2008 Grand National
Encyclopedia
The 2008 Grand National was the 161st official annual running of the world-famous Grand National
steeplechase
which took place at Aintree Racecourse
near Liverpool
, England
, on 5 April 2008 and attracted the maximum allowed field of 40 competitors, for total prize money of £450,640.
Joint-favourite Comply or Die
and Irish jockey Timmy Murphy
won the race (it was the jockey's eleventh attempt), four lengths ahead of King John's Castle in second place and Snowy Morning in third.
, ridden by Timmy Murphy
; the pair sent off as 7-1 joint-favourites. The top weight of 11 stone and 12 lbs was carried by former winner Hedgehunter
, ridden by Ruby Walsh
. The full order of betting at the off was as follows:
Three riders were having their thirteenth ride in the race: Mick Fitzgerald, who won the race in 1996 on Rough Quest
, Paul Carberry, who won the race in 1999
on Bobbyjo
, and Tony McCoy
. Other former winning riders competing were Ruby Walsh (Hedgehunter in 2005 and Papillon in 2000), Barry Geraghty (Monty's Pass
in 2003), Tony Dobbin (Lord Gyllene
in 1997) and Robbie Power (Silver Birch in 2007).
Ardaghey was listed as first reserve and was called into the race when Opera Mundi was withdrawn the day before.
, for the first time claimed seven victims as Black Apalachi fell having taken the lead at the second; L'Ami, whose rider Mick Fitzgerlad had to go to hospital with neck and back injuries, and Backbeat also fell. Tumbling Dice and Iron Man both unseated their riders when taking off too soon at the third, while Ardaghey and Fundamentalist got in too close to the fourth fence and both fell, leaving 31 runners continuing to the famous Becher's, led by Mr. Pointment and Milan Deux Mille.
No Full was up in the leading dozen runners when he clipped the top of Becher's and fell, and the casualties increased at the Canal Turn
where Madison Du Berlais fell and hampered Philson Run, whose rider was unseated. The eleventh fence claimed two more fallers when Contraband and Kelami both failed to negotiate that obstacle, leaving 26 runners to complete the first circuit.
The water jump marked the end of the first circuit and was taken with Chelsea Harbour having moved up to lead from Mr. Pointment, D'Argent, Simon and Comply Or Die next in a tightly-packed field, which was reduced by one when Point Barrow was pulled up. Five other runners all left the contest before reaching Becher's Brook for the second time; Voldka Bleu, Naunton Brook and Bob Hall were all pulled up before the 19th (open ditch); Joacci fell at the next and McKelvey also unseated his rider. McKelvey then veered sharply off the course after falling when trying to negotiate the running rails and suffering fatal injuries. He was the eightieth horse to die during or as a result of competing in the Grand National.
At Becher's Brook for the second time the first dozen remained tightly grouped consisting of Chelsea Harbour, Mr. Pointment, Comply or Die, the grey D'Argent, Butler's Cabin, Snowy Morning, Idle Talk, Bewley's Berry, Knowhere, Simon, Mon Mome and Hedgehunter; Butler's Cabin fell there.
Knowhere and Simon were beginning to lose touch when unseated at Valentine's fence, where Turko also fell. Joint-favourite Cloudy Lane had never been in the front rank and now looked too far off the pace to mount a challenge, as did Nadover, Bailey Breeze and Hi Cloy, with Cornish Sett and Milan Deux Mille tailed off with five fences to jump.
D'Argent also looked like he was just starting to drop away when he fell four fences from home. Comply or Die took the final fence the best and was never headed on the long run-in, winning by four lengths from King John's Castle and Snowy Morning; Slim Pickings was again fourth. Eleven others finished in the following order: Bewley's Berry, Cloudy Lane, Nadover, Baily Breeze, Chelsea Harbour, Mon Mome, Hi Cloy, Cornish Sett, Hedgehunter, Idle Talk and Milan Deux Mille. Dun Doire was pulled up before jumping the second-last fence and long-time leader Mr. Pointment pulled up before the last.
All of the other jockeys to complete the course returned stating their happiness with their mounts and such was the competitive nature of the race that all had felt they still had a chance at Becher's on the second circuit, the only exception being Tom Malone, whose Milan Deux Mille was already tailed off at that stage and finished a long way behind the rest.
2008 was Tony Dobbin's final ride in the Grand National, having announced his retirement before the race.
As a result of spinal injuries suffered in the race, Mick Fitzgerald also announced his retirement from race riding later that year.
