Grand National: Mouse Morris - From tragedy to triumph for Aintree winner - BBC Sport Grand National: Mouse Morris - From tragedy to triumph for Aintree winner By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page Rule The World's victory was a remarkable story in many different ways "He was doing overtime for me, poor old Tiff. It's just Disneyland, fairytale stuff." The words of Grand National-winning trainer Mouse Morris on a day when the famous race delivered a plot Hollywood might struggle to match. Irishman Morris had just won the Aintree marathon for the first time with the aptly named Rule The World, less than a fortnight after landing the Irish equivalent with Rogue Angel. Tiff, or Tiffer, is the nickname of his beloved son Christopher, who died last year aged 30 of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Argentina. It was like karma. The tragedy. Then the triumph. Teenage jockey David Mullins was enjoying his own fairytale too after his first ride in the race, with the celebrations shared by airline boss Michael O'Leary. The Mouse that roared Mouse Morris has few airs and graces, which belies his rather refined family background.

The son of Lord Killanin, former International Olympic Committee chief, he is a quietly spoken, scraggy-haired Irishman who must smoke 40 cigarettes a day - at a conservative estimate. Michael Morris earned the nickname Mouse when he was an amateur rider. His brother Redmond is a film producer whose credits include 'The Reader'. The 2016 Grand National might be another project. Morris celebrates Rogue Angel's win at the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse Mouse was sent to Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, although reports suggest he "showed little enthusiasm" for school. He wanted to be a jockey, showed enthusiasm for that and became one of the best of his generation, including winning Cheltenham's Queen Mother Champion Chase twice in the 1970s on Skymas. Mouse, who is based in Tipperary, turned to training 36 years ago. This first National triumph, after 17 previously unsuccessful runners, adds to a CV that includes a Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph with War Of Attrition in 2006.

When I asked him on Friday if he might do the Irish-English National double, he looked to the skies and said: "He's answered the question once, he might not answer a second time." Rule The World - rule breaker There are various theories about what you need to win the National, but 33-1 outsider Rule The World did not pay any heed to them. This was his first win over fences, in the most famous horse race in the world. What's in a name? Ruler of The World - Won the Derby at Epsom 2013 Rule The World - Won the Grand National at Aintree 2016 Two serious pelvic injuries meant the horse had spent some time on the sidelines, but he was nursed back to fitness and finished a narrow runner-up in last year's Irish National. "When you consider the injuries he has been through you can only call him a horse of iron, but a pure gentleman," said Morris, who turned 65 on Monday. Hard lines elsewhere For much of the race it looked like the joint favourite The Last Samuri might triumph for trainer Kim Bailey, who has also had his lows since winning here with Mr Frisk in 1990.

Bailey, back in the limelight in recent years at his Gloucestershire base after some fallow seasons, had to settle for second this time, while 100-1 chance Vics Canvas was third, ahead of Gilgamboa and Goonyella. Mixed feelings then for Gary O'Brien, a part-owner of Vics Canvas and full-time TV presenter on the At The Races channel, who was part of the BBC Radio 5 live commentary team. "If someone else was going to win, then I'm glad it's Mouse," he said. Robbie Dunne had to work hard to stay on board Vics Canvas Jockey Robert Dunne somehow managed to stay aboard Vics Canvas despite a major blunder at Becher's Brook first time round, and keep him in contention. "I couldn't believe what I was watching. I was just in disbelief after all the ground he lost. I am incredibly proud of him. I thought [winning] might even happen," added O'Brien. Beforehand, the chat had been whether last year's champion Many Clouds could become the first horse to win consecutive runnings since the legendary Red Rum.

