Horse Racing

Aintree Day 3 – Results! Results! Results!

The long awaited day of the John Smith’s Grand National came, saw and conquered – and not because of the Grand National alone.

After fearing for the fitness of Aiden Coleman, who took a fall on Thursday, and his ability to ride in the Grand National, spectators were thrown a shocking curve ball when Ruby Walsh took a fall with Celestial Halo and fractured his left arm. Less than one hour from the Grand National one of the scene’s top jockeys became incapacitated.

The John Smith’s Grand National, the event itself, delivered enough drama and tension to last us until this time next year. Less than half of the starters made it across the line, leaving in their wake a carnage of falls and pull-ups – miraculously without causing any serious injury.

For details on Saturday’s racing at Aintree, read on. So long now, friends, meet you next year – same time, same place.

• 13.45     John Smith’s Mersey Novices’ Hurdle

• 14.15     John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Chase

• 14.50    John Smith’s Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle

• 15.25     John Smith’s Handicap Chase

• 16.15     John Smith’s Grand National Chase

• 17.00     John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (for conditional jockeys and amateur riders)

• 17.35     John Smith’s Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race