, presented by Clare Balding
with Rishi Persad and guest presenter Richard Dunwoody
. The commentary team of four commentators was Ian Bartlett
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
and lead commentator Jim McGrath
who called the winner home for the eleventh consecutive year.
The action was broadcast via fifty-two cameras, including cameras situated inside fences, although the use of jockey cams, cameras placed inside riders helmets was not used this year. The famous head-on elevated shot of Becher's Brook
, which became synonymous with the fence for almost 50 years was replaced with a low angle shot. This was the 49th annual broadcast of the race live by the BBC but was the first not to be broadcast as part of a Grandstand
special.
) and Carberry (1999
) had previously won the race but McCoy joined Jeff King, Peter Scudamore
and David Nicholson
in having faced the starter thirteen times in the National without ever being winner or runner-up, although in Scudamore's case this included the void race of 1993.
Eight riders made their debut in the race with Paddy Flood, Aidan Coleman and Nick Scholfield all completing the course while Wilson Renwick fell at the second fence.
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
steeplechase
Steeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
which took place at Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
near Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, on 5 April 2008 and attracted the maximum allowed field of 40 competitors, for total prize money of £450,640.
Joint-favourite Comply or Die
Comply or Die
Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008...
and Irish jockey Timmy Murphy
Timmy Murphy
Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :...
won the race (it was the jockey's eleventh attempt), four lengths ahead of King John's Castle in second place and Snowy Morning in third.
Competitors and betting
Cloudy Lane, ridden by Jason Maguire, was the long-time ante-post favourite but was joined just before the off by Comply or DieComply or Die
Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008...
, ridden by Timmy Murphy
Timmy Murphy
Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :...
; the pair sent off as 7-1 joint-favourites. The top weight of 11 stone and 12 lbs was carried by former winner Hedgehunter
Hedgehunter
Hedgehunter is an Irish race horse, who won the 2005 Grand National steeplechase, ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins. He had fallen at the final fence the previous year when well placed. He then finished second in 2006 to Numbersixvalverde...
, ridden by Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
. The full order of betting at the off was as follows:
| Starting price | Number | Name | Age | Weight (st, lb) | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Colours | Finishing position |
| 7/1 | 26 | Cloudy Lane | 8 | 10-11 | Jason Maguire Jason Maguire Jason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham... |
Donald McCain, Jr. Donald McCain, Jr. Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs.... |
Trevor Hemmings Trevor Hemmings Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland.... |
Green/yellow quarters, whites sleeves and cap | 6th |
| 7/1 | 33 | Comply or Die Comply or Die Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008... |
9 | 10-9 | Timmy Murphy Timmy Murphy Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :... |
David Pipe David Pipe (racehorse trainer) The son of the prolific horseracing trainer Martin Pipe David Pipe is the trainer of the David Johnson owned Comply or Die, who ridden by Timmy Murphy won the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree racecourse.... |
David Johnson David Johnson (racehorse owner) David Johnson, a former £9 a week bank clerk who rose to become a multi-millionaire in the finance industry, is a hugely successful British thoroughbred racehorse owner whose Comply or Die ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe was the winner of the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at... |
Blue with green sleeves, green and white checker cap | 1st |
| 10/1 | 11 | Butler's Cabin | 8 | 11-3 | Tony McCoy Tony McCoy Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey.... |
Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and... |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
Green and orange hoops, white cap | Fence 22 |
| 10/1 | 1 | Hedgehunter Hedgehunter Hedgehunter is an Irish race horse, who won the 2005 Grand National steeplechase, ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins. He had fallen at the final fence the previous year when well placed. He then finished second in 2006 to Numbersixvalverde... |
12 | 11-12 | Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:... |