The 8-1 joint favourite travelled well early on but a big mistake put paid to his chances and he trailed in last of the 16 finishers for jockey Leighton Aspell, who was seeking a third straight National triumph having partnered Many Clouds to victory in 2015 and Pineau De Re a year earlier. Airline boss flying high As boss of budget airline Ryanair, Michael O'Leary can come across as a brash, no-nonsense individual. Around the racetrack, he cuts a different figure - enthused and interested by horse racing in his role as the kingpin of the Gigginstown House Stud racing operation he heads with brother Eddie. Before 2016, Michael's only previous experience of the National was a hollow one - seven years ago his Irish National winner Hear The Echo collapsed near the Aintree finish and later died. O'Leary's pride and delight at the win for his horse was obvious The fact this was the fourth year running where there were no equine fatalities shows the race has progressed since major changes to the fences and other modifications.

It also completed a major treble for O'Leary, who also owns last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Don Cossack, in addition to the Irish and English National winners. "I think I should now stop, because it's not going to get any better," he said. Spare a thought for O'Leary's retained rider Bryan Cooper, who chose stable-mate First Lieutenant over Rule The World, and fell at the second of 30 fences. Teenage kicks for Mullins With a 20th birthday in June, Mullins - the nephew of champion Irish trainer Willie - is the youngest winning jockey for several decades. He rounded off a dream day by winning the next race as well, on 16-1 shot Ivan Grozny - completing a double which had combined odds of 578-1. Mullins, much like most of the clan, is a rounded individual who even at 19, appears to understand the vagaries of life. The winning and the losing.

When quizzed by the press with the mud still on his face long after that second victory, the young jockey claimed that he turned to riding full-time because he "wasn't the cleverest kid in the class". Mullins is the son of trainer Tom Mullins and a grandson of Dawn Run's trainer Paddy Asked what he would do next, he said: "Become a film star", before suggesting that he didn't really have the looks. Could he sum up the day? "It's special and magic. I've never had a feeling like this. "Rule The World is an aptly named horse. It's his first win over fences, which is more amazing than me having a first ride over them." I asked him to sum up Morris. "He's probably the best trainer I've ever seen to prime a horse for the big day," said the teenager. "He assured me he'd run a big race, and by God he did. Mouse was right." Triumph and tragedy Mullins has it all to look forward to. Sadly that can't be said of the trainer's son, who died last June. Losing a child is the terrible grief that is not supposed to happen.

The pain of a parent who should normally depart long before their offspring. "Nothing can replace the loss of a son, but to win the Irish Grand National and now the Grand National, it shows that life goes on," said O'Leary. The world moves in mysterious ways. It's not often you'll get the lyrics of a Take That song into a piece about horse racing but it somehow seems appropriate. "Yeah, you and me, we can ride on a star… We can rule the world." Share this page Mr Frisk and Mr Armytage strike another blow for amateurs riders in record time | Sport | The Guardian Mr Frisk and Mr Armytage strike another blow for amateurs riders in record time Amateur jockey makes record time with win Mr Frisk holds off Durham Edition to win in 1990. Photograph: Getty Images.

Richard Baerlein Monday 9 April 1990 10.24 EDT First published on Monday 9 April 1990 10.24 EDT Share on Messenger Close Marcus Armytage achieved his lifetime ambition to ride the winner of the Seagram Grand National at Aintree on Saturday at the early age of 25, steering the 16-1 chance Mr Frisk to a threequarters of a length victory over Durham Edition in a time that beat Red Rum's 1973 record by almost 14 seconds. It was the first National to be run in under nine minutes. Not many amateurs are successful in this hardest of all National Hunt contests, and Dick Saunders, at the age of 48, 23 years older than Armytage, won in 1982 on Grittar, the last successful favourite, while the American amateurs, Charlie Fenwick won on Ben Nevis in 1980 and Tommy Smith on Jay Trump in 1964, but the race really took me back to the days of Reynoldstown in 1935/36.

