NEED OF A

Paul Jacobs calls on Aintree to keep fences in proper shape for the big race

- PAUL JACOBS

With the Cheltenham Festival behind us - and, by the way, I have already kick-started the 2026 ante-post book (details in the May edition) - all eyes turn to Aintree and the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase.

As pundits and punters, we all have to keep our eye on the ball though as different factors change in the sport, both on the Flat and over the jumps, and none more so than this British sporting institution.

Problem is the Grand National simply hasn't been the race of old and it is now arguably just another long distance chase with the differential being it is held in front of a massive audience, both live and on track, at a unique course.

For me though, average to bad jumpers can get away with murder here - totally illustrated by last year's winner I Am Maximus. An average jumper at best, he was well served by the spruce being knocked off on the opening circuit which meant the race became a challenge of just seeing out the trip and a competition about which horse had the best motor, which, at the weights, the Willie Mullins charge had - and by some way.

I wish they would find a way of packing more tightly or entwining the spruce so it wasn't dislodged so badly on the first circuit but it will not be any different this year so, once again, jumping will not be of paramount importance. Jumping, bravery, stamina but safe - it simply isn't the race it used to be.

An 8lb penalty for his easy success last year is fair for I Am Maximus and there was plenty to like about his run behind Galopin Des Champs in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last time out where he finished some 10 lengths behind Inothewayurthinkin with Minella Cocooner a further 17 lengths away in ninth.

The last named duo will be 9lb and 3lb better off respectively at Liverpool. Nick Rockett had every right to win the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, Intense Raffles and Capadanno were back in third and fourth.