Willie Mullins Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland... |
Trevor Hemmings | Green/yellow quarters with white sleeves and green cap | 13th |
| 10/1 | 12 | Slim Pickings | 9 | 11-3 | Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in... |
Tom Taaffe | syndicate | Blue/whites checks, blue sleeves and cap | 4th |
| 11/1 | 7 | Simon | 9 | 11-7 | Dominic Elsworth | John Spearing | Mercy Rimell | Purple with sky blue spots, sky blue and purple spotted cap | Fence 25 |
| 12/1 | 17 | Bewley's Berry | 10 | 11-0 | Denis O'Regan | J. Howard Johnson | Andrea & Graham Wylie | Chocolate and brown halves, brown sleeves with chocolate hoops, chocolate cap | 5th |
| 14/1 | 13 | Chelsea Harbour | 8 | 11-12 | Davy Russell Davy Russell Davy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002... |
Thomas Mullins | Mrs. P. Duffin | Orange with black star, diablo sleeves, black and white hooped cap | 9th |
| 16/1 | 16 | Snowy Morning | 8 | 11-1 | David Casey | Willie Mullins | Quayside syndicate | Yellow with black braces, quartered cap | 3rd |
| 20/1 | 27 | King John's Castle | 9 | 10-11 | Paul Carberry Paul Carberry Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers... |
Arthur Moore | J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops and quartered cap | 2nd |
| 20/1 | 14 | Vodka Bleu | 9 | 11-2 | Paul Moloney | David Pipe | David Johnson | Blue with green sleeves, blue cap | Fence 19 |
| 25/1 | 22 | D'Argent | 11 | 10-12 | Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey) Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King.... |
Alan King Alan King (horse racing) Alan King is a British racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at Barbury Castle stables near Wroughton, Wiltshire.... |
Nigel Bunter | Purple with navy star and cap | Fence 27 |
| 25/1 | 39 | Philson Run | 12 | 10-8 | Daryl Jacob | Nick Williams | Gale Force One | Yellow with orange braces and gray lower sleeves, yellow cap with orange stars | Fence 8 |
| 25/1 | 19 | McKelvey McKelvey McKelvey was a British-trained thoroughbred racehorse, ridden by Tom O'Brien and trained by Peter Bowen.-Racing career:McKelvey won the 2006 Summer National and came second in the 2007 Grand National... |
9 | 11-0 | Tom O'Brien Tom O'Brien (jockey) Tom O'Brien is an Irish jockey.Son of Wexford-born Jim O'Brien, O'Brien began his career in racing riding out for his uncle, shay slevin in wexford before starting to ride out for uncle Aidan O'Brien where he rode legendary horses such as High Chaparral and Rock of Gibraltar.After riding in... |
Peter Bowen | N. Elliott | Green with red V and quartered cap | Fence 20 |
| 25/1 | 4 | Mr. Pointment | 9 | 11-11 | Sam Thomas | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
Stockton Heath Racing | Red with blue double braces and lower sleeves, red cap | Fence 30 |
| 25/1 | 21 | Point Barrow | 10 | 10-13 | Tony Dobbin Tony Dobbin Tony Dobbin is a retired Northern Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He rode the winner of the Grand National on Lord Gyllene in 1997 and won over 1,200 races during his career in the saddle. He was the regular stable jockey for Nicky Richards... |
P. Hughes | Mrs. P. Clune Hughes, Mrs. M. O'Dwyer & J. Foley | Violet with purple trim and quartered cap | Fence 17 |
| 28/1 | 28 | Mon Mome Mon Mome Mon Mome is an AQPS racehorse, which won the 2009 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on April 4, 2009. It was ridden by Liam Treadwell and trained by Venetia Williams... |
8 | 10-11 | Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman is an Irish horse racing jockey.Born in Innishannon, Cork, Ireland, Coleman rode in the 2008 Grand National at the age of 19, his first time riding in that steeplechase. He was one of the youngest riders ever to start the Grand National... |
Venetia Williams Venetia Williams Venetia Williams is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. She is based at stables at Aramstone in Herefordshire, England.... |
Vida Bingham | Green with blue armbands, green cap | 10th |
| 33/1 | 40 | Dun Doire | 9 | 10-7 | Richard McGrath | Tony Martin | Dunderry Racing Syndicate | Green and navy hoops, navy sleeves, navy and white quartered cap | Fence 29 |
| 33/1 | 15 | L'ami | 9 | 11-1 | Mick Fitzgerald Mick Fitzgerald Mick Fitzgerald is an Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He has ridden the winners of the Grand National, on Rough Quest in 1996, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business in 1999. He was the stable jockey for Nicky Henderson and was leading jockey at the... |
François Doumen François Doumen François Doumen is a French racehorse trainer currently based at Boucé, Orne. From 1956 to 1970 he was an amateur jockey, and he then worked as an assistant trainer to his father Jean. He obtained his own training licence in 1977.... |
