Weekend Review

Lucinda Russell ran five horses at the Aintree Grand National Festival and they produced form figures of 22116. The fast improving mare Apple Away made virtually all the running to provide her stable with their second win in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle in three years on Friday, while Corach Rambler was superb in the Grand National itself beating Vanillier by two and a quarter lengths - once again, it was the Kinross yard's second victory in the event. Both horses were acquired from the Irish pointing ranks costing £35,000 and £17,000 respectively. The meeting couldn't have gone much better for Lucinda and partner Peter Scudamore, although both Ahoy Senor and Douglas Talking looked like adding to the tally between the last two fences in the Bowl and Red Rum Chases respectively. The two victories mean the stable have matched their previous best total of 66 and they are sure to be well represented at next week's Scottish National fixture at Ayr. 

Corach Rambler, a dual Cheltenham Festival winner, has habitually raced towards the rear in his races but the nine year old travelled beautifully and his jumping was sound throughout. Much handier on this occasion, Derek Fox looked comfortable throughout and could be called the most likely winner a long way from the finish. Sent for home jumping the last, he was good value for his victory taking full advantage of his mark - ten pounds 'well in' compared to the future. Longhouse Poet paid the price for a mistake at the Canal Turn (8th fence) and gave J.J.Slevin no chance of staying on board, while neither Capodanno or Ain't That A Shame stayed the trip having looked threats with three fences to run. The pair took well to the fences and travelled smoothly but the petrol gage began flashing before the hometurn. 

The Grand National was marred by a fourteen minutes delay due to the protesters and Hill Sixteen lost his life having fallen at the first fence. There was a huge crowd there on Saturday and the weather couldn't have been much better but the day's events took the edge off the afternoon. With the RSPCA now getting involved, it is a worrying time for National Hunt fans. Unfortunately, life is very different to what it used to be like and one wonders how things will change over the coming years. 

It was also a very disappointing end to the season for Update followers with some poor results on Friday and Saturday. There were no excuses, the selections just weren't good enough. The interview with Lucinda Russell was undoubtedly the highlight of the Aintree Update with Apple Away (16/1) and Corach Rambler (8/1) winning. As far as One Jump Ahead are concerned, Inthepocket (Irish Pointers) and Irish Point (French Revolution) registered Grade 1 victories in the two and two and a half miles novice hurdles on Friday and Saturday respectively. 

Ahead On The Flat highlighted the exciting American Flag as a perspective Classic contender in France and the son of Wootton Bassett looks set to play a leading role in next month's Poule D'Essai Des Poulains (14th May). A Listed winner at Saint-Cloud on his reappearance last month, the Yann Barberot trained colt came from a long way back to win the Group 3 Prix de Fontainebleau at Longchamp by two and a half lengths on Sunday. Confidently ridden by Christophe Soumillon, he quickened clear and will take some stopping over the same C&D in mid May.