Fairytales can happen but the possibility of new Grand National folklore slimmer than ever
PEOPLE'S FAVOURITE: Hewick with trainer John "Shark" Hanlon. Hewick has been one of the real fairytale stories of the last few years - and now the horse that cost just €850 could spark scenes of unbridled delight in the hallowed Aintree winner's circle. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire.
Captain Martin Becher wouldn’t have known it at the time, but when he sought shelter from thundering hooves in the brook near Liverpool that still bears his name, his adventures in the first Grand National in 1839 would form an important part of the story of what became known as the ‘people’s race.’ The more sanitised contest at Aintree this afternoon (4p) is very different to the one that Becher experienced. The National is now barely clinging to its ‘people's’ title and remains in clear and present danger of descending into just another high value handicap chase with an additional novelty of spruce topped fences.
The recent safety initiatives, including fewer runners, safer obstacles, reduced race distance, compressed weights and carefully managed ground conditions have changed the nature of the race, both visually and structurally.
