off the late surge from Thousand Stars by a neck to add a second Grade One to his CV after winning his second John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle. He was found wanting for stamina in last month’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, but the return to two and a half miles saw him in a far better light and Barry Geraghty believes this is his ideal trip.

Geraghty said: “Rock On Ruby went on and I was happy to follow him as that was the plan. I always felt coming out of the back-straight that I had him covered, but it was a case of delaying my challenge because I knew Thousand Stars and Zarkandar, who crashed out, would be nipping at our heels.

“We went a good gallop, we didn’t go quick, but we didn’t go a crawl either which it could have been. On his form maybe we went for the wrong race at Cheltenham, but a stiff two miles or two and a half miles will be fine.”

Third race - John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle

Placed quotes

STARS A STAR AGAIN, AND NO DISGRACE FOR ROCK ON RUBY

In a repeat to the finish of last year’s John Smith’s Aintree Hurdle Oscar Whisky narrowly held Thousand Stars.

The Willie Mullins-trained Thousand Stars went down by just a neck, while a further five lengths behind was the Stan James Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby.

Mullins said: “He’s run a terrific race because I didn’t think he was in such good form compared to last year and it looked a hotter race. He stayed on right to the line and looked like getting there, but maybe the winner had a bit up his sleeve.

“Last year we went from here to Punchestown and then Auteuil, and I should think we’ll do the same again. He’s one of those good soldiers you can pull out and they run their A-game every time.”

Mullins added of Hurricane Fly, who was beaten into third when favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle and is also likely to run at Punchestown: “He’s in good form - you would think he’d won at Cheltenham!”

Harry Fry, an assistant to Paul Nicholls, the trainer of Rock On Ruby, said: “We were the sitting duck. He wants a truly-run two miles with a good lead. He jumped well enough but he was in front doing the donkey work for everyone else.

“Next time we’ll make sure we put something into the race that can go a good gallop. That’s him finished for the season and everything will be geared around Cheltenham next March and a repeat attempt on the Champion Hurdle.”

Donald McCain’s Overturn set the pace in the race this year before finishing second, and Fry added: “Whether Overturn is there or not we’ll make sure we put in one of our own.”

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL MEETING, AINTREE 2012

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JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

INITIAL QUOTES FROM THE 2012 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

THE WINNING TRAINER

Paul Nicholls, who trains the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National winner Neptune Collonges, said: ““What a brilliant ride. I am so chuffed for Daryl (Jacob) - I kept niggling Ruby (Walsh) saying you want to be on him because he has the class, he stays and he loves the ground. I thought that he would run well.

“Neptune Collonges will retire now. What a fantastic horse he has been. It’s superb, I knew that he would stay, I knew that he was fit I didn’t know that he would win. Ruby told me he had won on the line and I am delighted.

“I had given up on the trainers’ championship - I told Nicky that it was all over. It’s brilliant.”

THE WINNING OWNER

John Hales, who owns the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National winner, commented: “I just wanted him to get round safe and I never dreamed that he would win it. I thought that the handicapper may have given him 6lb too much.

“Can I just say thank you Aintree - after what happened a few years ago (One Man), you owed me that one. I am so emotional, I can’t believe it.

“That’s won Paul (Nicholls) the championship - my first thought was that’s done it for him. With Sprinter Sacre and all the others, Nicky (Henderson) was walking away with the trainers’ championship. I thought that we were going to bloody win the National and we have gone and done.

“The family were split whether to run Neptune Collonges. My daughter is showjumping down in south Wales - she has probably jumped off the horse if she is in the middle of a round!

“He will never race again - that’s it.”

THE WINNING JOCKEY

Daryl Jacob, who partnered the 2012 John Smith’s Grand National winner, declared: “This is so good for my best friend Kieran Kelly, who died.

“You cannot beat this. I have always told Paul Nicholls that I someday I would ride him a National winner. I said that two years ago and I am just glad that I have done it now.”

