The April 8th 2017 Grand National was as highly anticipated as ever. With prize money of a staggering £1 million+ and elevated TV audience numbers due to the event being shown on ITV for the very first time, the occasion was bound to be something to remember. With such keen focus on the event it was no surprise to see a total of 100 entries received by February that year. This was eventually whittled down by the scratching deadlines and five day confirmation process. 39 horses evenually ran, with the favourite going into the race being Blaklion at A relatively short 8-1.
After two false starts we were underway with 50-1 shot Roi Des Francs impressing over the first circuit. Second favourite Definitely Red pulled up, no doubt much to the approval of backers of the favourite. Fortunes changes come the second curcuit, as the aforementioned outsider was hampered by a loose horse. As it neared the end of the race with a few hurdles remaining Blaklion started to make a convincing case for himself, though Rogue Angel was putting up a sterling effort too.
Blaklion had likely gone too early though, and with two hurdles to clear One for Arthur, who had been making steady progress challenged for the lead, bringing Cause of Causes and Gas Line Boy with him. The group were neck and neck, but One For Arthur had too much for his rivals and stretched out into a 4 length lead as he reached the finish line. He came in at odds of 14-1, bringing in prize money of well over half a million pounds, of which jockey Derek Fox will be more than happy to take a slice. Blaklion could only manage fourth place, but even this resulted in prize money of £50,000+.
Fox had broken his wrist in a fall the month previous, so this was certainly a stark change of forunes for him. He described he win as “an unbelievable feeling”.
| Place | Horse | Jockey | SP | Prize money | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One For Arthur | Derek Fox | 14/1 | £561,300 | |
| 2 | Cause of Causes | Mr Jamie Codd | 16/1 | £211,100 | |
| 3 | Saint Are | Davy Russell | 25/1 | £105,500 | |
| 4 | Blaklion | Noel Fehily | 8/1 F | £52,700 |
Like the previous year’s race, the 2016 Grand National had a £1 million prize fund. This season, fewer horses entered with a decrease from 40 to 39 in total. Besides fielding a historically low total number of eligible racers, punters excitement at watching the event over 4 miles 514 yards was at fever pitch.