Grand National 2011: battle-weary winner Ballabriggs enjoys being star of the show after Aintree win - Telegraph Horse Racing Grand National 2011: battle-weary winner Ballabriggs enjoys being star of the show after Aintree win He trotted out into the sunlight and then tossed his head in the spotlight as if he recognised that, yes, he really had been a bit of a star. Home is the hero: Grand National winner Ballabriggs with trainer Donald McCain (right) and his father Ginger at their stables. Photo: GETTY IMAGES By Ian Chadband 8:08PM BST 10 Apr 2011 Less than 24 hours since being left dehydrated and decidedly unsteady on his legs after an Aintree triumph as debilitating and courageous as any in recent memory, Ballabriggs looked a glowing picture of health while taking his bow at Donald McCain’s stables in Cheshire.

It was hard to recall, gazing at this magnificent, hulking bay, that the previous day, his jockey Jason Maguire had needed the presence of mind on this blazing afternoon to leap off Ballabriggs’s back immediately after his triumph to let oxygen be administered and to allow the horse to be quickly sluiced down after one of the most merciless editions of one of sport’s most unforgiving tests. “Look, he’s tired, but he’s grand,” McCain was happy to report, conceding that after his own celebrations which started in the Poacher pub and saw him get to bed for only an hour at 6.30am yesterday morning, his new champion probably looked in much better nick than he did. “He was left exhausted on Saturday; it was really hot and windless down there. It’s like watching marathons, with people wobbling all over the place. It was the same thing. He has a small cut on a hind leg, but he went for a walk this morning and he’s fine.” Relief all round.

On the day itself, there had been enough sadness and distress as a backdrop to the main event, what with the serious injury to jockey Peter Toole and the highly-visible tragedy which befell two horses, that the gloss seemed to have been taken from the tale of good old Ballabriggs. So as groom Ed Bourne handed out the polo mints to his pal at the stables, it was time for those who love 'Brigzy’ best to make a proper fuss of the good-natured character who has ensured the McCains are enhanced further as the Grand National’s first family. Related Articles Where your money went 09 Apr 2011 This did not feel like the time-honoured homecoming of a National champion parading through his home village. No, this was just a quiet celebration among about 50 family and friends on the lawns behind Donald’s offices set amid his rented 200-acre grounds in Cholmondeley Castle. A very genteel, very British and, reckoned patriarch Ginger McCain, a very different celebration to those raucous ones which greeted Red Rum’s fabled triumphs 40 miles up the road behind his Southport garage all those years ago.

Ginger, who has not been too well recently, had evidently been reinvigorated by Donald’s first National win as he had everyone in stitches with his tales of “Bert the policeman”, who had promised to “look after everything” at the 1973 party after there had been complaints about the noise. “Except the party was so good that at 4 am we found him lying on a grass verge opposite the cemetery. The milkman thought the IRA had shot him!” Ginger had begun his Aintree pilgrimage on Saturday laying flowers at Rummy’s winning post resting place and ended it by saluting a champion, which he felt had shown all the heart and character of his old horse. As for Donald, he confessed, his lad’s win actually meant more to him than his own four ever did. Ginger had heard all the previous day’s furore which surrounded the deaths and the safety concerns and, to nobody’s surprise, remained resolutely un-PC and old school in approach as he criticised “all the bloody health and safety stuff” and the “do gooders” who want to see the end of the National. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the horses bypassing Becher’s second time.

“It’s a major feature of the race and the fence is there to be jumped,” said Ginger. “If a horse is dead, he’s dead. And if he was injured, vets once would have just hooked him up and pulled him away.” It was only on Thursday, indeed, that one of Donald’s charges, Inventor, was killed in a hurdle race at Aintree. Yesterday, McCain Jnr looked pained as he recalled the episode. “It’s very unfortunate, very sad, but its horse racing. It’s the Grand National meeting. Jockeys get hurt, horses get hurt. It’s a shame but it happens; I don’t really know the answer. “Thursday was rough. But that’s the game. You don’t appreciate the good days if you don’t have bad ones too.” But yesterday he could appreciate a really good day. The sun was out, the champagne was being passed around, his old dad looked better than for ages and Ballabriggs was just loving being a star. What was the secret of the family’s success, Ginger was asked. “It’s because we’re hooked on it,” he said. For son, as for father, it can only ever continue to be a dangerous addiction.

Grand National 2011: Ballabriggs wins in a day of drama at Aintree | Daily Mail Online comments 22-year-old Irish jockey taken to hospital with head injuries in pre-Grand National race Two horses fatally injured in falls which led to just 28 fences being jumped for the first time BBC responds to criticism by saying presenters handled deaths 'sensitively' Critical condition: Peter Toole was injured in a race preceding yesterday's Grand National Jockey Peter Toole is in a critical condition in hospital after being hurt in a heavy fall at Aintree on Grand National Day. Toole was injured when his mount, the outsider Classic Fly, crashed to the ground in the early stages of the John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase, the 2.15pm race on the card yesterday. The 22-year-old has been put in a medically-induced coma after he suffered bleeding on the right side of his brain and a dislocated shoulder. His fall came before two horses died during yesterday’s Grand National in one of the most ‘distressing’ races in recent history.

The 22-year-old Irishman was taken to the nearby Fazakerley Hospital then later transferred to the hospital's Walton Centre For Neurology & Neuro Surgery. Trainer Charlie Mann, to whom Mr Toole is attached as a conditional jockey, said: 'He's in an induced coma and he won't be brought out until Monday at the earliest. 'He has bleeding on the right-hand side of his brain. He also dislocated a shoulder which has since been put back in place. 'He's on a ventilator, and it's not great - but we won't know any more until Monday.' Weighing-room colleague David Crosse added: 'Ive spoken to Peter's dad who said he remains stable, but with no improvement. 'He's going to be sedated for 24 hours.' During the Grand National, millions of TV viewers saw Ornais fall at the fourth fence, breaking his neck, while Dooneys Gate broke his back minutes later at Becher’s Brook. It meant that for the first time in the race’s history the two fences were bypassed during the second circuit of the Aintree track – as the horses were hastily screened off with tarpaulins.