Reynoldstown was owned by Major Frank Furlong and was ridden to his first win by his son, the amateur, Frank Furlong, and on the second occasion by Frank's friend, Fulke Walwyn. Walwyn became a successful professional but Marcus Armytage says he is too heavy ever to join the paid ranks. To be a success in racing one has to overcome all the hazards on the way and Mr Frisk did so. When Kim Bailey bought him on behalf of the American, Mrs Lois Duffey, he apologised at first for buying her a stumer. Under the tuition of Kim's wife, Tracey, he gradually became tractable and Saturday's victory was his 14th in all. Mr Frisk is one of those rare chasers that are at their best on firm ground. On Saturday he was one of the few that really relished the conditions. It was obvious he would be in the van for the first circuit but I doubted his ability to stay there. He, Polyphemus, Uncle Merlin, Rinus and the favourite, Brown Windsor, were among the early leaders. After jumping the Chair, Mr Frisk went up to join Uncle Merlin and actually headed him.

They went out on the second circuit together but it was not long before Uncle Merlin resumed a two length lead. Although no horses were hurt at the dreaded Bechers second time, the fence may well have altered the result of the race. Uncle Merlin was three lengths in front and although he jumped the fence cleanly, stumbled as he put his foot down for a second stride, lowering his head, and Hywel Davies was thrown. Davies had gone over towards the inside to save ground. Richard Dunwoody did exactly the same in 1985 on West Tip but when he returned the next year Dunwoody aimed for the middle of the fence and won the race. I expect that policy will be adopted next time on Uncle Merlin. That left Mr Frisk 15 lengths in front and with no visible challengers, although Rinus was in second and Durham Edition not far behind. From that point, past the Canal Turn and Valentine's, Armytage kept Mr Frisk measuring his fences perfectly.

Chris Grant, who had come over the last fence on Durham Edition two years ago with what appeared to be an unassailable lead only to be run out of it by Rhyme 'n' Reason, and had finished fifth on soft ground last year, was determined not to come too soon on Durham Edition this time. Grant put in his challenge between the last two, having judged it to perfection. Jumping the last two lengths behind Mr Frisk , he had joined him by the elbow with just about half a length to make up. Armytage, however, got every ounce out of Mr Frisk on the run-in, using just hands and heels on his father's advice and this sealed the fate of Grant and Durham Edition once again as they just missed by threequarters of a length. Nobody, however, could criticise either after such splendidly judged performances. Hywel Davies was the only rider to produce a bad-luck story. 'There is no doubt Uncle Merlin would have won but for the fall at Bechers. He will come back here and next time he will win.' That may well be so, but he would have had to break the record by about 15 seconds to have done so on Saturday and that is an arguable point.

Uncle Merlin won the formidable four mile Maryland Hunt Cup, as did Jay Trump and Ben Nevis before their Aintree triumphs. There is no doubt that the American race is a wonderful test for the Grand National, but the English weather may not be so kind to Uncle Merlin a year hence. At least, with a handicap of 8st 13lb in this year's race, Tim Forster has plenty of leeway for a number of victories with Uncle Merlin before his weight rises over and above 10st. From start to finish on Saturday it was a three horse race, with only Uncle Merlin, Mr Frisk , and Durham Edition in contention. Rinus was about 20 lengths back in third, enabling his rider, Neale Doughty, to complete the course for the seventh time running. Cheltenham did, in the end, supply the winner, but not from the three winners at the Festival meeting, with Brown Windsor finishing fourth, Bigsun sixth, and Call Collect seventh. Mr Frisk had finished fourth in the race won by Mr Bob on the opening day.

It was surprising to hear Richard Dunwoody say Bigsun, backed down to 8-1, was taken off his feet by the fast pace because he had set a record over three miles at Cheltenham. Brown Windsor gave the impression that he failed to stay. Twenty finished the course, with Bob Tisdall last. Bonanza Boy, totally unsuited by conditions, finished 16th against eighth last year. West Tip, ridden by Peter Hobbs, got round for the fifth year running and after a wonderful career will be retired. The Grand National day attendance was 67,235, almost 7,000 doqwn on last year's figure. Course spokesman David Donald said: 'The reduction was due to restrictions which were placed on the numbers allowed in the County enclosure and because of a reduction in the number of coach parties which attended.' Total attendance for the three days was 98,287, compared with 102,000 the previous year. Coincidentally, a Mister Frisky was performing with equal distinction in America. He silenced his doubters by tying a record set by Citation and sounding the now-familiar warning to Kentucky Derby hopefuls everywhere.