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

THE FINISHING ORDER TO THE 2012 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

winning time 9m 5.10s

1 Neptune Collonges - Paul Nicholls’ 53rd John Smith’s Grand National runner won - this means that Nicholls wins the trainers’ championship 33/1

2 Sunnyhillboy 16/1

3 Seabass - Katie Walsh became the highest-placed female rider ever 8/1 jt fav

4 Cappa Bleu 16/1

5 In Compliance

6 Ballabriggs

7 Hello Bud

8 Tharawaat

9 Shakalakaboomboom 8/1 jt fav

10 Swing Bill

11 The Midnight Club

12 Planet Of Sound

13 Neptune Equester

14 Calgary Bay

15 Midnight Haze

nose, 5, 7, 2.75, 2.5, 3.75, 0.75, 6, 27, 22, 14, 24, 14, 10

FIFTH RACE RESULT - 4.15pm THE 2012 JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Class 1, Grade 3, £975,000 Total Prize Fund. For 7yo+ which are allotted a rating of 120 or more, 4m 4f. Minimum weight 10st. Penalty Values: 1st: £547,267; 2nd: £205,822; 3rd: £102,862; 4th: £51,382; 5th: £25,837; 6th: £12,870; 7th: £6,630; 8th: £3,150; 9th: £1,950; 10th: £975

1) NEPTUNE COLLONGES (FR) (John & Lisa Hales) Paul Nicholls 11-11-06 Daryl Jacob 33/1

2) SUNNYHILLBOY (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-10-05 Richie McLernon 16/1

3) SEABASS (IRE) (Gunners Syndicate) Ted Walsh IRE 9-10-12 Ms Katie Walsh 8/1 Jt Fav

4) CAPPA BLEU (IRE) (William & Angela Rucker) Evan Williams t10-10-10 Paul Moloney 16/1

5) IN COMPLIANCE (IRE) (Dessie Hughes) Dessie Hughes IRE 12-10-00 Niall Madden 100/1

6) BALLABRIGGS (IRE) (Trevor Hemmings) Donald McCain 11-11-09 Jason Maguire 12/1

7) HELLO BUD (IRE) (Seamus Murphy) Nigel Twiston-Davies t14-10-00 Sam Twiston-Davies 33/1

8) THARAWAAT (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) Gordon Elliott IRE t7-10-04 Brian O'Connell 125/1

9) SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE) (Liam Breslin) Nicky Henderson 8-10-12 Barry Geraghty 8/1 Jt Fav

10) SWING BILL (FR) (David Johnson & Martin Pipe) David Pipe p11-10-03 Conor O'Farrell 100/1

11) THE MIDNIGHT CLUB (IRE) (Susannah Ricci) Willie Mullins IRE 11-10-08 Andrew Tinkler 40/1

12) PLANET OF SOUND (Charles Lloyd-Baker) Philip Hobbs t10-11-05 Richard Johnson 33/1

13) NEPTUNE EQUESTER (Koo’s Racing Club) Brian Ellison 9-10-00 Felix De Giles 100/1

14) CALGARY BAY (IRE) (Camilla Radford) Henrietta Knight 9-11-06 Dominic Elsworth 33/1

15) MIDNIGHT HAZE (Kim Bailey Racing Partnership) Kim Bailey 10-10-00 Sean Quinlan 80/1

F1) VIKING BLOND (FR) (Caroline Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies b7-10-00 Brian Hughes 80/1

F2) WEST END ROCKER (IRE) (Barry Winfield & Tim Leadbeater) Alan King 10-10-12 Wayne Hutchinson 16/1

F2) JUNIOR (Middleham Park Racing LI) David Pipe b9-11-02 Tom Scudamore 16/1

BD5) CHICAGO GREY (IRE) (John Earls) Gordon Elliott IRE t9-10-13 Paul Carberry 20/1

BD5) RARE BOB (IRE) (D A Syndicate) Dessie Hughes IRE 10-10-9 Bryan Cooper 40/1

UR5) STATE OF PLAY (William & Angela Rucker) Evan Williams 12-10-03 Noel Fehily 40/1

F6) SYNCHRONISED (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 9-11-10 A P McCoy 10/1

F7) ALFA BEAT (IRE) (Irvin Naylor) John Hanlon IRE b1 8-11-05 Davy Russell 50/1

F8) BLACK APALACHI (IRE) (Teresa Burke) Dessie Hughes IRE p13-11-03 Denis O'Regan 25/1

UR8) KILLYGLEN (IRE) (David McCammon) Stuart Crawford t10-10-04 Robert Power 14/1

UR8) ORGANISEDCONFUSION (IRE) (Grace Dunlop) Arthur Moore IRE 7-10-08 Miss Nina Carberry 20/1

