The Kerryman who starts the race that stops the world

On Saturday evening, Kerry native Robbie Supple will start his tenth Aintree Grand National.

Aintree Grand National starter Robbie Supple. Picture: Healy Racing

Even at the other end of the world, Robbie Supple couldn’t escape the question. While on a stud farm tour in New Zealand, the guide - an Irishman - occasionally glanced Supple’s way. He recognised him but couldn’t place him. It’s probably that way for many racing fans.

“After a while,” says Supple, “he said, 'You're not that fella that starts the racing in Cheltenham, are you?' I said, 'I am'. He said, 'Why don't you just fucking let them go? What are you playing at?'”