Triolo out to maintain perfect Aintree record in Grand National

Champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson appears to be going all out to land his first ever victory in the Crabbie’s Grand National and is set to saddle four runners in the showcase event, including this year’s Hennessy Gold Cup hero Triolo D’Alene who has already tasted victory over the awesome spruce fences, writes Elliot Slater.

Henderson has gone close to winning the race on a number of occasions since the early 1980’s but the highest profile race in the sport has always alluded his grasp. This year, as well as current 20/1 shot Triolo D’Alene, the Seven Barrows handler is set to run the former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Long Run (14/1) (pictured), the classy Hunt Ball (66/1), and the stayer Shakalakaboomboom (33/1), ninth in the 2012 renewal behind Neptune Collonges.

Of the Henderson quarter Triolo D’Alene is the one who has already learned how to win over the Aintree fences having announced himself as a potential Grand National winner when galloping to a memorable success in last year’s John Smith’s Topham Trophy over two-and-three-quarter-miles of the National course, staying-on bravely at the finish to deny Alan King’s useful Walkon by three-quarters-of-a-length.

After finishing third in a hot Ascot handicap on his seasonal bow the gelded son of Epalo showed he is really going places with a brilliant victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November where he stormed away from Rocky Creek to land a famous success. Ideally suited by decent ground, Triolo D’Alene didn’t race during the winter and reappeared in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month where he was under pressure and beginning to fade when badly bumped at the second from home.

With a view to the Grand National, jockey Tony McCoy didn’t punish his mount at Cheltenham once his chance had gone, a factor that could prove highly significant if the seven-year-old is in the firing line at the business end of Saturday’s £1 million contest.

Bet On Grand National - Aintree, 5th April, 2014

The National Hunt calendar waved goodbye to the Cheltenham Festival but anticipates the most famous of all horse races -Crabbie's Grand National Chase. On the 5th April, Aintree, Liverpool pays homage to the greatest steeplechase of them all. This Class 1 handicap raced over 4m 3f 110y is open to horses aged seven years and older with a rating of 120 or more by the British Horseracing Authority and placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or more.  It is the most valuable jumps race in Europe with a win prize fund of almost one million pounds. 

William Lynn founded this race after setting out a course, building a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on  7th February 1829.  The Grand National may have been raced for the first time in 1836 although this is a point of contention. Three races had been ignored in the belief they were held at Maghall and not Aintree. However, leading historians, including John Pinfold, have unearthed evidence that these races were actually held at Aintree. If true, the first winner of the Grand National was a horse called The Duke, who won the following year.   

Previously the record books detailed that this race was inaugurated in 1839. It was promoted as unique race with much larger fences than conventional courses. This race was won by a horse aptly named Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. 

Today the Grand National is a global phenomenon broadcast on terrestrial television to an estimated audience of 600 million viewers over 140 countries. 

The 2013 Grand National was won by Auroras Encore, ridden by Ryan Mania, trained by Sue Smith.

This race has a rich history and fascinating facts. Did you know? 

In the three years during the First World War (1916-1918) the Grand National was run at Gatwick Racecourse, which is now owned by Gatwick airport. The later two races were named the War National Steeplechase.

In 1928 Tipping Tim won at odds of 100/1 when 41 of the 42 field fell. Only two riders completed the course. This remains the record for the fewest number of finishers. 

The most bizarre incident happened in 1955 when Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, jumped in the air and belly-flopped on the turf when going to win.

Foinavon was one of the luckiest winners in 1967 when a loose horse called Popham Down hampered the majority of the field at the 23rd fence. This Irish racehorse was so far behind the field that he was able to jump the fence on the outside and win at 100/1. His owner had so little faith he went to Worcester instead. 