UR 8) TATENEN (FR) (The Stewart Family) Richard Rowe 8-10-13 Andrew Thornton 100/1

HMP & UR 8) BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE (IRE) (Noel Glynn) Noel Glynn IRE 9-10-03 Davy Condon 25/1

UR10) ARBOR SUPREME (IRE) (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill t1 10-10-07 Mark Walsh 100/1

F10) TREACLE (IRE) (Bjorn Nielsen) Tom Taaffe IRE 11-10-08 Andrew Lynch 22/1

PU BEF 11) GILES CROSS (IRE) (Kay Birchenhough) Victor Dartnall 10-10-01 Paddy Brennan 20/1

UR 15) ALWAYS RIGHT (IRE) (John Wade) John Wade 10-10-10 James Reveley 25/1

F17) QUISCOVER FONTAINE (FR) (J P McManus) Willie Mullins IRE 8-10-04 David Casey 50/1

PU BEF 19) DEEP PURPLE (Paul Green) Evan Williams 11-11-03 Jamie Moore 25/1

REF 19) VIC VENTURI (IRE) (Seamus Dunne) Dessie Hughes IRE p12-10-00 Harry Skelton 80/1

PU BEF 22) POSTMASTER (The Bill & Ben Partnetship) Tim Vaughan t10-10-02 Dougie Costello 100/1

BD 22) ACCORDING TO PETE (Peter Nelson) Malcolm Jefferson 11-10-12 Harry Haynes 28/1

F 22) ON HIS OWN (IRE) (Semore Kurdi) Willie Mullins IRE 8-10-11 Paul Townend 14/1

PU BEF 22) MON MOME (FR) (Vida Bingham) Venetia Williams 12-10-08 Aidan Coleman 50/1

F27) WEIRD AL (IRE) (Brannon, Dick, Holden) Donald McCain 9-11-08 Timmy Murphy 28/1

40 ran Time: 9m 05.10s

Distances: nose, 5, 7, 2¾, 2½, 3¾, ¾, 6, 27, 22, 14, 24, 14, 10

Breeder: G A E C Delorrme Freres

Breeding: gr g Dom Alco (FR) - Castille Collonges (FR) (El Badr)

Tote Win: £47.80 Places: £9.00; £6.40; £2.60; £4.60 Exacta: £737.20

Winning Trainer: PAUL NICHOLLS Date of birth: 17/05/62 Based: Heighes House, Manor Farm Stables, Ditcheat, Shepton Mallet, Somerset Background: Paul Nicholls, the son of a policeman, was born in Olveston, Bristol, on April 17, 1962, and has been training at Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, Somerset, since taking out a licence on November 1, 1991. He started out as a jump jockey and twice rode the winner of the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury, in 1986 and 1987. He partnered 130 winners between 1980 and 1989, and nominates the best horses he rode as Broadheath, Playschool and Seagram. Between 1989 and 1991, he was assistant trainer to former Devon-based David Barons, who sent out Seagram to win the 1991 Grand National at Aintree during that time. Having strongly challenged Martin Pipe for the jump trainers’ championship for several years, most notably when pushing his great rival right to the last day of the 2004/05 campaign, he claimed his first title in the 2005/06 season. Nicholls pulled off the amazing feat of saddling seven winners and three seconds from his 10 runners on Saturday, November 7, 1998, and made history when he became the first trainer to saddle six winners on the same card, at Wincanton, his local track, on Saturday, January 21, 2006. Aintree Festival Wins include: John Smith’s Grand National (2012 Neptune Collonges), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2011 Master Minded), BGC Partners Liverpool Hurdle (2012, 2011, 2010 & 2009 Big Buck’s), John Smith’s Extra Cold Handicap Hurdle (2008 Forest Pennant), Top Novices’ Hurdle (2008 Pierrot Lunaire), John Smith’s Topham Chase (2008 Gwanako), John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2002 Armaturk, 2003 Le Roi Miguel, 2007 Twist Magic, 2010 Tataniano), John Smith’s Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2008 Big Buck’s, 2012 Silviniaco Conti), Citroen C5 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Natal, 2008 Elusive Dream)), John Smith’s Fox Hunter Chase (2002 Torduff Express), Matalan Anniversary 4-y-o Novices’ Hurdle (2003 Le Duc, 2011 Zarkandar), Totesport Bowl (2010 What A Friend, 2000 See More Business) Cheltenham Festival Wins (32): Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2010 Sanctuaire), Ladbrokes World Hurdle (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Big Buck’s), Pulteney Land Investments Novices’ Handicap Chase (2009 Chapoturgeon), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2008 Celestial Halo, 2011 Zarkandar), Racing Post Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop, 2008 & 2009 Master Minded), Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business, 2007 & 2009 Kauto Star, 2008 Denman), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover, 2005 Sleeping Night), Johnny Henderson Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran, 2007 Andreas), Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene, 2006 Desert Quest, 2009 American Trilogy), Ryanair Chase (2005 Thisthatandtother, 2007 Taranis), William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (2006 Noland, 2011 Al Ferof), RSA Chase (2006 Star De Mohaison, 2007 Denman), Stan James Champion Hurdle (2012 Rock On Ruby) First Trainer to Saddle Six Winners on One Card: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wincanton Number of Winners (1992/03-2010/11): 20; 29; 28; 53; 56; 82; 110; 71; 83; 136; 152; 127; 152; 148*; 124*; 151* (first trainer to win more than £4 million in prize money in a season);155*;115*, 134* *Champion Trainer Wins this Season: 130

