Willie Mullins is a remarkable trainer. He topped multiple previous achievements when saddling 1-2-3 in the Grand National on Saturday at Aintree, with the winner Nick Rockett, ridden by his son, Patrick.
Timeform are of the opinion that it was a particularly classy renewal – awarding monster ratings to the winner, runner up I am Maximus (who was bidding to double up with a heavier weight after last year’s victory) and third placed, Grangeclare West. 13/2 fave, Iroko made headway to round out the first four placings.
The Dubai World Cup was won by Brad Cox trained, Hit Show, a 66/1 longshot. It seemed as if Frankie Dettori had judged things adeptly on handily ridden, Mixto, but Florent Gereaux timed his finishing dart even better on the US invader to win going away by half a length. Forever Young, odds on at 4/9 could only clock in third on a day when several hot-pot faves were capsized.
There were exciting finishes in other big races at Meydan. Hong Kong hero, Romantic Warrior, at 4/10 odds on, was beaten a lip by Soul Rush in the G1 Turf. Heavily favoured, Calandagan stormed home but too late to get to 14/1 chance, Danon Decile in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. And William Buick timed his move just right on Believing to inhale 50/1 spook, Win Carnelian, who had made a bold dash for glory in the G1 Al Quoz sprint.
It was great to watch world- class racing and, of course, it is now so easy to bet on it as well, either through Interbet’s fixed odds wagers or the Tote. Contemporary horse players have unprecedented opportunities that the older generation did not have access to when confined to their home circuit.
International betting does provide a range of tempting opportunities for those willing to put in the research and bet selectively, but punters should not get carried away and dabble indiscriminately on horses they know nothing about. It can be tricky to achieve that balance when faced with wide and tempting betting menus around the globe.