But the BBC was accused of a ‘cover-up’ after commentator Mick Fitzgerald described the dead horses as ‘obstacles’. Distressing sight: Runners and riders lie in a tangle on the ground after jumping the notorious Becher's Brook where Dooneys Gate died today The former Grand National winner made the remark while discussing how chequered flags were waved as jockeys approached the 20th and 22nd fences, which they were required to bypass because the dead bodies had not been removed. Mr Fitzgerald said: ‘The thing is, you know there is an obstacle ahead, that’s what these chequered flags tell you.’ One viewer wrote on the corporation’s own website: ‘I’m amazed that the BBC coverage pans over the tarpaulins on the re-run and the commentators just talk about “obstacles”.’ Another said: ‘And the BBC – shame on you. No mention of what’s happened, even when there’s 2 dead covered horses on screen.’ On The Mail on Sunday website, commenters also expressed outrage.

‘Jax’ branded the race ‘disgusting and cruel’, adding: ‘It’s not the Grand National, it’s a national disgrace.’ Covered up: A dead horse is hidden by tarpaulin as the race continues over on the far side of the Aintree course Another, ‘Phoenix’, said: ‘I cannot believe in this day and age that this kind of public cruelty still goes on. Two animals died today but nobody cares, we’ll do it all again next year.’ Of the main race, Andrew Tyler of Animal Aid described the gruelling four-and-a-half-mile marathon as one of the most ‘distressing’ races he could recall and echoed criticisms of the BBC, saying: ‘It is particularly callous and disgusting that a member of the commentary team should describe the dead horses as they lay on the course as an “obstacle”.’ Aintree said the bypassing practice became possible two years ago for the first time as part of ‘ongoing safety improvements’. More than half the 40 runners failed to make the finish line.

Tragedy: Dooneys Gate, in the centre of the picture one of the race's two fatalities ridden by Paul Mullins, falls at Becher's Brook Over: Grand Slam Hero and Aidan Coleman at the 13th fence. Just 19 of the field of 40 finished the race Tony Moore, chairman of Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe, led a group of around 40 people demonstrating outside the racecourse. He said: ‘If they really care about horses, why do the owners, jockeys and trainers put them through this ordeal?’ On average, three horses a year are fatally injured over the three-day Aintree meeting. Ornais, ridden by Nick Scholfield, came to grief at the fourth fence.The nine-year-old was one of four horses in the race trained by Paul Nicholls, who said: ‘He was a very good novice chaser in his early days. It is bad luck and very sad to lose a horse in this way.’ Dooneys Gate came down two fences later at Becher’s Brook. Irish trainer Willie Mullins, whose son Patrick was having his first National ride on the horse, said: ‘He was a good servant to us.

It’s very unfortunate and Patrick is devastated.’ Going ...Mark Walsh and Quolibet Going ... The rider knows he's in deep trouble Gone ... The pair crash to the ground at the 11th Viewers could clearly see the dead horses being covered with tarpaulins from an aerial camera. The BBC’s Grand National presenter Clare Balding later tweeted: ‘Very sorry to report two fatalities at the Grand National – thoughts with all those connected with Ornais & Dooneys Gate.’ Julian Thick, managing director of Aintree Racecourse, said: ‘We are desperately sad at the accidents and our thoughts go out to the connections of Ornais and Dooneys Gate. When a horse gets hurt, everyone is deeply upset. Safety is the first priority for the organisers of the Grand National meeting and we will redouble our efforts to make sure that everyone involved in the event is able to participate in safety and comfort. Horseracing is a carefully regulated and monitored sport. All horses and riders in the Grand National have to meet very high standards set by an independent panel of experts.’ Responding to Animal Aid’s criticism, a BBC spokesman said: ‘We were aware of the unfortunate events of the two fatalities.

During the race and the re-run this was covered with as much sensitivity as possible. ‘Clare [Balding] was also most sensitive in her reporting of the incidents and even touched on it in her closing links to the programme.’ Watched by 600 million people worldwide, the race was won by Ballabriggs, which finished ahead of Oscar Time ridden by Kate Middleton’s friend Sam Waley-Cohen. Bookmakers William Hill said more than £250 million was gambled yesterday. 33 tragedies at course in just 11 years By JO MACFARLANE In all 33 horses have died during three-day Grand National meetings at Aintree since 2000 – and it is unusual for no horse to be killed as a result of the main race itself. In 2000 five horses died over the three days. The high death toll prompted animal rights activists to describe it as a ‘blood bath’ and call for an investigation. Strong Promise, Rossell Island and Architect all suffered fatal falls on the first day of the meeting while Lake Kariba had a heart attack at the end of a race. Toni’s Tip sustained fatal spinal injuries during a race the following day.

Close up: Horses attempting the notoriously difficult Becher's Brook at the Grand National In 2001, The Outback Way also died from spinal injuries. Of the four deaths in 2002, two – The Last Fling and Manx Magic – happened during the Grand National race itself. Desert Mountain and Anubis Quercus died in earlier races at the meeting. Goguenard had to be put down after the 2003 Grand National and Coolnagorna was also put down after breaking a hind leg. Unusually, there were no deaths in 2004. But Lilium de Cotte died after suffering a haemorrhage on the middle day of the 2005 meeting, and two horses – Terivic and Tyneandthyneagain – were killed in 2006. Tyneandthyneagain perished after falling at the first fence in the main race. The 2007 meeting saw the deaths of three horses. Lord Rodney and Into The Shadows were killed in races before the main event.

Falling: Riders and horses fall in the melee at Becher's Brook Dramatic: Several horses fall at Becher's, captured here in dramatic close up Meanwhile, Graphic Approach died a month after sustaining injuries at the notorious Becher’s Brook fence during the Grand National. Another three horses were killed in 2008: Time To Sell, The High Grass and McKelvey. McKelvey had become something of a star after featuring on BBC1’s The One Show as he was treated for a tendon injury and prepared for the iconic race. But 2009 was an even worse year, with five deaths – the worst toll since 2000. Hear The Echo collapsed and died at the end of the big race on the Saturday, while Exotic Dancer, Mel In Blue, Moscow Catch and Lilla Sophia died earlier during the meeting. A further four died last year, 2010, although none of them during the main Grand National race. Pagan Starprincess, Prudent Honour, Plaisir D’Estraval and Schindlers Hunt all fell during previous races.