The victory was the 16th for the unbeaten Mister Frisky, equalling Citation's score for the longest modern winning streak in North America. His next race will be the Kentucky Derby on May 5. Grand National Stats - Statistical Breakdown Of The Grand National FAMOUS FENCES The Chair – 5ft 3in Fence 15 or ‘The Chair’ is the tallest fence in the race, standing at 5ft 3in. Horses must clear a 6ft open ditch on the takeoff side and land safely on the far side. The ground is 6in higher on the landing side than takeoff side, creating the reverse of the Becher’s Brook fence. Although most horses successfully navigate this fence it has claimed two jockeys lives. In 1862 Joseph Wynne was fatally injuried during the Grand National and in 1872 George Ede died at the fence, albeit in a different race. Canal Turn The 90 degree turn just after this fence presents major problems for riders and horses.

Jockeys have two choices when approaching, play it safe and jump on the outside or attempt the risky maneuver of apexing the fence at it’s narrowest point and stealing a few yards. The Canal Turn has been the scene of many a pile-ups over the years, horses that refuse to jump this fence can interfer with other runners. Any jockey who decides to cut the corner also runs the risk of sliding out of the saddle. Becher’s Brook – 4ft 10in Official the 6th and 22nd fence in the race Becher’s Brook is probably the best known fence in the world. Jockeys have compared it to ‘jumping off the edge of the world’. Becher’s Brook is controversial as the size and angle of the 6ft 9in drop on the landing side can confuse horse who aren’t 100% focused on the fence, leading to many serious falls and equine fatalities. In recent years Aintree have extensively modified the fence to make it safer. In 2013 no falls or injuries were recorded at the fence.

THE LONG & SHORT OF IT 8:47 8 minutes 47 seconds – The fastest winning time (Mr Frisk 1990) 2 Smallest number of finishers (1928). 10 2009 Grand National THANKS AND QUOTES 600 Million It’s estimated that 600 million people will watch the Grand National worldwide . You can now claim to know more about the race than most of them! Stats, images and facts for this webpage have been collated from a number of sources, I would like to thank all of them for helping me produce this site. Full credit is given in the boxes on the right hand side of this page. I hope you enjoyed the stats and please feel free to share it on your social networks. Information on all the runners, riders and odds for the Grand National 2017 renewal can be found at Grand National Quotes Ah well, that's racing! The Queen Mother famously remarked after her horse Devon Loch slipped just yards from the finishing line and missed out on winning the 1956 Grand National.

Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, online and mobile devices. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Channel 4 TV Frank Keogh's verdict: 1 Imperial Commander 2 Cappa Bleu 3 Teaforthree 4 Always Waining 5 Treacle Imperial Commander would be an emotional winner for the team who lost Little Josh to a fatal fall on Friday. Cappa Bleu and Always Waining love the place, Teaforthree should see out trip and Treacle was my pick last year. Good luck to all. (Number, form, name, age, weight, trainer, jockey) 1 51U/1P/-2 IMPERIAL COMMANDER 12-11-10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies Trainer and son were devastated on Friday after their much-loved racehorse Little Josh died after a fall in a race over the National fences.

They will regroup to prepare stable star Imperial Commander, who won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which Denman and Kauto Star were rivals. Returned from long injury lay-off when second at Cheltenham in January. Missed Gold Cup in March with infection but has been thriving at home since. Sam, 20, rides for his father, who won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 9/10 Odds: 14-1 2 P/33F0-0 WHAT A FRIEND 10-11-09 Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas A victory at Liverpool for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson? He co-owns the horse who has won another race at the Aintree meeting previously. Unlike Fergie's title-bound team, What A Friend (one of two in the race for the Scot) has been out of form although should appreciate drying ground and was once fourth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 3 3PF-4PP WEIRD AL 10-11-08 Donald McCain Timmy Murphy Another who has decent form in the book, albeit from a few seasons ago. Boasts a formidable trainer-jockey combination. Trainer won the 2011 National with Ballabriggs and is son of the late Ginger who guided the legendary Red Rum to three victories and landed the race with Amberleigh House in 2004. Jockey won on Comply Or Die for David Pipe five years ago. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1 4 1113-04 QUEL ESPRIT 9-11-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Irish champion trainer, whose current stable stars include champion hurdler Hurricane Fly and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs, won the National in 2005 with Hedgehunter.

