TimeformBlog

[b]Synchronised[/b] (Jonjo O'Neill/Tony McCoy) has history against him as no Gold Cup winner has followed up at Aintree since 1934, but it should be noted that he's one of the better-handicapped runners in the field, whilst he's also clearly not dependent on the mud to show his best nowadays. That said, his idiosyncratic jumping technique isn't ideal for Aintree and could see him getting further back than ideal. [b]Ballabriggs[/b] (Donald McCain/Jason Maguire) is another runner hoping to overcome bleak historical trends, as there have been only two back-to-back Grand National winners in the last 142 years. In truth, a 10 lb higher mark than when winning the 2011 renewal looks the biggest obstacle to overcome but, given how well he took to the course then, it wouldn't be the biggest surprise...

[b]Our blogger Simon Rowlands the aftermath of Saturday's controversial race... [/b] Saturday's Grand National is likely to be remembered by many who watched it not for the positive reasons that racing might wish but for the sight of the runners being waved round two horses - one dead under a tarpaulin, the other about to be despatched - and for the winner Ballabriggs seeming to be close to collapse at the end of the gruelling four-and-a-half mile race. The hugely critical response from some sections of the public and non-racing press was only to be expected and needs to be taken seriously. Racing cannot expect to exist in isolation from the attitudes of wider society. No pastime can. What took me much more by surprise were the responses of some within racing itself. These ranged...