past winners

grand national 2010 /

Smith Savaged by Mouse that Roared
17/02/10

Framing the weights for the John Smith's Grand National is a tough task at the best of times and BHA Senior jumps handicapper Phil Smith almost certainly knows he can't please all the people all the time, writes Elliot Slater.

War Of Attrition is set to carry 11st 1lb
© racing-images.co.uk

At the publication of the weights on February 17 at a posh ceremony in central London, most trainers seemed to accept their allocation with anything from a rueful smile, a shrug of the shoulders, or a knowing nod of approval. Irish trainer Mouse Morris however appeared ill at ease with the weight allocated to his 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition, set to carry 11st 1lb under Smith's calculations.

Morris' charge has been one of the most in form Grand National Race Horses over hurdles of late and looked a lively outsider for the world's greatest steeplechase in one of the classiest fields for years. On seeing the mark given to his horse however, Mouse roared that there was no way he was going to accept that burden and that War Of Attrition would definitely not run.

It is hard not to feel a little sympathy for Morris who had been targeting the Grand National as War Of Attrition's last racecourse appearance before a very well earned retirement. Mouse's gripe is that his horse has been given 6lbs more than he would receive in a normal handicap over regulation fences.

Normally a horse would only receive a higher mark at Aintree if he has already shown a particular liking for the unique spruce fences (like Mon Mome) and run much better (relative to the opposition) than he would on a normal park course.

As War Of Attrition has never jumped an Aintree fence before, it is hard not to agree with his trainer's complaint. Now, the eleven-year-old's final intended racecourse appearances will most likely be in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, followed by a last farewell in the Guinness Gold Cup at the Punchestown Festival in April.

Finally, there are plenty of horses to place a Free Bet Grand National wise, so keep an eye out for the latest tips and analysis.