Don’t delay, get it started first time
As I am sure you are all aware, the stewards held an inquiry after the race. The jockeys were well represented at the initial inquiry.
But they were far from happy at the way it was conducted and when the inquiry was reconvened later in the day they refused to return to the stewards’ room.
As a result the matter has now been referred for a full hearing to the British Horseracing Authority headquarters in London.
If there is a silver lining to being currently on the sidelines it is, for once, that I’m not involved in the controversy and out of trouble.
Do not doubt for a second, however, that if I had been at Aintree, I would have been right in the firing line, totally backing my colleagues and, dare I say it, leading the charge.
Here are the facts as I see them. You can argue that, technically, the jockeys lined up too early, some six seconds before the off-time.
But they did not break the tape and, when told were being a tad premature, quickly turned back. There then followed a false start, the only one, but this was not the fault of the jockeys. The reason it happened was that the starting mechanism failed to clear the horses on the outside.
The starting mechanism is the responsibility of the BHA, Aintree or whoever, but it certainly does not come under the remit of the jockeys.
The situation was made worse by the behaviour of one of the horses, Battle Group, who refused to line up.
He should have been given just one chance and, when digging his heels a second time, should then have been led away immediately.
I firmly believe, not just for the National, when a horse doesn’t know how to behave, a single chance to start is more than enough for him.
The same system should apply on the flat, when a horse refuses to enter the stalls. Why should all those who are compliant have to suffer, while another is acting the mule?
The jockeys have a pain in their collective faces trying to eradicate these issues. We have repeatedly told the authorities that getting the horses down to the start in the National a little after the off-time is the sensible way to go.
It will take a maximum of two minutes to check all of their girths and then they are essentially ready to rock and roll. But will they listen, no.
The massive crowds, tension, excitement, knowing what’s at stake will have man and beast on edge.
It only takes for a handful of jockeys to begin to edge forward to get a load more to join them. That is only human nature and all want to start the race in the best way possible.
Have a look at the London City marathon tomorrow and see how much elbowing will go on among the participants at the start. And that for a race over 26 miles plus.
The best time to start the Aintree Grand National is the first time. Bring all the runners down to the start shortly after the off-time and I’ll forecast that will go a long way towards solving what is becoming an ongoing problem.
The stewards were right to hold an inquiry, but should have decided no action was necessary against the jockeys. Instead, it is now being dragged out for no good purpose.
Word on my injury is that it continues to make great progress. I could probably come back shortly before Punchestown, but have decided against that.
After riding at Punchestown my plan is to ride until the French Champion Hurdle in early June and then to have an operation. What that means is a tendon will have to be sewn back on to secure my shoulder.
Last Saturday, I watched the National in a hospital in Dublin, after my wife, Gillian, had given birth to our third child two hours earlier.
It was our third little girl, her name is Gemma and both mother and daughter, thank God, are in great shape.
It is a quiet week on the National Hunt scene here at home, with Tramore providing the action tomorrow.
Willie Mullins has four runners and should certainly figure among the winners. I think he’ll win the opening maiden hurdle with Pink Hat.
She’s not the biggest in the world, so any drying of the ground will make things easier for her. I know she was only ninth to Empire Of Dirt at Naas, but didn’t run at all badly and this is a big drop in class.
Willie’s Grangeclare Pearl is probably hard enough to fancy in another maiden hurdle, but Balnaslow should win over fences for him.
He looks best on form and ratings and probably didn’t stay when a creditable fourth to Spring Heeled in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham.
Willie introduces a newcomer by Flemensfirth called Tt’s Star in the Bumper. He goes nicely at home and is out of a mare called Shandon Star.
I rode Shandon Star many years ago to finish second in a Galway Hurdle. If Tt’s Star has inherited his mother’s guts, he won’t be too far away!