Quel Esprit's win in the 2012 Irish Hennessy reads well, but stablemate On His Own is clearly the number one candidate for Mullins, whose all-time sporting hero, just as an aside, is Brazilian football great Pele. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 5 40/-U312 BIG FELLA THANKS 11-11-06 Tom George Denis O'Regan Has finished fourth, sixth and seventh in previous Nationals. In decent form this season, and while weight is a concern, one of the more interesting bigger-priced runners. Named after a greyhound, and not as some think the racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, who is fond of the greeting 'All right Big Fella'. Formerly with Ferdy Murphy, now trained in Gloucestershire. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 6 1113-23 SEABASS 10-11-06 Ted Walsh IRE Katie Walsh Remember the film National Velvet where Elizabeth Taylor played a young female jockey who won the Grand National? Couldn't happen in real life, could it? Don't bet against it.

Katie is an amateur in name only, a brilliant rider who achieved best finish by a lady rider in National when third on Seabass last year. Her trainer dad Ted won the race in 2000 with Papillon, ridden by her brother Ruby. Fairytale stuff. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 7 0-1U355 ROBERTO GOLDBACK 11-11-06 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty Brought to the UK from Ireland to be specifically trained for this race by the astute Henderson yard. Trainer has never won the race, but has a legion of top steeplechasers, including last month's Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, who also won the Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday, and Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Bobs Worth. I don't think Roberto Goldback will win, but some other judges think he is a leading player.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1 8 P012-5P SUNNYHILLBOY 10-11-04 Jonjo O'Neill Richie McLernon Narrowest runner-up in Grand National history last year when just edged out by winner Neptune Collonges by a nose - after a demanding four and a half miles over 30 testing fences. Has more weight this year and champion jockey AP McCoy has elected to ride Colbert Station instead for Ted Walsh. Both are among horses owned by JP McManus, who pays the champ's wages. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 1/46-P03 BALLABRIGGS 12-11-04 Donald McCain Jason Maguire Impressive winner of the 2011 National for Donald McCain, son of Aintree legend Ginger, who triumphed three times with Red Rum in the 1970s and again with Amberleigh House in 2004.

Ginger, a colourful character who vigorously defended the supreme challenge that this unique contest provides, died five months after the win by Ballabriggs who was sixth last year and could compete for a minor place. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 10 11-0620 TEAFORTHREE 9-11-03 Rebecca Curtis Nick Scholfield While 500 million people worldwide focus on the Grand National, Teaforthree's one-time jockey John Thomas McNamara is paralysed in hospital after a fall at last month's Cheltenham Festival. The distinguished Irish amateur rode the horse to victory in the four-miler at the 2012 Festival. Trained in Wales, was second in Welsh National and would be a poignant winner as racing's thoughts remain with JT and his family. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 11 3-11201 ACROSS THE BAY 9-11-02 Donald McCain Henry Brooke Gone a bit under the radar this one for shrewd National-winning trainer (Ballabriggs 2011).

Beat leading contender Cappa Bleu, who may not have been at his best that day, out of sight earlier in the season. Owned by the Scotch Piper Syndicate. Will they be piping up after another McCain winner? Not in my top five, but three wins this season tell you he might be in the mix. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 12 1P3-02P JOIN TOGETHER 8-11-02 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is getting the hang of this Grand National lark. After 53 attempts, including a couple of near misses, he finally won the world's most famous horse race last year when the galloping grey Neptune Collonges won in a photo finish. Last year's winning jockey takes the ride and the pair are respected. Nicholls told me on Monday this was his best chance in this year's contest. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 13 413-5211 COLBERT STATION 9-11-01 Ted Walsh IRE AP McCoy Now this is where it gets interesting.

