Ruby Walsh: More than horse races, Melbourne and Aintree leading from the front 

These are the only two races globally that have any political influence and are the two that suffer the entire burden of the image of the sport.

MERSEY BEAT: Racegoers cheer as Jockey Paul Townend wins the Randox Grand National riding I Am Maximus last year. Pic: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

In seven days, the second-most watched horse race in the world will be due to go to post in the late afternoon. Estimations vary on how many global eyes will tune into watch the most famous European horse race, the Grand National.

Still, wherever you look, there is a distinct pecking order as to what is the most watched and what comes second, and then there is a significant gap to the rest.