Winning Jockey: Daryl Jacob Born: Donegal, August 25, 1983 Background: The son of a fisherman, Jacob initially attended the Racing School in Kildare and then spent two years with Dessie Hughes before spending a summer riding out Flat horses with Richard Hannon. Daryl joined Robert and Sally Alner’s Dorset stable and rode their point-to-pointers, and after a season with Paul Keane returned to the Alners in the summer of 2006. He enjoyed a fantastic 2006/07 season, highlighted by success on The Listener in the Grade One Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December 2007, his first victory in his homeland since he switched to Britain in 2003. During his time with Hughes, he became very friendly with Kieran Kelly, who died in a fall in 2003, and Daryl dedicated his Lexus triumph to Kieran, who was instrumental in encouraging him to make the move to England. It was the decision of owner Ray Humphrey to give the ride on The Listener to Jacob, having “jocked off” Andrew Thornton, and the partnership continued to flourish, with Grade One victories in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown and the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown. Formerly associated with the Nick Williams stable and appointed second jockey to Paul Nicholls at the start of the 2011/2012 campaign. First Double under NH Rules: Leicester, March 11, 2005 (Toms Gone Grey and Cobreces) Aintree Festival wins include: John Smith's Grand National (2012 Neptune Collonges), John Smith’s Top Novices’ Hurdle (2011 Topolski), John Smith’s Mares’ NHF Race (2011 Tempest River) Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): JCB Triumph Hurdle (2011 Zarkandar) Wins (2003/04-2010/11): 2; 8; 19; 40; 36; 23; 49; 56 Wins this season: 80

MORE REACTION

Daryl Jacob, the winning rider in the closest finish ever to a John Smith’s Grand National, added: “I just kept my head down and the horse kept grinding out the whole way to the line. I wasn’t sure where the winning line was but I knew that, inch by inch, I was starting to grind him down. Luckily enough, the line came and we held on just enough to get there.

“Nipper (Neptune Collonges) was very, very good - he got me out of trouble the whole way. I was going as fast as I was going from the start of the race to the finish of the race. He knew exactly what pace he was going and I just had trust him on it. I don’t think he missed a beat the whole way round and he loved it.

“I was comfortable enough that was going to run a very big race because he is a class horse at the end of the day and you can never forget class. He is a class horse who can get you out of trouble when you need it - he has definitely got me out of trouble today.

“I am delighted for Paul and everyone who is part of the team down at Ditcheat. It’s a great team effort and I am just very glad and very lucky to be part of it.”

Katie Walsh, the highest placed woman ever in the Jojhn Smith’s Grand National after finishing third on Sea Bass, said: “I was happy where I was - getting plenty of light and hacking away. I don’t know if I was going to win but, when I was turning in, I thought that I was going as good as anything else.

"I kind of knew going down to the last that I didn’t have a whole lot left. I didn’t want to go after him at the last so he popped it and he galloped the whole way to the line. It was probably a question of stamina but you never know.

“It was an absolutely fantastic race and I am not at all fed up. I am glad I got round - it’s a lot of pressure off with people wandering whether I would get round.”

