I had nine horses in the race and the best I could get was 5th and 6th, the first two losers
It's amazing how simple it is to look at the winner after the race and think "of course.." in the National.
Rule The World had some great handicap form including a strong finishing second in the Irish National just last year. The rain was in his favour and he was a very good novice hurdler back in the day.
What a brilliant ride from David Mullins, he's only 19 but he looked like he'd been around the course for years. He had the presence to give the horse a breather after the first circuit and he pretty much bolted up.
The Last Samuri, I guess you could class as unlucky? He was in front for three quarters of the race of the race and jumped superbly, only to be robbed on the run in. Personally I think his chance will have gone for next year because he'll get mullered by the handicapper and will be right up there at the top of the weights next year.
Vics Canvas was a star. He's a thirteen year old and he's only been beaten 14 lengths of the National. An incredible sit by Robbie Dunne at Bechers and he crept into contention.
Gilgamboa looked a big threat two out but just ran out of petrol. He might be popping up in something like the Irish National next year, or if not, he'll be aimed at the big 3 mile races in Ireland then maybe the King George?
Goonyella looks like he needs 6 mile races, he was storming home to get 5th but beaten over 25 lengths. Ucello Conti might do better next year on quicker ground, the rain hit his chances of staying the trip.
Silvinaco, I'm not sure what happened with him. Again, the rain did him no good.
There were some nasty falls in that race so I'm delighted to see that all the horses and jockeys came home safely.
In terms of next year, I'm going to keep my eye out for a few of the novices and some that have done well this season but gone under the radar.
Native River,
Henri Parry Morgan,
Ziga Boy,
whatever David Mullins rides,
Maggio (always seen as a National type, hasn't been high enough in the weights to get in, absolutely sluiced up yesterday)
Whats Happening (I really fancied him this year but he got an injury in December and hasn't been out since, he looks an ideal type)