Scintillating National lives up to the hype

THE much-anticipated and (very) long-awaited Randox Grand National lived up to the hype on Saturday.

The lead-up to the 2021 race kicked off some weeks ago when it was confirmed that Aintree specialist and double National winner Tiger Roll would miss this year’s race due to problems surrounding his weight. This prompted racing fans to re-assess a diverse, forty-strong line-up.

In a first for the Liverpool event, which has seen over 150,000 spectators in previous years, it was revealed that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the race would be taking place behind closed doors, meaning that fans would have to support their chosen horses from home.

But as the race got underway, emotions were running high for the jockeys and their horses, cheered on by a lacklustre crowd made up of trainers, owners and photographers.

The firm favourite for the day was jockey Tom Scudamore’s Cloth Cap, trained by Jonjo O’Neill. Other picks popular with the bookies included Irish favourite Burrows Saint, as well as former Welsh Grand National winner Potters Corner and Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now.

At the half-way stage, Cloth Cap continued to lurk at the front of the chasing pack, while Jessica Harrington’s horse Magic of Light was still looking good until he finally reeled in.

That fence also saw the end of Cloth Cap’s challenge as things started to heat up.

All of a sudden, we were left with three as the 100/1 punt Balko Des Flos powered on with Any Second Now when suddenly Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times burst in. Once she took the lead there was no stopping Blackmore as she became the first woman to win a Grand National in outstanding style.

Balko Des Flos and Any Second Now tried hard on the long drive home but Blackmore and Minella Times weren’t to be denied, charging home by five lengths from Balko Des Flos, Any Second Now, Burrows Saint and Farclas.

This marks, of course, a remarkable achievement and record-breaking feat unlike anything else seen in the near two hundred year history of the Grand National. The reaction all over the world was undeniably mixed, with some disappointed in bookmaker favourite Cloth Cap, who failed to live up to his reputation, but the main emotion was one of overwhelming joy and pride, especially in Tipperary, home to jockey Rachael Blackmore.

Dundalk locals hailed the historic race as ‘nerve-wrecking’, ‘brilliant’ and ‘dazzling’, with local punter Brian Tumulty saying, ‘I might have placed my bet on Lake View Lad, but Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times are deserving winners.’

This historic, unforgettable Grand National should hopefully remain in the nation’s hearts for many years to come.