Grand National at Aintree: the five sub plots surrounding it
As one of the biggest events in the horse racing calendar gets set we look at some of the stories around the main show.
Stunning outfits catch the eye on SI red carpet
Can Clouds strike again?
History suggests there's more chance of finding Shergar alive in a field in Connemara than there is of Many Clouds winning back-to-back Nationals. Red Rum was the last to do it back in 1974, but he was Red Rum, a National legend, who went on to finish second twice before claiming his historic third win in 1977. But that said, Many Clouds looks bullet proof and has peaked at just the right time.
Foto: Jon Super
Out of retirement, into the record books?
Disenchanted with his day job, Leighton Aspell retired in 2007. Two years later he was back riding. On Saturday, he has a shot at rewriting the record books as the first jockey to win the National three years on the trot after Pineau De Re (2014) and Many
Bookies braced
Once a year punters and betting shop regulars have their betting slips poised to plunge on Many Clouds with British bookies fearing 'Black Saturday' a fortnight after the hammering they took at the Cheltenham Festival. Reports suggest bookies lost up to £
Foto: Andrew Yates / REUTERS
Master Mullins closing on Nicholls
The last time an overseas trainer won the British jump trainer title Marilyn Monroe was married to Joe DiMaggio, Rock Around The Clock made an appearance at Number 1, Roger Bannister ran his sub four minute mile and Switzerland held the world Cup. The yea