This year, one of the bloodiest for the Grand National itself, two horses, Ornais and Dooneys Gate, died during the main race. Inventor fell on Thursday. Animal Aid claims 162 horses have died on race courses in Britain over the past 12 months. The organisation’s website carries a feature called Race Horse Death Watch, which keeps a running record of racing tragedies up and down the country. And they're off!

The horses make their way down to the first fence in the John Smith's Grand National On his way: Ballabriggs ridden by Jason Maguire in green and yellow silks leaps over the water jump on his way to winning the Grand National Winner: Jockey Jason Maguire celebrating after romping home by two and a quarter lengths on Ballabriggs Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire to retire from the saddle | Sport | The Guardian Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire to retire from the saddle • Rider won the 2011 Aintree marathon on board Ballabriggs • Jockey out injured since February 2015 after fall at Musselburgh Jason Maguire gets a hug from winning owner Trevor Hemmings after Ballabriggs’ victory in the Grand National.

Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire to retire from the saddle • Rider won the 2011 Aintree marathon on board Ballabriggs • Jockey out injured since February 2015 after fall at Musselburgh Press Association Thursday 5 May 2016 08.16 EDT Last modified on Thursday 5 May 2016 10.56 EDT This article is 9 months old The Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire has announced his retirement from the saddle. The news does not come as a surprise as Maguire has not ridden competitively since February 2015 after a fall at Musselburgh. He underwent surgery in April that year for slipped discs in his back, and while he has been riding out for the likes of Kim Bailey and Tom George he was often left with a pain in his leg. Ballabriggs wins fifth Grand National at Aintree for McCain family Read more Having ridden as first-choice jockey for Paul and Clare Rooney, during his time off, he has been acting as their racing manager.

Confirming Maguire’s retirement, his agent Chris Broad said: “It’s disappointing but the news has been expected, to be honest. He was a top, top top-class rider, it wasn’t long ago that he split AP McCoy and Richard Johnson in the championship – that’s how good he was.” Maguire won the 2011 Grand National on the Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs and enjoyed Cheltenham Festival successes on Galileo (2002), Peddlers Cross (2010), Cinders And Ashes (2012) and Son Of Flicka (2012). Broad said: “He’s had some memorable days, no one can ever take a Grand National win away from him and he’s enjoyed good days at Cheltenham, too. “He’s been a very good man to work with, he lives locally to me and we get on well but unfortunately his body is no longer responding how he wants. There is a life after racing and luckily for him he has already got his lined up with the Rooney job. “Obviously he’ll still miss it, and it is very different being forced to retire rather than retiring on your own terms.

It’s much harder to cope in this situation when the decision is made for you. He was very stylish and very strong, but there comes a time when it has to end.” Prior to the Musselburgh fall Maguire also sustained serious injuries on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival at Stratford in March 2014 when he lost part of his liver. “I went to hospital to see him after the Stratford fall,” Broad said. “After seeing the state he was in there, anything was a bonus after that and while it’s disappointing for him it’s ended at least he’s in one piece, if not quite 100%. He’s been one of the best.” BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Grand National: Ballabriggs powers to National win Grand National: Ballabriggs powers to National win By Frank Keogh BBC Sport at Aintree Watch the closing stages of the 2011 Grand National Ballabriggs won the 164th running of the Grand National to secure a new chapter in the McCain family's love affair with the famous Aintree marathon. Trainer Donald McCain is the son of Ginger, whose four victories in the race included a unique treble with Red Rum.

The 14-1 chance Ballabriggs, ridden by Jason Maguire, led for much of the way and held off runner-up Oscar Time under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Last year's winner Don't Push It was third for Tony McCoy with State of Play fourth, ahead of Niche Market. For the first time in the race's history, two of the 30 fences were bypassed on the second circuit after horses fell during the first time round. Ornais, who came down at the fourth, and Dooneys Gate, who came down at Becher's Brook, were both fatally injured. Maguire was given a five-day ban by stewards after the race for excessive use of the whip in the closing stages. Donald McCain was only a child when record-breaking Red Rum won three Grand Nationals and finished runner-up twice in the 1970s. Maguire 'overwhelmed' to win Grand National But he has learned from his father and took over the training reins in 2006 when Ginger retired two years after another National triumph with Amberleigh House.

The 10-year-old Ballabriggs had won five of his six races immediately before the National and relished the daunting challenge. At one stage it looked as though Waley-Cohen, friend of royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton, might be set for victory on a horse owned by his father Robert. But as Oscar Time came to his side at The Elbow, Maguire pulled out more on his mount as the front two pulled clear, with Don't Push It 12 lengths behind the second. Maguire said: "This is crazy. I've got to thank Donald, Mr Hemmings, my mother and father, everybody. It's a dream come true. "After the last I felt like something was coming up behind me and my horse was going a bit low but McCain horses never know when to lie down and he gave everything. But he was very tired after the line." It was an audacious attempt by Waley-Cohen to pull off a hat-trick of triumphs in big steeplechases this season, having won the King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup on Long Run. "He gave me a fantastic spin. It's been a phenomenal season.

I feel incredibly lucky and honoured to be riding in these big races and for it to go so well," he said afterwards. "The plan was always to come with one smooth run. We knew he had a huge jump in him so I was just trying to get him to pop a little bit and save and not get too keen. "He did everything I asked of him and the National course is so special. If the horse takes to it it can be the best 10 minutes of your life, and the shortest as well." For winning jockey Maguire, it was a first National success after he missed out in 2007 when rejecting the chance to ride eventual winner Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott, when staying loyal to McCain's Cloudy Lane. Champion jockey McCoy, who was bidding for back-to-back wins on Don't Push It, was proud of his own horse's efforts. "He ran a great race and all credit to the horse. It's very difficult for horses to win back-to-back Nationals," said McCoy. "He was off the bridle a little bit early and he got a little bit low at a couple of fences late on which was energy-sapping.