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

NICHOLLS BREAKS HOODOO

After 52 unsuccessful runners in the John Smith’s Grand National, Paul Nicholls secured a seventh trainers’ championship when Neptune Collonges got up by a nose to win under jockey Daryl Jacob.

“Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! I wasn’t sure we had got there,” said Nicholls. “He was running away when the other horse was stopping and I thought the verdict could have gone either way. He got there at the right time and that’s what counts. This has been a race we haven’t had the best of luck in but it’s great to win. It’s a race everyone knows and everyone watches.

“If it hadn’t been for Denman or Kauto Star then he’d have won a Gold Cup. He’s won two Guinness Gold Cups at Punchestown and been placed in a Gold Cup and no other horse apart from Synchronised had form like that. Gold Cup form counts for an awful lot. What a fantastic horse he has been and he will retire now. He’s probably the best horse we have run in the race. I knew he’d stay and keep galloping.

“Ruby (Walsh) always just felt he was too old. I’m so chuffed for Daryl, he went the brave man’s route and little short cuts like that make all the difference. Daryl keeps getting better and better and when you have a second jockey like him things like that can happen.

“When (bloodstock agent) Anthony Bromley bought him from France he said we’d be disappointed when we saw him. I thought they were having a joke when he arrived because he was so narrow and only about 15.2 hands, a typical horse from France. I said I couldn’t let Mr Hales see him for a while and fed the horse up!

“That’s seven championships now but it will be incredibly difficult to win another next year. Neptune has now retired and with Denman gone, and possibly Kauto Star as well, we’ve got to find some new ammunition for next season. I said to Nicky (Henderson) that I thought the championship was dead and buried for us after he won with Oscar Whisky today so it’s a surprise. Nicky’s a mate as well and I ain’t going to win it next year, we need to regroup.”

Speaking about the sad death of Synchronised, Nicholls added: “Neptune here has shown how much these horses mean to us. All sports have an element of risk and we all take a certain amount of risk each day. We take every effort to minimise risks but even in Flat races accidents can happen.”

Jockey Daryl Jacob dedicated his victory to former weighing-room colleague and housemate Kieran Kelly, who died in a fall in 2003.

“Kieran looked after me when I went to work for Dessie Hughes in Ireland and he virtually kicked me out of the house to tell me I had to go and ride in England so without him I wouldn’t be here. It is the same with people like Robert and Sally Alner, I’m just happy to repay them for all they did. This means the whole world to me, it’s the race every jockey wants to win,” said Jacob.

“It was a very, very close finish and I didn’t know where the finishing line was. I just kept driving until 10 yards after the line. He was going as fast as he could at the start as at the finish, I just steered him. He went his own pace, I just sat there.

“He’s a real stayer and a class horse and he just stayed on the whole way to the line. We were reeling them in all the time.”

Owner John Hales said: “This is so emotional for me and he retires today. I just wanted to get him round safely but I never dreamed he would win. I thought the handicapper had given him 6lb too much.

“My wife Pat watched with Paul but I was on the move half-watching. My thought after he jumped the last was just ‘thank God’, he’s home and well. I have nothing against Aintree but after what happened here in 1998 with One Man the place has owed me that one, so thank you Aintree.

“We had not thought about coming here but then he went to Haydock last time and, with a big weight and ground he didn’t like, I thought we were only going through the motions running there. But he ran a brilliant race, he would have won in a couple more yards and he earned his right to come here.

“He was going to retire win, lose or draw after today and will retire at my home now. It meant a lot to me when J P (McManus) congratulated me, giving me his good wishes after a terrible moment for him. It says a lot about the man that he could do that.

“My family was split about running here, my wife was 50/50 about coming here and my daughter Lisa is showjumping in South Wales although I think she might have jumped off when she hears what has happened.”

Fifth race - The John Smith’s Grand National - third place quotes

KATIE WALSH GOES CLOSE ON SEABASS

Katie Walsh came closer than any other female rider in John Smith’s Grand National history when finishing a good third on Seabass, trained by her father Ted, five lengths behind winner Neptune Collonges and Sunnyhillboy, who was just a nose behind at the line.

Walsh, 27, who was having her first ride in the National, said: “He gave me an unbelievable spin. I was wrong a couple of times and he put me right but it’s just a fantastic experience and great to get round. I want to go out and do it all over again.

“Up to the third last. I was going okay. I pulled down my goggles and turning in Barry [Geraghty, on Shakalakaboomboom] said to me ‘You’re not going too bad’, but I knew then was never going to win. I was just delighted to be placed.”

