![NOT A LESSER RACE BUT IT'S LESS OF A NATIONAL](https://cdn.magzter.com/1367956438/1717049048/articles/H-gHEM25r1717072773439/NOT-A-LESSER-RACE-BUT-ITS-LESS-OF-A-NATIONAL.jpg)
Next year's Grand National, I'm reliably informed, will be a four-mile bumper with sleeping policemen replacing fences: Animal Rights protestors could do that job, after all they've got form at Aintree prostrating themselves on the hallowed turf, sticking to fences...but eh, we don't want their Hi-Viz jackets frightening the horses.
There wouldn't have been a 'next year's National' had Scotland's Corach Rambler fallen at the first and killed himself. Instead, unfamiliar with the standing start and foreshortened run up, last year's winner unseated at the first. Had his jockey (who stayed on all the way round in 2023) glued himself to the saddle with the brand of adhesive recommended by Animal Rights he, Derek Fox, could have been back in the winner's enclosure. (Incidentally, were the hardy annual agitators bought off or 'warned off' this time?).
At least Fox didn't end up in Aintree Hospital, the unsaddling enclosure for stricken Grand National jockeys. In 1951 there were eleven fallers at the first: this time Corach Rambler survived injury; National Hunt followers breathed again. But hot air surrounding the race and its future, blew from diverse orifices.
Racing pundits and assorted presenters broadcast their two penn'orth on whether tinkering with the National had emasculated racing's greatest spectacle or whether the changes are its salvation. But the mercenaries stuck to their guns - and their betting paymasters. Every knob you turned had 'the names' prostituting themselves on their bookie master's platform.
Marcus Armytage of the Daily Telegraph was an exception but then Armytage too has 'form; he only went and won the damn thing on Mr Frisk in 1990 - in record time, which still holds, though the course is 300 yards shorter! The next year Mr Frisk and Mr Armytage - he was an amateur - pulled up. Aldaniti in 1981 and '82 set the grim precedent for Corach Rambler first fence far enough for both, second time round.
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![HEAT IS ON](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ORnBmLha41719405089992/HEAT-IS-ON.jpg)
HEAT IS ON
Andy Newton assesses the numbers as temperatures in York rise
![SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/NEMqJtx421719404561129/SIX-IS-OUT-SINCE-1886.jpg)
SIX IS OUT SINCE 1886
Stats ace Andy Newton examines the form and trends ahead of the Sandown showcase
![ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/pSML702I91719404349242/ECLIPSE-WAS-SIRE-OF-ALL-OUR-STARS.jpg)
ECLIPSE WAS SIRE OF ALL OUR STARS
Graham Buddry recalls the legend who launched racing's generation game
![KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/UoqQLSciw1719404204570/KYP-DOUBLE-CROWNS-IT-FOR-AIDAN.jpg)
KYP DOUBLE CROWNS IT FOR AIDAN
Ballydoyle comeback star highlights Royal meeting with 'millions-to-one' Ascot Gold Cup triumph
![TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/nK_F82MSp1719403728180/TEEN-BILLYS-RASH-BREAK.jpg)
TEEN BILLY'S RASH BREAK
lan Heitman reports on Royal Ascot young stars as 80-1 stunner springs surprise party on opening day
![POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/T0nprmkYs1719403564077/POISED-TO-TAKE-PRIDE-OF-PLACE.jpg)
POISED TO TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE
Richard Eagle looks on as Epsom's home of Eclipse rebuilds for the future
![JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ahdRCGTwp1719403431454/JACKS-CERTAIN-ABOUT-THE-LAD.jpg)
JACK'S CERTAIN ABOUT THE LAD
Ben Morgan tips up out his pick of juicy bets ready to ripen this month
![RUNNING ON EMPTY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/XMfPMy2t11719403288702/RUNNING-ON-EMPTY.jpg)
RUNNING ON EMPTY
Rolf Johnson mourns the 'lost souls' of the Downs on Derby day
![OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/2VbhiGPQh1719403135383/OUR-SKY-MAN-IS-FLYING-THE-COOP.jpg)
OUR SKY MAN IS FLYING THE COOP
Robert Cooper may be bidding farewell to Sky Sports but, never fear, will still be landing his gems in Racing Ahead
![PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3328/1745907/ph1Tgr_Co1719402884135/PRINCE-LETS-HIS-CROWN-WOBBLE.jpg)
PRINCE LETS HIS CROWN WOBBLE
Jeremy Grayson focuses on the ups and downs of the summer jumps learning curve