"I tried to get him to finish in the best possible position but well done to Jason Maguire, Trevor Hemmings and Donald McCain." The horse's trainer Jonjo O'Neill was also pleased with the performance. "He has run a smashing race under that weight," he said. "It is always good to see them come back and run so well the second time but he wasn't quite good enough on this occasion." The Willie Mullins-trained favourite, The Midnight Club, made a mistake at the third and eventually finished sixth. Jockey Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "I was lucky to get round, he lost all chance at the third fence, then got very careful. "I was struggling before we were hampered going towards the final bend, but we just weren't good enough." Bookmark with: BBC Sport - Horse Racing - Grand National 2011 as it happened Printable version Grand National 2011 as it happened To get involved, e-mail racing@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Oliver Brett' in the subject), use Twitter with #bbcgrandnational in your tweet or text on 81111 with "RACING" as the first word. (Not all comments can be used.

Messages charged at your standard operator rate) By Oliver Brett 1714: Thanks for all your input and enjoy the rest of the sporting weekend, with the golf at Augusta obviously a big highlight. I close with the news that Irish trainer Paul Nolan has won the 1700 race on Far Away So Close, and I hope you enjoyed our coverage. Congratulations to the McCain team and Ballabriggs, and condolences to the yards of Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins. They trained the two horses who died. BBC1's Mick Fitzgerald: "I think Jason Maguire is riding really well at the moment and has real potential to be a possible champion jockey of the future. The owner Trevor Hemmings is the nicest man you'll ever meet, just as good in defeat as he is in victory. BBC1 betting expert Gary Wiltshire: "I would say it was a good result for the bookies, with Ruby Walsh out of the places as well. But there was certainly a big cheer from round here when Ballabriggs won." 1701: Confirmation now that Ornais and Dooneys Gate did suffer fatal falls in today's race. Our thoughts go out to the connections of those horses.

1659: As well as being a great story for the McCains, there's a narrative behind jockey Jason Maguire's success. He had to pass the doctor on Friday after a bad fall 24 hours earlier and was in danger of missing the ride. Maguire could have ridden the winner, Silver Birch, in the 2007 renewal but stayed loyal to McCain's Idle Talk and might have thought his chance of glory had gone. 1650: In answer to various requests, we are attepting to find out what happened to the two most serious fallers and their jockeys. We are not ignoring the issue, but don't want to assume anything until fully aware of the facts. E-mail from James Hickey: "Jason Maguire just swore on national TV after winning the Grand National - surely that's a two-match ban?!" I think they'll let me off as there's a big difference in the circumstances! 1647: Some of the younger ones around probably don't remember Red Rum. He won this race three times in the 1970s for trainer Ginger McCain, who came back in 2004 to win it one last time with Amberleigh House.

The legend continues now with Ginger's son Donald winning the race for himself. 1642: There will be plenty of hard-luck stories, and here's Ruby Walsh (The Midnight Club): "I made a bad mistake at the first ditch, he changed his mind at the last minute and he got very careful with his jumping after that. Patrick Mullins had a very bad fall (on Dooneys Gate), I hope he's OK." 1638: Becher's and one other fence were bypased on the second circuit while injured horses were attended to. Ballabriggs's lad says the horse had to be led through with the jockey off his back simply to ensure they could get as much water into the animal as quickly as possible, but he's reported to be fine now. From thomasmurphy33: "You just can't beat the National. Not good to see fences being bypassed for obvious reasons but can't take away from it." Winning trainer Donald McCain: "We always genuinely thought he might be an Aintree horse.

Things have gone so smoothly all year, he's a joy to deal with." 1635: With about a circuit to go, Ballabriggs, who is trained by Donald McCain (Ginger's son - he was Red Rum's trainer), already looked by far the most comfortable horse in the race. Winning jockey Jason Maguire says: "He was jumping fence-to-fence, I was just trying to get him over the jumps, wanted to keep him in the top 10, but fair play to Donald, who's done a wonderful job." RESULT - 1615 John Smith's Grand National Steeplechase 1. Ballabriggs (Jason Maguire) 14-1 2. Oscar Time (Sam Waley-Cohen) 14-1 3. Don't Push It (Tony McCoy) 9-1 4. State Of Play (Paul Moloney) 28-1 5. Niche Market (Harry Skelton) 16-1 1628: Don't Push It was third, checking for fourth and fifth.

1627: Oscar Time, with Sam Waley-Cohen riding, did his best to reel in the leader, but ended up a few lengths behind. 1627: Ballabriggs wins the Grand National! Jason Maguire the winning jockey for Donald McCain. 1627: Slight error from Oscar Time two out, Ballabriggs still leads with Don't Push It struggling under top weight at The Elbow. 1626: What A Friend is pulled up as they approach the last two fences. 1625: Ballabriggs and Santa's Son make mistakes, but Ballabriggs recovers. Oscar Time has been going very well for a while. 1624: Ballabriggs is galloping and jumping superbly with Killyglen just behind and Niche Market also firmly in contention. 1623: We have a new leader, who is Ballabriggs. 1622: Quinz is pulled up just before The Chair. Don't Push It is still there and going nicely. 1622: Santa's Son is jumping beautifully with Grand Slam Hero the latest faller.

1621: Majestic Concorde is going very nicely alongside Santa's Son in the lead. 1620: Santa's Son, one of the big outsiders, leads over The Canal Turn, with Hello Bud jumping well. Tidal Bay unseats his rider. 1619: Calgary Bay and Ornais both fall at the fourth. Killyglen is well up there, The Midnight Club is in midfield. Dooneys Gate goes at Becher's among others. 1618: That's Rhythm falls at the first, Becauseicouldntsee goes at the second. 1618: They're off. 1617: The starter is on his roster, and he's been urging the jockeys not to charge before the tapes are up. BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: "Pick of the parade ring for me inc Bluesea Cracker, Niche Market, Skippers Brig, Oscar Time." 1615: Can't see anything sweating up, or looking like they don't want to be there. West End Rocker is pulling at his bit a little but that won't be a concern.

Andrew McNamara has his boots out of his irons to keep as much weight of Bluesea Cracker's back as possible. Looks like we'll start a bit a late. Very odd white bridle on Golden Kite. 1611: Parading in front of the stands before the canter to the start. Majestic Concorde looks tiny, but his trainer Dermot Weld is a name to respect. Big Fella Thanks looks quite lively, will he stay? The Midnight Club, a light, almost chestnut colour, looks very comfortable and happy to be there. Many of these horses have been quite spectacularly well turned out. Great credit to all the lads and lasses who work silly hours for little money. From Hugh_Wilson: "I'm hoping one of my nine comes in... Grand Slam hero at 66/1 e/w , come on!" Fair enough to have more than one horse, but nine? 1606: Richard Dunwoody reckons What A Friend is the "pick of the paddock" but tips Niche Market to win.