Ted Walsh, who trained Papillon to win the National in 2000 under son Ruby, added: “I’m really proud of them both. I just thought for a few moments there we were going to see history. It was brilliant.

“I was a little worried about stamina and he probably ran out of it a little bit at the elbow but he jumped well and ran well.

“A real top-class horse beat him and also Sunnhillboy, who ran well at Cheltenham. It was a good National and it was great to be part of it.”

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National - placed quotes

EVAN WILLIAMS THRILLED WITH THE INEXPERIENCED CAPPA BLEU’S FOURTH PLACE FINISH

Cappa Bleu, only having his ninth start under rules, ran a terrific race to finish fourth in the John Smith’s Grand National, despite a number of horses falling in front of him during the four and a half mile marathon.

Williams said: “Cappa Bleu nearly got brought down a few times. It was carnage out there with a number of horses falling in front of him so he had no luck in running, getting shuffled back, but he then stayed on again. He is still unexposed as that is only his ninth start and it’s probably his inexperience that has beat him.”

Paul Maloney has now placed in the past four renewals of the John Smith’s Grand National after finishing in the money aboard Cappa Bleu’s stable companion State Of Play, who failed to finish this year.

Maloney said: “It didn’t go to plan really. I nearly got brought down at Foinavon and I’ve just had to use Cappa Bleu a bit to get him back into rhythm, but he a ran a tremendous race. I would certainly like to ride him again next year.”

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

HOW THEY RAN - JOCKEYS’ THOUGHTS AFTER THE JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL

Dominic Elsworth, on Calgary Bay, said: “He just got a bit tired. I suffered a bit of interference from loose horses, but otherwise it was fine.”

Davy Russell, on Alfa Beat, said: “I was lucky at the first because he slithered into the back of it. At the seventh he just took his eye off the fence and that was it.”

Denis O'Regan, on Black Apalachi, said: “He fell at the Canal Turn first time. We were dropped in and they were going very quick up front. He got in too tight and tipped over, but he’s fine and I hacked him back.”

Paul Carberry, on Chicago Grey, said: “I got brought down at the one before Becher’s on the first circuit.”

Andrew Thornton, on Tatanen, said: “I was wiped out at the Canal Turn first time - I was squeezed and had no daylight. It can happen at that fence and it happened to me. He jumped the first six or seven well and was in a good rhythm.”

Paul Townend, on On His Own, said: “He was running a very big race, and I was getting a great ride off him, but that’s the National.”

Aidan Coleman, on Mon Mome, said: “He was just flat out the whole way and got a bit too far behind. He’s been a great servant and I looked after him.”

Robbie Power, on Killyglen, said: “I went Canal Turn first time where he made a bad mistake and unseated me. He remembered last year and didn’t take to it this time.”

David Casey, on Quiscover Fontaine, said: “I fell at the first fence on the second circuit - I had a great spin up to then but he got in too close and landed too steep.”

Brian O'Connell, on Tharawaat, said: “The ground was just a little bit too quick for him. I had a good position early but he couldn’t quite hold it and I just hunted him around at the back. Once I gave him a squeeze to pass a few stragglers up the straight he just flew home as if he was a horse that needed five miles. It was my first ride and a thrill a minute.”

Niall Madden, on In Compliance, said: “He ran a blinder - the start messed me up a small bit because I didn’t really get away as I wanted, but they went a good enough gallop and he jumped great. I cannot knock him on anything.”

Paul Moloney, rider of Cappa Bleu, said: "It didn’t go to plan really. I nearly got brought down at Foinavon and I’ve just had to use Cappa Bleu a bit to get him back into rhythm, but he ran a tremendous race. I would certainly like to ride him again next year."

Harry Skelton, jockey of Vic Venturi, said: "It didn’t go according to plan, but me and the horse are back in one piece."

Andrew Lynch, rider of Treacle: "Three horses fell in front of me at various fences and it just knocked Treacle’s confidence. He fell and it’s just one of those things."

HOW THEY RAN - MORE JOCKEYS’ THOUGHTS AFTER THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Richie McLernon who rode runner up Sunnyhillboy, said: “He really travelled well for me and I wasn’t sure whether I had won or not. He didn’t desreve to be beaten because he ran a fantastic race for me but that how it goes.”