J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops, red cap | Fence 2 |
| 33/1 | 5 | Turko | 6 | 11-10 | Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:... |
Paul Nicholls | Stewart family | White and black halves with red sleeves and cap | Fence 25 |
| 50/1 | 9 | Iron Man | 7 | 11-5 | Chrstian Williams | Peter Bowen | R. Owen & P. Fullager | White with red V, green and red striped sleeves, red cap | Fence 3 |
| 66/1 | 24 | Bailey Breeze | 9 | 10-11 | Paddy Flood | Mouse Morris Mouse Morris Michael 'Mouse' Morris is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey.As a jockey he rode Skymas to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1976 and 1977 and Billycan to win the 1977 Irish Grand National, while his most notable successes as a trainer have come with Buck House in the 1983 Supreme... |
R. A. Scott | Green with red star, stars on sleeves and cap | 8th |
| 66/1 | 38 | Black Apalachi | 9 | 10-8 | Andrew McNamara | Dessie Hughes | Gerard Burke | Green with blue hoops on sleeves and star on cap | Fence 2 |
| 66/1 | 10 | Fundamentalist | 10 | 11-4 | Paddy Brennan Paddy Brennan (jockey) Paddy Brennan, is an Irish jockey who rode the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010.A native of Ardrahan, County Galway, Brennan was a keen GAA player with dreams of becoming a county hurler. He only became involved in horseracing after a neighbour noticed his talent with hunt horses... |
Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Naunton, Gloucestershire.... |
C. Cornes | Black with orange stripes, starson sleeves and orange cap | Fence 4 |
| 66/1 | 34 | Idle Talk | 9 | 10-9 | Brian Harding | Donald McCain Jr. | Trevor Hemmings | Green and yellow quarters, white sleeves, red cap | 14th |
| 66/1 | 20 | Joacci | 8 | 10-13 | Johnny Farrelly | David Pipe | David Johnson | Blue, green sleeves, white cap with green spots | Fence 20 |
| 66/1 | 35 | Kelami | 10 | 10-9 | Barry Keniry | François Doumen | Halewood International Ltd. | Black with red and white striped sleeves and hooped cap | Fence 11 |
| 66/1 | 3 | Knowhere | 10 | 11-11 | Joe Tizzard | Nigel Twiston-Davies | H. R. Mould | Green with white stars and star on cap | Fence 25 |
| 66/1 | 6 | Madison Du Berlais | 7 | 11-9 | Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:... |
David Pipe | Roger Stanley & Yvonne Reynolds II | Blue with white diamond belt and sleeves with red armbands and cap | Fence 8 |
| 66/1 | 30 | Naunton Brook | 9 | 10-10 | Andrew Tinkler | Nigel Twiston-Davies | David Langdon | Navy and green stripes, red cap with navy star | Fence 19 |
| 80/1 | 29 | Cornish Sett | 9 | 10-10 | Nick Scholfield | Paul Nicholls | Peter Hart | Green with white hoop, checkered sleeves and quartered cap | 12th |
| 100/1 | 8 (41) | Ardaghey | 9 | 10-7 | David England | Nigel Twiston-Davies | D. J. & S. A. Goodman | Green with white star, diablo sleeves and white star on cap | Fence 4 |
| 100/1 | 32 | Backbeat | 11 | 10-9 | Wilson Renwick | J Howard Johnson | Andrea & Graham Wylie | Chocolate and brown halves, brown sleeves with chocolate hoops, red cap | Fence 2 |
| 100/1 | 25 | Bob Hall | 7 | 10-11 | Noel Fehily | Jonjo O'Neill | J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops, blue cap | Fence 19 |
| 100/1 | 18 | Contraband | 10 | 11-0 | Keith Mercer | Paul Murphy | F. G. Wilson | Red, with white star, red and black striped sleeves, white cap with black star | Fence 11 |
| 100/1 | 2 | Hi Cloy | 11 | 11-12 | Tom Doyle | Michael Hourigan | Susan McCloy | White with red belt and striped sleeves, white cap | 11th |
| 100/1 | 31 | Tumbling Dice | 9 | 10-10 | Tom Ryan | Tom Taaffe | John Donegan | Black with red hollow square and checkered cap | Fence 3 |
| 125/1 | 36 | Milan Deux Mille | 6 | 10-9 | Tom Malone | David Pipe | F. G. & J. E. Wilson | Orange with white cap, black striped sleeves, white cap with black star | 15th |
| 125/1 | 37 | Nadover | 7 | 10-9 | Robbie Power Robbie Power Robbie "Puppy" Power, son of Irish show-jumper Con Power, is the National Hunt jockey who rode 33-1 outsider Silver Birch to victory in the 2007 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 14 April 2007 .-Footnotes:... |
Charlie Mann | G. H. Storey | Sky blue with yellow belt | 7th |
| 125/1 | 23 | No Full | 7 | 10-12 | Shay Barry | Eion Doyle | Mrs. P. Doyle | Green with white sash and diamond piping on sleeves, striped cap | Fence 6 |
Three riders were having their thirteenth ride in the race: Mick Fitzgerald, who won the race in 1996 on Rough Quest
Rough Quest
Rough Quest is a Thoroughbred racehorse most famous for his victory in the 1996 Grand National at Aintree.The horse went to Aintree that year in very good form, having won the Racing Post Chase and finishing second in the recent Cheltenham Gold Cup with the result that the public made him race...
