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A very good morning to you all! This week was yet another exciting one. Just as the Dubai World Cup came to a close the Grand National took over.
As one of England's most prestigious horse racing events and considered the world's most prestigious steeplechase, it is a unique test of horsemanship for the jockey and test of great importance for the horse.
Currently restricted to horses of six years old and over, contestants run two circuits each with 16 fences, totaling 30 overall. The race finishes with a 450-yard sprint along a straight stretch, often the downfall for many a jockey and mounts.
Some of the fences have acquired legendary status for their difficulty, such as the famous Becker's Brook. The fence is jumped twice, first as number 16 and then again as number 26. Named after Colonel Becker, who fell from his mount during what is documented as the first Grand National race in 1839. It is said that Becker sheltered in the small brook on the landing side of the fence, while the remainder of his fellow riders raced over.
Another famous fence is The Chair and is jumped only once during the race. Standing at a height of five feet two inches it is the largest of all fences with a six foot wide open ditch in front of it.
The event has, like all races, seen records broken and new ones set. And this year was no exception. The winner, Mon Mome raced to victory with jockey Liam Treadwell (for whom it was his first ride in the event). Mon Mome was trained by Vanessa Williams, herself a famous steeplechase jockey who has ridden Aintree 13 times. In 1988 she unfortunately fell from her mount at Bercher's Brook and was knocked unconscious. From here she focused on training and with this week's win at Aintree she now sits alongside the famous Jenny Pitman as the second woman ever to train a winner.
So as the world watched while jockeys and mounts raced to the finish line of Grand National, I spent Saturday watching our very own jockeys race over cross country fences. As the sun began to set and the temperature dropped slightly, riders from a variety of stables gathered in Saar for a fun cross country event organised by Al Jabrel stable.
The course, consisting of 16 natural fences saw some fabulous and extremely fast riding (so fast I did at time miss a few photos). It was certainly an event that had everyone cheering and shouting, from the spectators to fellow competitors.
Just before signing off for this week, Ian Wright is in Bahrain for a flying visit from April 20 to 29 . If you haven't already booked lessons and would like some, you had better do it ASAP as many slots have already gone. Contact Helen Blake on 39087724.