In the 1970s one horse marked himself as a true champion and still recognised as the horse synonymous with the Grand National - Red Rum. Originally bought as a yearling for just 400 guineas he went on to win the race in 1973, 1974 and 1977. He finished second in the intervening years.  Ginger McCain trained Red Rum (which backwards spells Murder) by trotting him on Southport beach as the sea water was considered therapeutic for his lameness. McCain had witnessed this remedy with many carthorses. Red Rum is the only horse to have won the Grand National three times. Amazingly he never fell in 100 races. He died at the age of 30 and is buried at the finishing post of Aintree racecourse. The epitaph reads "Respect this place / this hallowed ground / a legend here / his rest has found / his feet would fly / our spirits soar / he earned our love for evermore"    

One of the most emotional winners came in 1981 - Bob Champion and Aldaniti. Two years earlier Champion had been diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. His horse had suffered with chronic leg problems. After a slow start the pair went on to win by four-and-a-half lengths from Spartan Missile. Within two years their story was made into the film Champions, starring John Hurt. 

Other notable performances include Mr Frisk winning in the fastest time in 1990 in under nine minutes.  The oldest winning horse was called Peter Simple. He was 15 when victorious in 1853. Five horse have won aged five - the last of those in 1909 named Lutteur III. 

Five horses have won at odds of 100/1.     

Guide To A Day At The Horse Races

Going to the horse races is a fantastic day out and it’s not just for the professionals. Anyone can get to grips with how to bet and have a great time. You just need to know the basics and you could be in with a chance of winning. Here are some of the things you need to know before heading down to the races.

Choose Your Outfit

Be aware that the dress code for all horse racing events is very smart. Different events have slightly varied dress codes so check before you go so that you can blend in with the racing fans. For women, hats are a must have accessory at most horse racing events.

Choose Your Venue

There are many different racecourses and events held throughout the country. You might want to go to a venue close to home, or travel somewhere exciting for the day. Royal Ascot is a particular highlight but it really does depend on how far you want to travel. Check what type of races each venue is hosting as they can vary quite a lot.

Have A Few Drinks

When you arrive head to the bar so that you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a refreshing drink. If it’s a special occasion or you want to splash out then buy yourself a nice bottle of champagne. 

Watch The Horses Warm Up

The horses will warm up before the race and it’s great to see them getting ready and preparing for the all important race. This also gives you a first look at the range of different horses and you can start to pick out your favourites.

How To Decide On A Horse

When you arrive at the races make sure you pick up a programme, as it will contain a huge amount of information about the horses and their jockeys. Have a good read and dig into their history to see what they have achieved in the past. The horses will then go into a parade ring so that you can look at them closely and pick which one you think looks the best. Things to look out for include a nice shiny coat, relaxed walk and pricked ears. A winning race horse will have good skin, a broad chest, big ears and big nostrils. They shouldn’t be sweating too much either, as this is a sign that they are too hot before the race and stressed by the whole experience. Watch them as they ride around and observe their temperament, they shouldn’t be too jerky or too laid back. A horse looking around a lot or looking down at the floor probably won’t be that alert during a race.

Understanding The Odds

There will be a substantial guide to understanding the odds in the programme. The basics are, if short such as 3-1 then there is a higher chance of the horse winning but it will cost you more money. For 3-1 : every 1 unit you stake will return 3 units. If the odds are longer such as 12-1 then they are less likely to win, but you will get much more money if they do.

Different Types Of Bet

There are lots of different types of bet, you don’t have to just bet on the winner. For example, you can bet on a horse coming in the top three. Check the programme to see what type of bets are on offer and an explanation of what each one means. 

Visit The Winner’s Enclosure

Before you celebrate your win head to the winner’s enclosure. Your win won’t be confirmed until the jockey has been weighed after the race, to check for any foul play. It’s also amazing to see these magnificent creatures after the race.

Go Star Spotting

Horse races are normally packed with celebrities who love to spend a day at the races. Spend a bit of time star spotting to see if you can find any famous faces at the event.

Neil Maycock writes articles on horse racing, odds and results for http://www.grand-national.me.uk