My cousin Peter’s horse Big Shu is running in the Grand National today, currently at 20/1. Our house is very excited but not as excited as I bet his house is.
Growing up the Grand National was the only time Mum ever gambled. Uncle Frank, who owned Back Rath stud farm in Kildare, would give us the low down on which horses he thought would be a good bet. We would then be given a whole £1 to put on our own horse.often chosen for the prettiest name as opposed to current form.  I remember the excitement leading up to the start, listening to the commentary on the radio if we were in the car or watching on tv the horses being led around the arena. We would check the subtitles to see which horse we had bet on, commenting on each others chances. I would stare at the jockeys in their brightly coloured liveries humming with energy, waiting to line up and for the most important minutes of their lives to commence. Then,  all neatly organised in their boxes, and suddenly they were off and the chaos ensued. The thrum of the hooves and gasps as the almost impossibly high jumps were attempted and cries as horse after horse tumbled in a mass of tangled legs.  I would try to keep an eye on my horse, feeling the excitement build as lap after lap jump after jump they approached the finish.
I have watched the race at home, with friends, with relatives. In  hospital when Jay was poorly the medical staff ran sweepstakes. At work Matt chose a horse out of a bag. There are so many different ways people choose their horse and participate in the race.  Looking back I am amazed at how much The Grand National has featured in my life. However this one is the most exciting so far. Good luck Peter. We will be betting on you and Big Shu.