THIRTY years ago I can remember very well where I was on Grand National day. It was my first year to miss being at Aintree for some time, and I have been at almost every National since.

At about 3.36pm I was shouting the house down as I cheered Rhyme ‘N’ Reason to victory in the Seagram-sponsored race, which carried a first prize of £68,740 – compared with the £500,000 pot on offer for the winner today. Why the shouting and screaming which upset my then eight-week-old son Tim?

Well, Rhyme ‘N’ Reason was ridden to victory that day by my younger brother Brendan, the racing highpoint of a career that saw him ride almost until the age of 40. Injury prevented him from reaching that particular landmark. The three horses chasing the winner home were Durham Edition (Chris Grant), Billy Harney’s Monamore (Tom Taaffe) and West Tip (Richard Dunwoody).

Forty runners lined up on the day but only nine got around without incident. So many familiar names rode in the race, though only six of the runners were trained in Ireland. Mouse Morris sent out two, Attitude Adjuster (Niall Madden) finishing fifth and Lastofthebrownies (Tommy Carmody) coming to grief three out when he had every chance. Jim Dreaper’s Hard Case (Ken Morgan) fell at the 19th, Edward Mitchell’s Seeandem (Pat Leech) refused at the 27th, while Francis Flood’s Lucisis (Mr John Queally) was brought down at the sixth.

We have three women riders in today’s race and 30 years ago we had two. Gee Armytage was on Gee-A and the combination pulled up before the 26th, while Grand National winning trainer Venetia Williams fell at the sixth from Marcolo.

Winning the Grand National brings with it a status that is hard to equal, even people outside racing remembering the winners. The race provides unforgettable moments, even for those who simply took part. Thirty years on the memories of that day are forever etched in my mind. I wish all today’s participants the best and a safe trip. Savour every moment.