McCoy Conquers Grand National
On Saturday, 20 April 2010, the grand stands of Aintree Racecourse, located in the United Kingdom, filled up with spectators who came to view the running of the Grand National. The Grand National hunt race is as popular as it is controversial, and consists of thirty fences that are situated on a four mile track. Many horses are unable to complete this event due to it being extremely challenging, but on Saturday, jockey Tony McCoy and Don’t Push It added their names to the distinguished list of champions.
The inauguration date of the Grand National is a debatable subject, with historians not being able to agree on when the first race took place. But one thing has not changed since the establishment of the race and that is the fact that most hunt racing jockeys strive to gain the victory at this event. For jockey Tony McCoy it has been a fifteen year wait. It was a triumph filled with tears of joy and great celebrations, as this legendary jockey enjoyed his moment of glory.
Don’t Push It is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by JP McManus. It was a very fast paced race, which saw only four horses remain in contention for the victory by the time the field had reached the 25th jump of the Grand National. Black Apalachi, Don’t Push It, Hello Bud and Big Fella Thanks all still looked strong five fences from the finish line. But as the race drew to a close the race began to take its toll on Big Fella Thanks and Hello Bud, leaving Black Apalachi and Don’t Push It to battle it out for first place. Don’t Push It was able to make a stronger bid for the victory, creating great excitement and elation in the Don’t Push It camp. McCoy commented after the race: “He’s always had a few mental problems which makes two of us, that’s probably why we get on so well. I had a choice of two horses today and the trainer put me on the right one, he steered me towards Don’t Push It. But I’m delighted for JP McManus because he is the best supporter this game has ever had and ever will have. I am very, very privileged that I rode a Grand National winner in these colors.”
