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Grand National fall for Ballyoptic frustrating but race a huge success overall
Ballyoptic: was still going okay in the National when he fellCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)
The Grand National provided a tremendous spectacle. To have 37 horses jumping The Chair clearly shows that the modifications to the course have had the desired effect. More horses are getting further in the race.
Huge credit should go to the Aintree clerk of the course, Andrew Tulloch, and the groundstaff.
The ground wasn’t over-watered and they provided excellent conditions for horses to travel and jump round.
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Richard BirchReporter
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- 'It's chipping away at the profile and the standing of racing in the UK and somebody ought to at least give the impression they care'
- Comment: It is all change at the Jockey Club and its next chief executive will have to hit the ground running
- Unsavoury shunning of Callum Shepherd makes no sense whatsoever, he deserved his shot at Derby glory
- The whole shape of the Irish Flat season is being defined by one man only - and even his main targets lie elsewhere