1605: Legendary owner JP McManus, who finally landed this race last year, is asked to comment on some of the horses he doesn't own: "Tidal Bay, if he adopts well to this course, he could be well handicapped." 1603: Chief Dan George is on his toes, prancing about in the parade ring. Clare Balding has got hold of Ged Mason, who shares ownership of What A Friend with Sir Alex Ferguson: "He is genuine, all the press say he's a bit funny with his head-carriage. I'm just about to text Sir Alex, United are winning at the moment so it's going our way." 1600: With 15 minutes to go until the start, the 40 jockeys pose for the famous pre-race photograph. Plenty of smiles, not too much nerves, though Tony McCoy's piercing focus stands out. 1559: Ballabriggs is "looking well - you can see the stencil mark on his hind-quarters," says Richard Dunwoody. He reckons Don't Push It "looks fit". I'll add this: McCoy's mount looks completely chilled out, and that will help him.

In this heat you don't want your horse to get too anxious at the start. From touchlinetv: "Bet placed. Money on Oscar Time, go for it Sam Waley-Cohen. Fab build up as ever by #bbcgrandnational - always a spectacle." Comply or Die's jockey Timmy Murphy: "He's in great form, got a great weight, loves the ground and he comes to life round here." 1550: On course, The Midnight Club is right down to 15-2. "It's the jungle, the betting jungle," says Gary Wiltshire. He notes that Comply Or Die has been well backed, and so it has! Right in to 25-1. From jesseddie: "The British Women's rowing team are going to huddle around a laptop to watch online whilst on training camp in Italy! 1547: We haven't mentioned Quinz much, but this is a winner of the Racing Post who is well treated in the weights and has a fine jockey in the shape of Richard Johnson. The horse I didn't back after telling everyone how good it was is Ballabriggs, for the McCain team.

I now almost want something to beat it! From lewiswaltoncent: "Can you imagine if they handicapped Usain Bolt? Gave him a man purse and a couple of kilos to carry while he did it!" 1543: Comply Or Die, who won the race in 2008, is being trailed by a BBC crew. He hasn't got the blinkers on yet. Adrian Maguire, once known as a top-class jockey, is putting in some last-minute work on Golden Kite. He looks thrilled to be here with his first National entry. 1540: It's high time to check the latest market moves for the Grand National which is, of course, our next race. The Midnight Club looks like a cosy favourite, with Silver By Nature about 12-1 on the betting exchanges following plenty of big bets today. Don't Push It is about 14-1 with Oscar Time, What A Friend and Quinz also attracting consistent support. 1535: Nice win for Paul Gallagher on the Howard Johnson eight-year-old. The horse just kept on fighting, beating off the challengers one by one.

Paul's had a good week and partners Royal Rosa in the big one. RESULT - 1525 John Smith's Handicap Steeplechase 1. Prince De Beauchene (Paul Gallagher) 10-1 2. Categorical (James Reveley) 20-1 3. Reve De Sivola (Daryl Jacob) 7-1 1532: Prince de Beauchene wins. 1531: Bensalem unseats his rider; Reve de Sivola fights out the finish with Prince de Beauchene. 1530: Big error from Rare Bob may have cost his chances. Prince de Beauchene looks to be the one to beat. 1529: Carrickmines falls, jockey Paddy Brennan looks fine however. All three jockeys who fell have National rides but we think they'll be OK. 1528: Bensalem, one of the fancies, is lacking fluency while Saphir des Bois takes the lead. We think Sam Twiston-Davies is fine. 1526: Take The Breeze is brought down by a faller, Crescent Island.

Ruby Walsh is walking away, not sure about Sam Twiston-Davies yet. Horses are fine. 1525: They're off in the John Smith's Handicap Chase over three miles. Last one before the National! From hope123123: "I have bet on Character Building... Only female rider... Girl Power!" Good for you. Remember Katie Walsh, who has just been handed a six-day ban for excessive use of the whip, would have had her first ride in this but unfortunately Our Monty developed a leg infection on Wednesday and was withdrawn. Clare Balding on BBC1: "If either Don't Push It or Character Building win, what a story that would make, real front page news stuff." Tony McCoy (Don't Push It): "Arbor Supreme is one that will like the ground and he has the ability. Don't Push It - there's a lot of stats against him but statistics are there to be broken. [On Binocular] No excuses, he jumped pretty slick but didn't finish his race the way you'd want." Nina Carberry (Character Bulding): "He just ran out of juice towards the end last year.

Hopefully just get him round, that's the main thing and then see how we go towards the end, hopefully we'll be close enough." From ConorMcNamaraIE: "Even if you don't have money on a horse at Aintree, John Hunt's commentary on @bbc5live still gives you goosebumps. Got lots of good reviews for John Hunt's commentary during Cheltenham too!" From Shirley in Warrington: "Sunshine and bets, horses galore, you all make it special, What A Friend you are." 1507: Don't want to get too deep into this, but Chief Dan George is trained in Cartmel by a Scotsman (thanks to the e-mail from Snoussi). Ex-Inter Milan and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: "I have no idea about racehorses, I prefer dressage normally but it's amazing seeing the horses and seeing the quality. I will be supporting someone, I will not say who. My daughter is in charge of the betting. The weather is like in Spain." E-mail from Wayne in Usk: "I've just realised that I've organised the office sweepstake with last year's horses! Any advice?

Apart from pocketing all the cash and running, you could simply attribute each horse's number to the current list. Good luck! 1501: Brilliant ride from Ruby Walsh's sister Katie but she couldn't quite collar the winner at the end, and it's a remarkable treble for Henderson and Geraghty. Although Geraghty's National mount Or Noir De Somoza is a big outsider you wouldn't want to rule him out completely. RESULT - 1450 John Smith's Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle 1. Oscar Whisky (Barry Geraghty) 6-1 Fav 2. Thousand Stars (Katie Walsh) 16-1 3. Salden Licht (Robert Thornton) 25-1 1455: The Henderson second string, Oscar Whisky, just holds on from the fast-finishing grey Thousand Stars. 1453: Oscar Whisky will try to make it a real test of stamina as he pushes them along now while Salden Licht is making a play. 1453: Celestial Halo still making the pace, Oscar Whisky bowling along in second. Plenty have chances.

