IT’S still a special race, the Randox Grand National. Still iconic. They may have filled in the brooks and softened the bellies and reduced the field size and engineered run-offs for the loose horses.

It may be more akin to a ‘normal’ handicap chase now than it used to be, and it may not be even as arduous a jumping test as Fairyhouse is, or as Ayr is, or as Chepstow is. But it’s still a unique race. It’s the Grand National.