Trainer Ted Walsh, the highly respected pundit and equine expert, knows how to get horses ready. He prepared Papillon to win in 2000 and has two leading contenders this year - Seabass and Colbert Station. Daughter Katie rides the former and 17-times champion jockey McCoy is on the latter. McCoy won National in 2010 on Don't Push It for Jonjo O'Neill and is a fascinating jockey booking. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1 14 2P1536 FORPADYDEPLASTERER 11-11-00 Thomas Cooper IRE Andrew J McNamara Consortium of owners include folk who once owned Sunderland FC. In their red and white scarves, the band of Irish racing fans sometimes sing 'Forpadydeplasterer, they never go fasterer.' Maybe even when they are, er, a bit plastered. A high-quality steeplechaser in his prime. Possibly not the force of old, and stamina question, but no forlorn hope.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 15 P1/B1F-1 ON HIS OWN 9-11-00 Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh Have to be honest - he's ante-post favourite for a reason and I'm taking a huge punt by leaving him out of the selections. Anyone can tip the favourite and it is the Grand National where luck plays a big part. Trainer believes he is a better horse than his 2005 winner Hedgehunter, and he was top drawer. Jockey is one of the all-time greats. He may well be out on his own, although fell late on last year when travelling ominously well. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1 16 0-35233 JONCOL 10-10-13 Paul Nolan IRE Robbie Power Bare recent form figures don't have too many 1s in there. However, handicapper has given him a shout with handy weight of less than 11st. Previous winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup.

Jockey Robbie Power, who is nicknamed 'Puppy', comes from an equestrian family - dad Con was a top showjumper. Robbie won the 2007 Grand National on Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 P0F1-12 BALTHAZAR KING 9-10-12 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson Outstanding performer at Cheltenham where his cross-country chase win at the course's Festival in 2012 is a very solid piece of form. Somerset trainer Hobbs and serial jockeys' title runner-up Johnson (second many times to AP McCoy) are an excellent partnership. The likeable pair nearly landed a maiden Grand National win with the grey What's Up Boys, beaten into second by Bindaree in 2002. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 18 1334-22 CAPPA BLEU 11-10-11 Evan Williams Paul Moloney As close as you'll get to an each-way banker in a race where you expect the unexpected.

Fourth last year and Welsh trainer previously had his State Of Play placed three times in the Grand National. He thinks Cappa Bleu is in even better shape this year. Can see him being in the shake-up, although not quite having enough to win. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 19 2/4-4U60 OSCAR TIME 12-10-11 Martin Lynch IRE Sam Waley-Cohen Ran a blinder for amateur jockey when second in the 2011 Grand National. Rider is an expert in getting horses to thrive in this demanding setting with wins in three other races over the big Aintree fences, plus three seconds. Was also fifth on Liberthine in the 2007 National, a year after winning on the mare in the Topham Chase. Oscar not in the form of two years ago, but likes the Liverpool air. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 20 44001-00 ALWAYS WAINING 12-10-10 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien Huge price for a horse that has won three times over the Grand National fences.

