The 2018 Grand National (officially known as the Randox Health 2018 Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 171st annual running of the Grand Nationalhorse race at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. The showpiece steeplechase was the pinnacle of a three-day festival which commenced on 12 April 2018.[1] The event was sponsored by Randox Health for the second time.[2]
The race was won by 1010 10/1 shot Tiger Roll, ridden by Davy Russell, in a photo finish from Pleasant Company. All 38 runners returned to the stables, although Saint Are required veterinary attention on the course and Charlie Deutsch, riding Houblon Des Obeaux, was treated on the track after a fall leading to Becher's Brook being bypassed on the second circuit.[3][4]
Race card
From an initial 105 entries, the final field of 40 runners was declared on 13 April, after Minella Rocco, Vicente and Beeves were all withdrawn from the race and replaced by Thunder And Roses, Delusionofgrandeur and Walk In The Mill.[5] Two contenders, Regal Encore and Walk In The Mill a day after securing its position in the race, were withdrawn on the morning of the race, leaving 38 starters,[6] the smallest field since 1999.
2018 also marked the first National for 30 years to feature three female jockeys in the line-up.[7] 2012 third-placed jockey Katie Walsh paired Baie Des Iles for her sixth ride in the race, whilst Rachael Blackmore and Bryony Frost were both handed their first National rides on Alpha Des Obeaux and Milansbar respectively.
The first fence claimed Perfect Candidate who in turn brought down one of the favourites, Blaklion. I Just Know led the field until falling at Becher's Brook, which also saw Houblon Des Obleaux and Virgilio out of the race. Houblon Des Obeaux's jockey Charlie Deutsch was treated for injuries at the scene, resulting in Becher's being bypassed on the second circuit. Captain Redbeard unseated its rider at the Foinavon fence as Ucello Conti led the field from Double Ross, with The Dutchman, Milansbar and Pleasant Company also prominent. The Canal Turn saw the end of Lord Windermere, Buywise and Final Nudge. Chase The Spud pulled up before The Chair, which claimed Alpha Des Obeaux and Saint Are.[8]
Delusionsofgrandeur and Maggio were pulled up at the beginning of the second circuit, and The Dutchman unseated its rider at Foinavon as Pleasant Company took over the lead. Ucello Conti lost its rider three fences from home, while Seeyouatmidnight challenged Pleasant Company for the lead. Tiger Roll made its move and hit the lead on the 29th fence. On the run-in, Pleasant Company fought back and almost caught Tiger Roll, losing by a head.[9]
There were no fatalities, although Saint Are was treated by veterinarians after being brought down at The Chair. A few days later, Saint Are's retirement from racing was announced.[10] Jockey Charlie Deutsch was kicked in the back by a horse following his fall at Becher's Brook,[11] but recovered and rode a winner at Plumpton the following day.[12]
Finishing order
Twelve runners completed the course as follows:[13]
Tiger Roll is over in front, and is trying now to stream away. Pleasant Company in second, Bless The Wings and Anibale Fly in an Irish clean sweep. And it's Tiger Roll who is in full cry, leading by 5 lengths towards the Elbow Plesant Company in second, Bless The Wings and Anibale Fly. Towards the final two hundred yards, the diminutive Tiger Roll senses a place in history, Pleasant Company in second, Bless The Wings and Anibale Fly. They're finishing well strung out, but it's Tiger Roll for Gordon Elliott and is the long wait for a National winner about to end for Davy Russell? Pleasent Company's coming back, Tiger Roll hanging on, Just may have lasted.
ITV lead commentator Richard Hoiles describes the climax of the race.
The coverage was co-anchored by Ed Chamberlin and Francesca Cumani. Analysis was provided by former Grand National winning jockeys Sir Anthony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Ruby Walsh, the latter having been ruled out the Aintree meeting through injury. Reports were provided by Oli Bell, Alice Plunkett and Luke Harvey with updates from the betting ring by Matt Chapman and Brian Gleeson. The commentary team was Mark Johnson, Ian Bartlett and Richard Hoiles.[15]