, Paul Carberry, who won the race in 1999
1999 Grand National
The 1999 Grand National was the 152nd official renewal of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 10 April 1999....
on Bobbyjo
Bobbyjo
Bobbyjo was an Irish bred racehorse by Bustineto and Markup, best remembered as the winner of the 1999 Grand National steeplechase at Aintree....
, and Tony McCoy
Tony McCoy
Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
. Other former winning riders competing were Ruby Walsh (Hedgehunter in 2005 and Papillon in 2000), Barry Geraghty (Monty's Pass
Monty's Pass
Monty's Pass was the winner of the 2003 Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool when ridden by Barry Geraghty, trained by Jimmy Mangan and running in the colours of the Dee Racing Syndicate, a group of owners based in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland and led by Blackpool born bingo hall owner, Mike...
in 2003), Tony Dobbin (Lord Gyllene
Lord Gyllene
Lord Gyllene was a New Zealand bred racehorse whose greatest victory came in the 1997 Grand National at Aintree. He was trained by Steve Brookshaw for owner Stan Clarke and ridden by Tony Dobbin. He was retired by his owner in 2001 due to injury...
in 1997) and Robbie Power (Silver Birch in 2007).
Ardaghey was listed as first reserve and was called into the race when Opera Mundi was withdrawn the day before.
The race
The runners were sent away to a clean first start with No Full leading over the first fence, which all forty runners cleared safely. The fences leading up to the sixth, Becher's BrookBecher's Brook
Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
, for the first time claimed seven victims as Black Apalachi fell having taken the lead at the second; L'Ami, whose rider Mick Fitzgerlad had to go to hospital with neck and back injuries, and Backbeat also fell. Tumbling Dice and Iron Man both unseated their riders when taking off too soon at the third, while Ardaghey and Fundamentalist got in too close to the fourth fence and both fell, leaving 31 runners continuing to the famous Becher's, led by Mr. Pointment and Milan Deux Mille.
No Full was up in the leading dozen runners when he clipped the top of Becher's and fell, and the casualties increased at the Canal Turn
Canal Turn
The Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England....
where Madison Du Berlais fell and hampered Philson Run, whose rider was unseated. The eleventh fence claimed two more fallers when Contraband and Kelami both failed to negotiate that obstacle, leaving 26 runners to complete the first circuit.
The water jump marked the end of the first circuit and was taken with Chelsea Harbour having moved up to lead from Mr. Pointment, D'Argent, Simon and Comply Or Die next in a tightly-packed field, which was reduced by one when Point Barrow was pulled up. Five other runners all left the contest before reaching Becher's Brook for the second time; Voldka Bleu, Naunton Brook and Bob Hall were all pulled up before the 19th (open ditch); Joacci fell at the next and McKelvey also unseated his rider. McKelvey then veered sharply off the course after falling when trying to negotiate the running rails and suffering fatal injuries. He was the eightieth horse to die during or as a result of competing in the Grand National.
At Becher's Brook for the second time the first dozen remained tightly grouped consisting of Chelsea Harbour, Mr. Pointment, Comply or Die, the grey D'Argent, Butler's Cabin, Snowy Morning, Idle Talk, Bewley's Berry, Knowhere, Simon, Mon Mome and Hedgehunter; Butler's Cabin fell there.
Knowhere and Simon were beginning to lose touch when unseated at Valentine's fence, where Turko also fell. Joint-favourite Cloudy Lane had never been in the front rank and now looked too far off the pace to mount a challenge, as did Nadover, Bailey Breeze and Hi Cloy, with Cornish Sett and Milan Deux Mille tailed off with five fences to jump.
