Remembering the Grand National Shay Barry exited in flying form

The unpredictability of the fare, such as when the riderless Paddy’s Return took out most of the nine victims at the Canal Turn, assuredly left much to chance too

NATIONAL MAYHEM: Shay Barry soars through the air ins spectacular fashion after parting company with Moondigua at The Chair in the 2001 Aintree Grand National. Picture: Mike King

All the 20th anniversary copy surrounding the Aintree Grand National this year has related to Red Marauder and Richard Guest slogging home in the mud from just three remaining rivals, two of which, Blowing Wind and the defending champion Papillon, had been remounted by AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh, to earn a slice of the prizemoney.

The incident-packed affair was Nirvana and Hades for photographers.