Clouds fails to reign

Runners and riders during the Grand National Chase

One year, his horse Many Clouds wins the Grand National, while in Saturday’s renewal the horse came last of the 16 finishers.

Undaunted, however,  Many Clouds will be back at Aintree next year to try  again.

For much of this year’s race a remarkable double looked very much on the cards – top-weight Many Clouds was vying for the lead and going well until a blunder at the 26th fence halted his momentum.

A breathing problem is now on the cards for the horse, a wind infirmity coming to light after the mistake.

Jockey Leighton Aspell looked after the horse when his chance had finally gone and the horse walked over the finishing-line.

Many Clouds was perky the morning after the National. enjoying a roll in the mud at trainer Oliver Sherwood’s Lambourn yard.

Sherwood said: “That’s him for the season but we’ll be back here next year.”

A peak live audience of 10million watched the race on tv, giving Channel 4 one of the highest viewing figures in its history.