THE one horse race that millions of non-racing folk annually tune into is the Aintree Randox Grand National. For racing folk it’s a flagship event that ought to promote our sport. More recently, it’s become a lightning rod for the wider community concerned for the welfare of participants, particularly those that fall, and in particular those that don’t actually ask to partake – the horses.

Racing thoroughbreds are bred with purpose and racing provides that purpose – for them, as well as for us. I suggest that a great Grand National result is one in which the race is determined by factors such as: