The 2006 John Smiths Grand National was
billed as a clash of the titans, with Tony McCoy going up against
Ruby Walsh for the prestigious steeplechase crown, but it was a
lesser known jockey by the name of Niall “Slippers” Madden who
steered Numbersixvalverde to an impressive 6 length victory ahead of
the Irish pair. Bedecked in the green, black and white colours of his
owner, Trevor Hemmings, he strode across the line with his fist held
in the air in triumph.
The race had not had the most
auspicious beginning as Ross Com poked his nose over the tape causing
a false start in the process. However, the field regrouped and they
were soon on their way, with Andrew Tinkler on Shotgun Willy making
the early running with Ballycassidy ridden by Leighton Aspell for
company.
Breakaway
Approaching the halfway stage, Puntal
had joined the party ridden by former National winning jockey, Barry
Geraghty. He and the Peter Bowen trained Ballycassidy surged to a 4
length lead two thirds the way round the Aintree course.
By the 20th fence, only 4 runners had
fallen and the much backed joint favourite and reigning champion
Hedgehunter joined the leaders along with Irish compatriot
Numbersixvalverde. The field became strung out and with just 6
fences to go, it had turned into a three horse race with Niall
Madden’s ride seemingly out of it in 4th.
Tight Finish
Could Hedgehunter become the first
horse to win back to back Aintree Nationals since Red Rum? Sadly, no.
The chance faded away as Numbersixvalverde defied the odds to surge
back into contention and strike the front going into the elbow after
clearing the last at a pace. He kicked on and stretched out to an
eventual 6 length victory.
The winner had outfought, outraced and
outrun the field to claim the £399,140 in prize money and add to the
already proud record of the Irish in the Aintree prize steeplechase.
Bernard Carroll couldn’t wipe the smile of his face as his man had
triumphed over the two big favourites ridden by Tony McCoy and Ruby
Walsh.
It had been a race worthy of the
occasion and one that Niall Madden would never forget.