Richard Johnson, on Planet Of Sound who finished in twelfth, said: “He ran really well but just didnt get four and a half miles.”

Jamie Moore, who pulled up Deep Purple before the 19th, said: “He just didn’t fancy going round on the second circuit and there is no point in fighting a losing battle.”

Tom Scudamore, on Junior who fell at the second, said: “It was brief unfortunately. We just clipped the second one and it was all over. He has been checked by the vet and we are both safe and sound.”

Paul Carberry, who was brought down at the 5th on Chicago Grey, said: “We were brought down just before Becher’s but I had been happy before that.”

Barry Geraghty, on the ninth Shakalakaboomboom, said: “He ran a cracker, he’s an eight-year-old and you’d like to think he would be back next year. He jumped brilliantly and ran a great race.”

Wayne Hutchinson, on West End Rocker, a faller at the 2nd , said: “We were just too quick and got to deep too the second.”

Bryan Cooper, on Rare Bob, brought down at the 5th said: “We just didn’t get round.”

Miss Nina Carberry, on Organisedconfusion, who was unseated at the 8th said: “I got sandwiched at the Canal Turn and there are no chances there. He was taking to the fences very well before that.”

Andrew Tinkler, on the eleventh placed Midnight Club, said: “I got a great ride of him. It took him a while to warm to it but once he’d warmed to it I just lacked a bit of tactical speed, but he ran very well.”

Aidan Coleman, who pulled up Mon Mome before the 22nd, said: “He’s older now and I just couldn’t get him going so we got a bit far behind. To be fair to the old boy he gave me a fantastic spin he knows his way round here. He’s been such a fantastic servant and to be fair to him he looked after me it is just that his younger rivals have more legs than him.”

Mark Walsh, who was unseated at the 10th on Arbour Supreme, said: “My fella didn’t enjoy that backing off everywhere. He just didn’t like the fences. He got nearly brought down and then that was it and he refused.”

Conor O'Farrell, on tenth Swing Bill, said: “Great fun, my first time and I got a great spin of him and I can’t wait for next year.”

Dougie Costello, on Postmaster (pulled up before the 22nd), said: “Brilliant spin, but he bled, so that is why we pulled up.”

Paddy Brennan, who pulled up Giles Cross before the 11th, said: “The ground was too quick and he never got into a rhythm.”

Sam Twiston-Davies, on seventh Hello Bud, said: “That was class - he gave me a great ride. I thought for a long way we were going to be in the places. He’s a legend, I just sit and steer.”

Felix De Giles, on thirteenth Neptune Equester, said: “I was very unlucky early on and was hampered by loose horses and fallers so I ended up a little far back. He kept staying on and has run a very good race.”

Davy Condon, who was hampered and unseated at the 8th on Becauseicouldntsee, said: “He got hampered at the Canal Turn when Nina (Carberry on Organisedconfusion) fell and he lost a little bit off confidence after that and was never really happy after that. He might have remembered his fall from last year.”

Jason Maguire on the sixth Ballabriggs said: “He gave me a super ride again, and jumped well. It was just the extra weight that did for him in the closing stages.”

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

FEHILY TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

Jockey Noel Fehily, who fell at the fifth fence on State Of Play, was taken to Fazakerley Hospital in Liverpool with a suspected broken ankle.

Tony McCoy, who fell at Becher’s Brook on Synchronised, was stood down for the rest of the day with a soft-tissue injury.

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

BOOKIES TOAST NEPTUNE’S VICTORY IN JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Neptune Collonges came the rescue of the bookmakers by winning the John Smith’s Grand National this afternoon in the closest finish in the history of the race.

The layers were facing a multi-million pound payout as the gambled-on Seabass hit the front heading to the final fence but Katie Walsh’s mount couldn’t find any more as eventual runner-up Sunnyhillboy and Neptune Collonges fought out the finish.

“Paying out on Neptune Collonges’ National victory is a drop in the ocean compared to the fortune I would have had to shell out if Seabass would have won,” said Betfred chairman Fred Done.

“Katie Walsh winning the world’s biggest race could have cost me well over a million quid.”

Runner-up Sunnyhillboy is 16/1 to win next year’s John Smith’s Grand National, while Seabass has also been quoted at the same price by Betfred.