D'Argent also looked like he was just starting to drop away when he fell four fences from home. Comply or Die took the final fence the best and was never headed on the long run-in, winning by four lengths from King John's Castle and Snowy Morning; Slim Pickings was again fourth. Eleven others finished in the following order: Bewley's Berry, Cloudy Lane, Nadover, Baily Breeze, Chelsea Harbour, Mon Mome, Hi Cloy, Cornish Sett, Hedgehunter, Idle Talk and Milan Deux Mille. Dun Doire was pulled up before jumping the second-last fence and long-time leader Mr. Pointment pulled up before the last.
Aftermath
It was the first Grand National win for all of the connections with Comply or Die, with jockey Timmy Murphy telling reporters that the race was the highlight of his career, confessing that the trainer had said the horse was a certainty to win. Owner David Johnson was also delighted to win after having had around 20 horses compete unsuccessfully in previous Nationals.All of the other jockeys to complete the course returned stating their happiness with their mounts and such was the competitive nature of the race that all had felt they still had a chance at Becher's on the second circuit, the only exception being Tom Malone, whose Milan Deux Mille was already tailed off at that stage and finished a long way behind the rest.
2008 was Tony Dobbin's final ride in the Grand National, having announced his retirement before the race.
As a result of spinal injuries suffered in the race, Mick Fitzgerald also announced his retirement from race riding later that year.
Coverage
The National was televised live in the United Kingdom in a four-hour long broadcast on BBC OneBBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
, presented by Clare Balding
Clare Balding
Clare Balding is a BBC sports presenter, journalist and jockey.-Early life:In 1989 and 1990, Balding was a leading amateur flat jockey and Champion Lady Rider in 1990....
with Rishi Persad and guest presenter Richard Dunwoody
Richard Dunwoody
Thomas Richard Dunwoody MBE is a retired British jockey in National Hunt racing. He was a three-time Champion Jockey, riding 1699 British winners in his career. His father was a leading Point to Point rider...
. The commentary team of four commentators was Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett is a horse racing commentator and occasional analyst for the BBC.. He has also commentated for Channel 4 Racing.For the BBC's television coverage of the Grand National, Bartlett commentates on four sections of the 4½-mile steeplechase, from the 1st to 5th fence, 10th to 12th, 17th to...
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
Darren Owen
Darren Charles Owen is a horse racing commentator, born 3 June 1967 in St. Asaph, North Wales.Having been interested in horse racing since a young age, Owen won the regional final of an amateur sports commentator competition, organised by BBC Radio 2 and sponsored by Fosters Lager, in 1989. He...
and lead commentator Jim McGrath
Jim McGrath (Australian commentator)
Jim Aloysius McGrath is the BBC's senior horse racing commentator. He was previously deputy race commentator, and sometimes a paddock commentator.-Career:...
who called the winner home for the eleventh consecutive year.
The action was broadcast via fifty-two cameras, including cameras situated inside fences, although the use of jockey cams, cameras placed inside riders helmets was not used this year. The famous head-on elevated shot of Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
, which became synonymous with the fence for almost 50 years was replaced with a low angle shot. This was the 49th annual broadcast of the race live by the BBC but was the first not to be broadcast as part of a Grandstand
Grandstand (BBC)
Grandstand was a British television sport programme. Broadcast between 1958 and 2007, it was one of the BBC's longest running sports shows, alongside BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Its first presenter was Peter Dimmock...
special.
Jockeys
For the second consecutive year, Tony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Paul Carbbery weighed out as the most experienced riders in the race, each taking their thirteenth attempt at a Grand National. Both Fitzgerald (19961996 Grand National
The 1996 Grand National was the 149th official renewal of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase that took place at Aintree on 30 March 1996....
) and Carberry (1999
1999 Grand National
The 1999 Grand National was the 152nd official renewal of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 10 April 1999....
) had previously won the race but McCoy joined Jeff King, Peter Scudamore
Peter Scudamore
Peter Scudamore , known universally as 'Scu', is a former jockey and trainer in National Hunt racing. He was an eight-time Champion Jockey , riding 1,678 winners in his career...
and David Nicholson
David Nicholson (horse racing)
David Nicholson was a British National Hunt jockey and trainer. He was British jump racing Champion Trainer in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons....
in having faced the starter thirteen times in the National without ever being winner or runner-up, although in Scudamore's case this included the void race of 1993.
Eight riders made their debut in the race with Paddy Flood, Aidan Coleman and Nick Scholfield all completing the course while Wilson Renwick fell at the second fence.