GRAND NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

AS the Grand National attracted much interest on day one, it was perhaps appropriate that Katie Bradburne claimed the 10 years and under title, as both her parents have ridden around the Aintree course.

Katie’s mother Gee (née Armytage) rode Gee-A in the 1988 running of the race and her father, former National Hunt jockey Mark, rode Lord Atterbury into third place in 2004.

Judged on a style and performance basis and riding Runaway

Dolly, Katie rode two clear rounds to earn the top score of 303 marks. Dolly is normally ridden by Katie’s older brother Thomas, but as he was away pony racing at Andoversford, Katie borrowed the pony and didn’t sound too keen on giving her back.

“I haven’t ridden her much, but she is straightforward and she jumped two lovely rounds for me. This has been a great 10th birthday present,” said Katie.