1451: The Paul Nicholls horse, Celestial Halo, makes the pace with Binocular about fifth and Peddlers Cross travelling nicely in third. 1450: They're off in the Aintree Hurdle. 1449: Just to clarify. I have mentioned two Scottish-trained National entries and let's not forget there is a third: Chief Dan George. Good to see all this interest from north of the border. 1448: Our next and third race (the Grand National is the fifth and starts at 1615) is the John Smith's Aintree Hurdle. We've got Binocular in it, a mercurial horse with a somewhat controversial history, but Peddlers Cross will be tough to beat. Ladbrokes have taken a punt of £80,000 on this one to win! From James, Vienna: "I'm not superstitious, but I've had a vivid dream that number 36 won this year's Grand National! Should I bet my house on it?" I wouldn't bet your house on it, but put it this way: even a small wager on Ornais might allow you to BUY a house if this big outsider wins.

From McGolders: "How can @BarryJGeraghty only pick up a spare in #BBCGrandNational? Legend." BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: "Forty Grand National runners have been read to Honest Junior (female, 20 months). She cuddled phone for Niche Market." BBC Sport racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght on Twitter: "Jockey Peter Toole taken straight to hospital after fall in Maghull Nov Ch from Classic Fly; briefly unconscious." We wish the horse and jockey well. Toole has no National ride, by the way. 1431: Remember there's another Scottish horse to follow in the National, and that's Silver By Nature. He's a grey which is always popular for once-a-year punters (easy to spot) and is currently second favourite. In my opinion this very fast ground wouldn't be ideal for him, but what do I know? Scottish trainer James Motherway is trying to get Bluesea Cracker to be the first mare to win this in 60 years. He says: "I suppose maybe geldings are better equipped being the boys in the game.

But my one stays, she jumps, she can take a bump and she can give as good as she gets. On the gallops she messes about a bit, so I'll be telling James McNamara 'For God's sake don't let her go to the front too soon.' " 1422: Two in two for trainer Nicky Henderson, but he's not someone you associate with the Grand National and he doesn't have a runner in the big race today. He could have a treble to celebrate instead, because Binocular will get plenty of support in the next race. RESULT - 1415 John Smith's Maghull Novices' Steeplechase 1. Finian's Rainbow (Barry Geraghty) 10-11 Fav 2. Ghizao (Ruby Walsh) 3-1 3. Dan Breen (Jason Maguire) 8-1 1420: Barry Geraghty collects a double for Nicky Henderson as Finian's Rainbow, despite appearing to run out of pace in the latter stages, takes advantage of some poor jumping from Ghizao.

1418: Ghizao and Finian's Rainbow are disputing the lead three from home. 1417: Heavy fall at the first for Classic Fly. Finian's Rainbow going very nicely. 1415: They're off in the John Smith's Maghull Novices' Steeplechase. E-mail from Jenny Hill & Margoe Hammon, Pembroke West Wales: "My cousin and I were delighted to see the clip of the 1911 winner Glenside reported on by Richard Pitman. Our grandfather Dick Beynon bred Glenside. He sold the horse to Sir Ivor Anthony. It was trained at Lawrenny Pembrokeshire along with national winners Kirkland and Music Hall. I am led to understand that they built a replica of the National course at Lawrenny where they trained the horses. We have pictures somewhere of Glenside who I believe only had one eye!

Thank you for making our day - we were fortunate enough to tape the recording for family members to see later." 1409: Huge boo from the Scousers at Aintree when the BBC's Dan Walker asks a selection of spectators whether anyone's booing Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend. Jockey Daryl Jacob (What A Friend): "I haven't spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson since the Gold Cup, but he was delighted after the Gold Cup when he came fourth and it's very good of him keeping me on the horse. He seems in really good form at the moment." Jockey Hadden Frost (Calgary Bay): "He's big, quite classy touch wood. He's a good jumper and hopefully he's the right sort." E-mail from James: "I've put a couple of pounds on Becauseicouldn'tsee for my girlfriend. She poked herself in the eye and is now wearing an eyepatch, It's fate." Oscar Time jockey Sam Waley-Cohen on BBC1: "Racing really is an amateur sport for me. One of the big things for me is when I go into a race like this is that I'm fit as can possibly be. This is such a dream race.

The horse has to have so much courage but there has to be a unity between man and beast. You could have Cheryl Cole streaking and you wouldn't even notice." From ConorBond: "Calgary Bay for the Grand National. Jockey's form has been patchy recently but I think we are in for a bit of surprise." That one's about 40-1 in places. Probably fair to say trainer Henrietta Kinght has also been "patchy" but both BBC Sport's Frank Keogh and Jennie Pitman like Calgary Bay too... RESULT - 1345 John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle 1. Spirit Son (Barry Geraghty) 3-1 2. Cue Card (Joe Tizzard) 5-2 Fav 3. Rock On Ruby (Daryl Jacob) 9-2 1351: Spirit Son wins the first race under Barry Geraghty for trainer Nicky Henderson. Geraghty will partner outsider Or Noir De Somoza in the big race while Brian Hughes, the jockey who fell, is walking away without ill effect. He's on Tidal Bay in the National.

1350: Drive Time is a a heavy faller three flights out... 1346: If you want to send a tweet I'll check anything with a #bbcgrandnational hashtag. Thanks! 1345: They're off in the John Smith's Mersey Novices' Hurdle. David from London: "My first Grand National winner was Highland Wedding in 1969. l was 14. My aunt's daughter was married the same day. I started watching the race when Jay Trump won 1965." 1342: With the runners for the first race (1345) on their way down to the start, a quick look at the betting market shows The Midnight Club is a clear favourite now, with Silver By Nature next best in the betting and Oscar Time third. McCoy's Don't Push It is being pushed down the market.

BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: " 'It was nice to be out there and not be scared' says dual National winner Carl Llewellyn after second in veterans charity race." 1337: Super exchange between BBC Sport's Rishi Persad and jockey Robert Thornton (West End Rocker's jockey). Rishi was under the impression that "Choc" Thornton had cut his long, flowing locks for charity. "No," says Choc. "It's 'cos I'm a Dad now and I've grown up, and besides my daughter doesn't know which one's mummy." 1327: Tony McCoy is on BBC1, sitting on his sofa chatting to Clare Balding. What a lovely house he has. The interview was, of course, pre-recorded and a very good one it is too. Meanwhile, have you been through Frank Keogh's runners and riders yet? Have you organised a sweepstake? Or have you already done all that and fancy reading Frank's excellent interview with Sam Waley-Cohen - the fantastic amateur jockey who rides the fancied Oscar Time today? Tony McCoy reflecting on last year's win: "It's quite sad in a way, because it's gone now.

It's unbelievable how happy people were, I'm not sure how happy I'd be for someone else. I didn't want to be someone who had ridden all them winners and not won the Grand National." 1318: If you don't mind, I'd love you lot to send me a tweet, a text or an e-mail to tell me who you're backing and your crazy thinking behind your selection. I'm backing a big outsider this year, Vic Venturi, though it's nothing to do with the fact that if you spell its name slightly differently on an internet search you get pointed to information about an exotic, er... actress. BBC1 betting expert Gary Wiltshire: "What a lovely day, the atmosphere is tremendous. The bookies lost a fortune last year, millions, let's hope it happens again this year. I've just spoken to all the heads of the bookmakers and they say all sorts of horses are being backed today. I've got a funny feeling What A Friend, Sir Alex Ferguson's horse, might start favourite. I think a lot of people might back him just before the off. Big Fella Thanks at 16-1 is a fair price, could go off at less.

When you have a bet make sure you ask your friendly bookie for a price!" 1310: If you're going to have a single bet all year, this is the one. So who have you gone for? After yesterday's emotional plunge on Tony McCoy to repeat last year's success on this year's top weight Don't Push It, plenty of realists have today put their cash on the earlier favourite, The Midnight Club, ridden by Ruby Walsh and the best of the Irish contingent. Meanwhile, the real "gamble" of the day is on Silver By Nature, as noted by Cornelius Lysaght below. He's bidding to be the first Scottish horse to win since Rubstic (1979) and the first grey to do it since 1961 (Nicolaus Silver). BBC Sport's Frank Keogh at Aintree: "As a sell-out crowd of racegoers basked in sunshine on a glorious Grand National day at Aintree I walked to the winning line, and spied the grave of the great triple winner Red Rum.

That iconic fence, The Chair, could be seen in the background and the memories of this great sporting day flooded back as Bob Champion, back in the Aldaniti colours, recalled that famous day when he won 30 years ago after beating cancer. I thought of my late father who wrote a song The Taaffe Boys of Rathcoole centred on jockey Pat Taaffe's 1955 National win on Quare Times which gave legendary Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien a third straight victory with three different horses, and I welled up a bit, I have to admit. So many memories, so many stories.

Whose tear-jerking tale will be told after the 30 fences and four-and-a-half miles are negotiated this afternoon?" BBC Sport racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght on Twitter: "William Hill predicting heavily backed Silver By Nature may displace Don't Push It as favourite." 1300: As we coincide our text coverage with live TV on BBC1 and streamed video across this website within the UK, I can still recall the seven-year-old me living every leap as Charlie Fenwick guided Ben Nevis to the finish line ahead of the only other three finishers in the 1980 mudbath of a race. It was not so easy to replicate that success: it took me 22 years to find another winner (Bindaree). 1255: You always remember the first time. First day at school, first kiss, first pint. How fond are your memories of your first Grand National winner?

Bookmark with: Grand National winning jockey Jason Maguire retires Grand National winning jockey Jason Maguire retires Winner in 2011 with Ballabriggs had been out since Musselburgh fall in February 2015 Thu, May 5, 2016, 12:39 Jason Maguire, who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs, has retired. Photograph: Getty Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire has announced his retirement from the saddle. The news does not come as a surprise as he has not ridden competitively since February 2015 after a fall at Musselburgh. He underwent surgery in April that year for slipped discs in his back and while he has been riding out for the likes of Kim Bailey and Tom George , he was often left with a pain in his leg. Having ridden as first-choice jockey for Paul and Clare Rooney , during his time off he has been acting as their racing manager. Confirming his retirement Maguire’s agent Chris Broad said: “It’s disappointing, but the news has been expected, to be honest.

“He was a top, top top-class rider, it wasn’t long ago that he split AP McCoy and Richard Johnson in the championship — that’s how good he was.” Maguire won the 2011 Grand National on the Donald McCain-trained Ballabriggs and enjoyed Cheltenham Festival successes on Galileo (2002), Peddlers Cross (2010), Cinders And Ashes (2012) and Son Of Flicka (2012). Broad went on: “He’s had some memorable days, no one can ever take a Grand National win away from him and he’s enjoyed good days at Cheltenham, too. “He’s been a very good man to work with, he lives locally to me and we get on well but unfortunately his body is no longer responding how he wants. “There is a life after racing and luckily for him he has already got his lined up with the Rooney job. “Obviously he’ll still miss it, and it is very different being forced to retire rather than retiring on your own terms. It’s much harder to cope in this situation when the decision is made for you.

“He was very stylish and very strong, but there comes a time when it has to end.” ADVERTISEMENT Prior to the Musselburgh fall Maguire also suffered serious injuries on the eve of the Cheltenham Festival at Stratford in March 2014 when he lost part of his liver. “I went to hospital to see him after the Stratford fall,” said Broad. “After seeing the state he was in there anything was a bonus after that and while it’s disappointing for him it’s ended at least he’s in one piece, if not quite 100 per cent. “He’s been one of the best.” Jason Maguire: Grand National-winning jockey retires aged 36 - BBC Sport Jason Maguire: Grand National-winning jockey retires aged 36 5 May From the section Horse Racing Share this page Read more about sharing. Jason Maguire (right) rode regularly for Donald McCain, who trained Ballabriggs Jockey Jason Maguire, who won the Grand National on Ballabriggs in 2011, is to retire aged 36 after serious injuries. The Irishman has not ridden competitively since February 2015 after a fall at Musselburgh.

