The grand shame of the Grand National protestors

When jockey Derek Fox came over from Ireland to join the Scottish stable run by Lucinda Russell and her partner, Peter Scudamore, the long-time champion rider, he was teaching himself to read via texts on his phone. Now he discusses books with Scu. Cleverness comes in different shapes and it was a supremely intelligent ride Fox gave Corach Rambler to win this year’s Grand National, just as he did winning two Ultima Chases at Cheltenham on the same horse.

The same close-knit team won the National six years before with One For Arthur but this time Fox’s participation was in doubt until just hours before the race when, after completing a series of press-ups, he finally declared himself recovered from a shoulder injury. He had given up a cherished ride on the other stable favourite Ahoy Senor to Brian Hughes earlier in the week to make sure he made it for the big race. You couldn’t have a better example of mutual trust between trainer and jockey. When the injury occurred, Lucinda revealed that: ‘Scu and I went to Corach’s box and said to him “Derek’s had a fall”. Can you believe that, we’re supposed to be professionals! He looked really worried! He said, “I know Brian Hughes is a champion jockey but I just want Derek!” That’s how mad we are anyways!’ That’s a kind of madness I relish.

This column should have been a joyful celebration of such madness. I would like to have dwelt on Gordon Elliott’s shrewdness in realising they were pushing things too fast with novice hurdler Irish Point and backing off a Cheltenham preparation so that he came to Aintree cherry ripe to give Davy Russell his last winner before his second retirement.