2013 John Smith’s Grand National – Betfred bet: 16 Seabass, Sunnyhillboy.

¼ the odds 1-2-3-4

Fifth race - John Smith’s Grand National Handicap Chase

MUIR GIVES RSPCA VIEW FOLLOWING JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Following the John Smith’s Grand National David Muir gave the RSPCA view.

He said: “There are many elements to the Grand National and I believe we need to look at them all to see which ones need addressing. We need to consider the number of runners, the number of fences, the length of the race and the type and design of the jump.

“I am not happy about drop fences, and Becher’s is a drop fence. Before the race I said let’s see how horses cope [with modifications made since last year] and it appears they still had difficulties coping with that fence, but it is a work in progress.

“I’ve been accused of encouraging the fences to be made easier which results in horses going faster, but if you look at the standard times you will find that is not true.

“Regarding the number of runners if the race was cut to 20 and there was one death, rather than 40 with two, would that be acceptable? I didn’t see a lot of jostling, bumping and boring during today’s race, but I want to look at it again.

“To be fair the BHA and Aintree management will look into the race and I believe we will see a rolling change without taking away the ethos of the Grand National over the next few years. We need to reduce risk levels and see more finishers. We’ve had three days’ racing and one horse that died on the flat and now two in the Grand National. The faller rate is too high and has to be addressed.

“Is the race cruel? No one put a horse into this race to see it suffer or die for their own gratification? That would be a definition of the word ‘cruel’.

“We’re very concerned and we never try to justify the death of a horse. We’ve said it before, the death of a horse is the unacceptable face of horse racing. There is an impetus for change, which started last year and included changes to whip use, and now the impetus has to be taken on board by the BHA and Aintree to look at all the elements.”

AINTREE RACECOURSE STATEMENT

Aintree Racecourse today commented on the accidents in this year's John Smith's Grand National in which Synchronised and According To Pete received fatal injuries as a result of separate incidents.

Julian Thick, Managing Director, said: "We are desperately sad at these two accidents and our sympathies are with the connections of both horses. When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset. Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National and we make every effort to ensure that everyone involved in the event is able to participate in safety.

"Horseracing is a sport that is very carefully regulated and monitored by the British Horseracing Authority, but risk can never be completely removed. All horses and riders in the Grand National have to meet very high standards set by an independent panel of experts. The Grand National is a professional and well-organised race. Only the best horses and the best jockeys are allowed to enter.

"Since last year's race we have made further significant changes to the course and there have been four races run over the course without serious incident since then. After today, we will, as always, be looking at all aspects of this year's race to see how we can improve safety further. We work closely with animal welfare organisations, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make sure we are up to date with the latest thinking and research regarding welfare and safety."

Prior to the start, Synchronised was thoroughly checked by a racecourse vet after getting loose.

BHA STATEMENT REGARDING THE JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL

Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said: “We are very sad about the fatal injuries suffered by Synchronised and According to Pete in the Grand National.

“In both cases the horse incurred a fracture to the leg and the humane option was to put the injured horses down.

“The Grand National undoubtedly represents a challenge to both horse and rider. It has inherent risks, but, working closely with Aintree and other stakeholders, we do all we can to minimise these risks while maintaining the unique character of the race. We will examine closely the circumstances which led to both incidents.

“The key data from these accidents will be collated, as is the BHA’s policy in the event of any serious equine injury. Each year the BHA and Aintree review all incidents which occur during the Grand National meeting and consider what measures can be taken to address the risk of a repeat in the future.

“The BHA takes its responsibility of looking after the welfare of horse and rider very seriously. We consult and work with recognised welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, SSPCA and World Horse Welfare. It is our stated objective to continue to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities which occur in racing.”

WORLD HORSE WELFARE STATEMENT

World Horse Welfare responded to the news that horses Synchronised and According To Pete had to be put down on compassionate grounds after suffering injuries during the Grand National at Aintree today.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “The deaths of Synchronised and According To Pete are a terrible tragedy and our thoughts go out to everyone connected with these horses who will clearly be devastated.

“Over the coming days, it will be important to establish the facts. There is no doubt that questions need to be asked and that is exactly what we’ll be doing.

“We won’t know what if any changes will need to be made until we know the exact circumstances of their falls. It’s hugely important to us that everything possible is being done to protect the safety of the horses and riders.

“No race, especially the Grand National, can be without risks but there is a balance between acceptable and unacceptable risk and we need to strive to get that balance right.