Maguire suffered a serious injury a year earlier which left him in an induced coma. Agent Chris Broad said: "He was a top-class rider - it wasn't long ago that he split AP McCoy and Richard Johnson in the championship." He was seriously injured in a fall at Stratford on the eve of the 2014 Cheltenham Festival, suffering internal bleeding, a fractured sternum and having part of his liver removed while in an induced coma. Maguire underwent surgery last April for slipped discs in his back and while he has been riding for the likes of Kim Bailey and Tom George, he was often left with a pain in his leg. Having ridden as first-choice jockey for owners Paul and Clare Rooney, during his time off he has been acting as their racing manager. Confirming his client's retirement, Broad said: "It's disappointing, but the news has been expected, to be honest." The retired 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy paid tribute. "For the last six months he was riding in unbelievable pain, he was having to travel to the races lying down in the back of cars it was hurting so much," he said.

"He was an unbelievably tough competitor and, if anything, he was getting better with age." Analysis - BBC horse racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght "To know the quality of Jason Maguire, nephew of ex-jump jockey Adrian, you just have to know he was rated an outstanding rider in an outstanding period - the era of AP McCoy, Richard Johnson, Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty. "If there was one skill that shone above the others it was his strength in a finish; his mounts were always hard to pass. "Though their association ended unhappily, the link with trainer Donald McCain was particularly prolific and included a memorable success on Ballabriggs to put the McCain family (of Red Rum fame) back in the Aintree spotlight." Share this page Ballabriggs wins fifth Grand National at Aintree for McCain family | Sport | The Guardian Close This article is 5 years old Ballabriggs at 14-1 gave the new generation of the McCain family victory in a race which will always be associated with their name when grinding out success in a bruising renewal of the John Smith's Grand National .

Donald McCain, whose father trained Red Rum to win the race three times, successes which helped elevate the contest into a national institution, enjoyed his first victory in the world's most famous jumps race since taking over the licence from his father in 2006. But the race came not without its share of unwanted controversy, with two horses killed and the winning horse heading straight back to the racecourse stables after the race after showing signs of dehydration after the winning post. Instead it was left to jockey Jason Maguire to take the cheers of the sell-out crowd as he walked back to the winner's enclosure with Ballabriggs left to enjoy being splashed in buckets of cold water, which were thankfully in ready supply given the unseasonal high temperatures at the track. Having taken up the lead at halfway, Maguire's mount relished the challenge of the fences and produced some impressive jumps in front after one memorable bad blunder at Valentine's Brook. Going to the second-last fence, there were still five runners in with a clear chance, Niche Market doing his best to get past the leader but under maximum pressure.

It was only after the final fence that Irish National runner-up Oscar Time (14-1) emerged as the greatest danger to the winner and the pair set down to battle it out up the run-in. For one brief moment at the Elbow when Sam Waley-Cohen switched Oscar Time out to challenge, it looked as if he might reel in the leader, but Ballabriggs found more and scored by 2¼ lengths. Don't Push It (9-1) tried gallantly to become the first horse since Red Rum himself to win the race twice and kept on bravely under Tony McCoy for third place, while State of Play (28-1) came from a long way back to finish fourth and make the frame in the race for the fourth consecutive years. A total of 19 horses completed the course. Favourite The Midnight Club finished sixth. Maguire rode the race with his right hand heavily bandaged after a heavy fall on the opening day of the meeting. "This is crazy," said the jockey. "I've got to thank Donald, Mr Hemmings, my mother and father, everybody. It's a dream come true.

I tried to get in the first 10 early on so that if he did make a mistake we hadn't as much ground to make up. He loved it and was jumping from fence to fence. He was attacking every one. "I got him to the front to get him relaxed and put breathers into him and that helped him get the trip. There was a question mark about him getting the trip, but Donald has done a great job. I don't know what I feel. I'm just overwhelmed." McCain, for whom Maguire rides as stable jockey, added: "We've always thought this might be an Aintree horse and you only need to see the way he's taken to this place today. Good horses are easy to train. Everything has gone smoothly all year and he had a nice prep at Kelso last time. "He's just an absolute pleasure to deal with, I know he's won a Grand National , but he is. I've been involved in Grand Nationals all my life and you come here and you realise what this place is all about. It's hot out there and he had been up there all the way. He gives his everything, he doesn't hold anything back.

He is coming round fine now thankfully, he was just tired." Ballabriggs wins Grand National - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Ballabriggs wins Grand National Updated April 10, 2011 12:29:00 Map: England Ballabriggs, trained by Donald McCain and ridden by Jason Maguire, won the Grand National, the 14-1 chance beating Oscar Time, partnered by amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen. Don't Push It, last year's winner, put up a valiant defence of his crown in third under Tony McCoy with State Of Play coming from the clouds to grab fourth. McCain was cementing his family's links with the world's most famous steeplechase, his father Ginger having sent out Red Rum to memorably win three Grand Nationals in the 1970s. Ginger, who also sent out 2004 winner Amberleigh House, said mischievously of his son: "If ever I meet his father I'll congratulate him on giving him the brains!" McCain junior said: "It's fantastic, it's easy training very good horses, he's an absolute pleasure.

"He's been there all the way and he doesn't keep anything back." McCain added that he and Ballabriggs' owner, Trevor Hemmings, had owed Maguire a National, as the jockey had stayed faithful to the stable rather than taking up the option of riding Silver Birch, the winner in 2007. Maguire, his right hand strapped up after dislocating his thumb in a fall on Friday, said: "This is crazy, it's a dream come true, I haven't really a clue what I'm feeling, I'm overwhelmed." For Hemmings, National lightning was striking twice as he had already savoured glory in the Aintree showpiece with Hedgehunter in 2005. He said: "It's happened to me once before with Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. "It's nice to be part of it again. I was stunned last time and rightfully so as no-one has a right to that trophy." In all, 19 of the 40 runners who had set out in the sunshine completed the race, with those who failed to cross the line including Sir Alex Ferguson's Gold Cup fourth What A Friend, who was pulled up when beaten late on the second circuit.

The 2011 National sadly claimed the lives of two runners, Dooneys Gate and Ornais which meant the surviving runners only jumped 28 of the scheduled 30 fences as the two fences where they fell were cordoned off on the second circuit. -AFP First posted April 10, 2011 08:16:00 Top Stories

Question: Ballabriggs won the 2011 Grand National. Who was his jockey?
Answer: JASON MAGUIRE