Hello! Today saw the climax of the great racing festival at Aintree with the 167th running of the Grand National. I always find it hard to watch and yet so compelling, the race had two false starts, horses taking the wrong path but thankfully passed this time with no serious injuries to horses or jockeys. The race was won by Pineau De Re. Now we can all breathe a sigh of relief until next year! Here a my drawings:

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Fence 16

Aintree Grand National, the Start

Canal turn

Jump, Aintree

The first over Becher’s

Pineau de Re, leaves them behind

Hello! Today is Ladies Day of the great racing festival at Aintree. Grey skies broken from time to time but the real sunshine came from the bright clothes of the Liverpool ladies! Here a my drawings:

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Big hat, small clutch, Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Day

To the next jump!

To the start

Liver birds on Ladies’ Day

Melling Steeple Chase,

Close on the bend

Hello! Today is the first day of the great racing festival at Aintree in Liverpool. Grey skies and still conditions set a calm backdrop to exciting racing. I set up with five sketchbooks and tried to keep up! I followed the 2.30 and 3.05 races with Silviano Conti, Dynaste and the New One. All safely round which is the most important thing but brilliant horses showing their beauty in flight. Here a my drawings:

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Walking to the start

4 to jump

2.30 Aintree

Dynaste over

Silviano Conti vs Dynaste

Walking to the start, 3.05

Over the last!

Aintree this year as always a mix of triumph and tragedy. This year no exception. A great Grand National as always, but still arguably, the most gruelling race of all. Here are my drawings:

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Walking to the Start

Eight to jump – Aintree

1.45 Aintree – Over the jump

1.45 Aintree – Jamie Moore on Ubak

1.45 Aintree – Gallop

The Canal Turn the First Time