Yes, you heard that right, a triple winner over the big obstacles. His victories in the Topham Chase came over much shorter distance, but drying ground could help in the stamina department. Pembrokeshire trainer has often had him entered in the National itself - this year he gets his chance to shine. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1 21 15U-606 TATENEN 9-10-10 Richard Rowe Andrew Thornton The more people you speak to, the more your head gets fried with all the information. Anyway, owner Andy Stewart told me earlier in week Tatenen is overpriced. He was a little put out when I told him he would not be featuring in my first five. Jockey approaching veteran stage is known as 'Lenzio'. He wears contact lenses, you see. Trainer used to ride for the late Josh Gifford, who brought Aldaniti back from serious injury to win 1981 National.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 22 423F-01 TREACLE 12-10-09 Tom Taaffe IRE Noel Fehily My tip last year tipped up. Win last time out was encouraging for trainer, who landed Cheltenham Gold Cup with Kicking King in 2005, and is the son of the late Pat Taaffe - best known for his rides on the legendary 1960s steeplechaser Arkle. Pat rode two Grand National winners - Quare Times (1955) and top weight Gay Trip (1970). I'm not as sweet on Treacle this year, but it would leave a sour taste if he went well unsupported, so he goes in at number five.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 23 011611 LOST GLORY 8-10-08 Jonjo O'Neill Mark Walsh The horse, bred in New Zealand (like previous winners Seagram - 1991 - and Lord Gyllene - 1997), is trained in Gloucestershire by Jonjo O'Neill, whose stable is bankrolled by JP McManus. The team won with Don't Push It, ridden by AP McCoy, in 2010 and the yard's Sunnyhillboy was a narrow second in the 2012 race in which stablemate and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised died. Scored a few wins much earlier in the season, but in lower grade races. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 24 P-P1440 SWING BILL 12-10-08 David Pipe Conor O'Farrell Pipe family have a great affection for the big race.

Trainer David Pipe won with Comply or Die in 2008, while his father Martin oversaw the 1994 victory of Miinnehoma, owned by comedian Freddie Starr. Can't see them celebrating this time with the grey who has run all right over the fences in the Becher Chase, but doubt Swing Bill will pay the bills. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 25 U01-F430 SAINT ARE 7-10-08 Tim Vaughan Dougie Costello Likes Aintree - has won a hurdle race and steeplechase at the track, albeit not on the National course. Fell in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury earlier in the season, and horses aged just seven do not have a great record in the big race here. Bred in France by Jaques Cypres, whose farm produced the 1994 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner The Fellow.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 26 B-0U631 CHICAGO GREY 10-10-07 Gordon Elliott IRE Paul Carberry My auntie played bingo for a good while with the Irish trainer's gran over in County Meath. You'd think he would give me the odd tip. Still waiting. He did tell me on Friday the horse was well. After winning the National in 2007 with Silver Birch, Elliott said he would drink a barrel of his country's favourite drink. Suspect he might have got through two. Jockey won in 1999 on Bobbyjo for trainer father Tommy Carberry. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 27 010F-605 QUISCOVER FONTAINE 9-10-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Fourth in the 2011 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse behind winner Organisedconfusion. Runners from the Mullins yard always deserve respect, particularly in this race off a relatively low weight. However, is not the stable's main hope and has not shone so far this season.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 40-1 28 3B0-643 RARE BOB 11-10-06 Dessie Hughes IRE Bryan Cooper Jockey rated as a potential future champion, some calling him 'the next Ruby Walsh'. Trainer another of those from a great Irish racing family - his son Richard is the current champion Flat jockey in the UK. The selection of 1981 Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion, who beat cancer to win on Aldaniti. Champion says he is not backing Rare Bob just for the name. He sounded fairly bullish. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 29 04-311P4 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 9-10-06 Kim Bailey Aidan Coleman Trained in Gloucestershire by Kim Bailey, who won the Grand National in 1990 with Mr Frisk, the last horse to win under an amateur jockey - Marcus Armytage, now a racing journalist with the Daily Telegraph.

