DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL MARCH 14th 2018
Despite the odds being stacked up against us even getting a run in the Randox Health Grand National of 2018, the last minute defections of 5/6 horses got us into the race we believed we were destined to be balloted out of.
Consequently, its true to say that myself and other McGoldrick Racing members shown in the featured image taken at a freezing cold Musselburgh in 2017, ended up with less than 24 hours notice to get our heads round the fact we would actually be taking part in the worlds greatest horseracing event, the Aintree Grand National.
One minute we were watching the race at home…next minute we were in the parade ring at Aintree
These last minute equine defectors caused mayhem amongst the connections of the horses deemed as “reserves” and in the end, there were only 38 runners from a permitted field size limit of 40.
The system is already under review and will be changed, but that will be no consolation to Trevor Hemmings, whose Vintage Clouds ended up being ready, willing and in the end able to run, but because of the imposed deadline systems, was not permitted.
Nevertheless, it has to be said we were treated to some excellent hospitality by our hosts, and the Daresbury stand, with its designated viewing area restricted to O & T`s with runners in the National only, became the the most fantastic and comfortable viewing point for us high up in this stand.
The views and atmosphere were absolutely breathtaking as the off time approached.
Odds of 100-1 on our fella were available in many places before the race, which kind of gave us a hint as to what we might expect, and the odds were proved right. Our dreams of any sort of success in running were short lived.
Deep down inside, I was hoping for a little bit more, but as the pictures on the giant screen were naturally following the leaders, and Delusion was nowhere in sight, the odd shots we caught of him were telling us he was not enjoying himself, and Henry Brooke rightly pulled him up at he end of the first circuit after jumping 17 fences.
No need to dwell on whether things could / should have been done differently. Its behind us now, we had our never to be forgotten day in the glorious sunshine AND…
In some way we did get a result, because pre race conversations with members, as well as messages from family and friends, without exception, were all the same….”good luck and hope he comes back safe.”
Delusion did come back safe and well, as did Michael Scholeys I Just Know, and there`s always going to be other days for both of them.
Your `umble servant
Richard
