Numbersixvalverde Upsets Favorites to Win
Numbersixvalverde, an 11-1 shot ridden by Niall Madden, upset joint favorites Hedgehunter and Clan Royal to win the 159th Grand National horse race, the U.K.'s biggest betting event.

Numbersixvalverde
When Numbersixvalverde won the Irish Grand National last season he ensured his place in history, not only as winner of that famous race, but also as the horse that gave Ruby Walsh the distinction of being the only jockey to capture the Fairyhouse contest in the same season as the John Smith’s Grand National and Coral Welsh National.

John Smith's Grand National Declared Runners 06/04/06
A full field of 40 and four reserves go forward for the big race on Saturday, the John Smith's Grand National after the final declaration stage.

Millions Express An Opinion On Grand National 07/04/06
British and Irish bookmakers reckon some £250,000,000 will be spent on John Smith’s Grand National day in betting shops, on exchanges and through the internet and telephone accounts.

Sir Rembrandt to Miss John Smith’s Grand National 06/04/06
Sir Rembrandt will miss the John Smith’s Grand National, his trainer Robert Alner announced on Thusday morning.

Ollie Magern, Ground Ball and Eurotrek out of Grand National 05/04/06
Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Ollie Magern goes for the Betfair Bowl instead. JP McManus' Ground Ball misses Grand National and goes instead for the Red Rum Chase. Paul Nichols representation in the John Smith's Grand National down to six after vet rules out Eurotrek.

Hedgehunter At Aintree On Wednesday 04/04/06
Hedgehunter, winner of last year’s John Smith’s Grand National, is scheduled to arrive at Aintree on Wednesday.

Cowell, Green and Rose aim to raise a million for the NSPCC 04/04/06
If Le Duc or Le Roi Miguel wins this Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree, it will trigger a million-pound pay day for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

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Ruby Walsh was the punters pal again as he gave the favourite Hedgehunter a masterful ride to make amends for last year's last-fence fall. He hunted up the leaders just off the pace throughout before taking it up with three to jump, and from then on was always in command. Carrie Ford, bidding to become the first woman to win the Grand National in its 166-year history, finished a gallant fifth on Forest Gunner.

Have a laugh and an interest in Saturday's Grand National by simply printing out the list of contenders and getting people signed up to play. This sweepstake kit for the big race at Aintree should be up and running early on Thursday afternoon, April 6th.