The Rainbow Hunter's owners include Oli Bell, a presenter for Racing UK, who tells me he has a good each-way shout on the drying ground. Jockey rode Mon Mome in 2008 National but picked another when horse won at 100-1 a year later. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 30 F-63PP5 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE 10-10-06 Noel Glynn IRE Martin Ferris Possibly an unlucky faller in the 2012 National. Said I couldn't see Becauseicouldntsee winning last year and I still can't see it this time round. Owned by trainer whose yard in the beautiful setting of Ennis in County Clare benefits from the wisdom of assistant Jason Titley, winning jockey in 1995 on Royal Athlete, trained by Jenny Pitman.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 31) 12P-P00 HARRY THE VIKING 8-10-06 Paul Nicholls Ryan Mahon Bookmakers say this is likely to be a popular each-way selection as there are quite a few Harrys out there these days. A second runner in this year's race for co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson, who also has a share in What A Friend and is big pals with champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Was second in Cheltenham four-miler last year behind Teaforthree but a little out of sorts since. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 32) 2360264 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 9-10-05 Sue Smith Peter Buchanan Decent second at Wetherby over the festive period to the useful Cape Tribulation, who was fifth in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Little else to get over-excited about. Trained by Sue Smith, the wife of former showjumper Harvey who caused a stir with a V-sign a long time ago. Will it be V for victory this time? V unlikely.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 33) 1133FP MUMBLES HEAD (IRE) 12-10-04 Peter Bowen Jamie Moore Scored two nice wins at Perth in the summer of 2012, although has been less prolific away from the Scottish track. Fell at the first when trailing in the Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree in December. Welsh trainer appears to have a more dangerous challenger in Always Waining. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1 34) 3F6042 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 10-10-03 Tom Taaffe Niall Madden Some jokers have suggested this one should be owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Won the 2009 Coral Cup over hurdles at Cheltenham. Has won just once over fences for Irish trainer Tom Taaffe. Jockey Niall "Slippers" Madden won the 2006 National on Numbersixvalverde. Last time I tipped the winner. Good lad. His dad was known as "Boots".

It's a long story. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 35) 0P45F5 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11-10-03 Sue Smith Ryan Mania Intriguing one this. Close second, beaten a neck by Merigo, in the 2012 Scottish Grand National having fallen at the first in the race two years earlier. Has been very disappointing this season so far. A win for the jockey would give headline writers something to conjure with, although I can't think of one myself. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 36) P11420 TARQUINIUS (FR) 10-10-02 Gordon Elliott IRE Wilson Renwick Trainer (see Chicago Grey) comes from a family of bingo players. Suspect his eyes will be down mainly looking at the shorter-priced stablemate, although a very decent second in a good trial, the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, offers encouragement. Disappointing in Leinster National last time and that one little duck, combined with a possible preference for heavier ground, makes others appeal more.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 37) 614U40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 10-10-00 Martin Keighley Ian Popham Stamina is the forte of this horse owned by the Cash Is King Syndicate, so called because of the horse's name. Does he need heavier ground to bring this into play, as when third to Tidal Bay in the Bet365 Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbread) at Sandown in April 2012? Unseated jockey Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn in Becher Chase on heavy going at Aintree in December, although trainer believes he will jump better in these drier conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 38) 2P-265P MAJOR MALARKEY (IRE) 10-9-13 Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore You can't argue with the name - classic. Bits and pieces of decent form, such as when runner-up in the Midlands National in March 2012.

His sire (dad to you and me) Supreme Leader was also responsible for 2002 National runner-up What's Up Boys. The trainer we know about (see Imperial Commander) and the rider is the son of former champion jump jockey Peter. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 200-1 39) 621B-001 SOLL 8-9-12 Jo Hughes Mark Grant Top Racing Post writer Alastair Down, who has had the pleasure of sitting next to me all meeting in the media centre, likes this one as an each-way prospect. Unlucky when brought down in race won by Teaforthree at Cheltenham last year. Now with up-and-coming Lambourn trainer. Might be one for football supporters of a certain persuasion if they think of former England defender Sol Campbell, I suppose. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 40) 023P25 VIKING BLOND (FR) 8-9-11 Nigel Twiston-Davies Adam Wedge Went off at 80-1 last year and fell at the first.

Had been favourite for the 2011 Welsh National at Chepstow but was pulled up. More encouraging fifth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Trainer has the top weight and bottom weight. Suggest you look a little higher up the list. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

Question: What was the name of the horse that won the 1990 English Grand National?
Answer: Mr Frisk