Posts by reboot

THE 2004 MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL
Class A, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund £600,000, Aintree, Saturday, April 3, 2004. Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course). latest betting>>

Racecard courtesy of BBC Sport

1 11F4-422 LE COUDRAY 10-11-12
Christy Roche IRE Conor O'Dwyer
Looks doubtful to stay the trip. Owned by racing tycoon JP McManus.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 40-1

2 3641-50 MONTY'S PASS 11-11-10
Jimmy Mangan IRE Barry Geraghty
Landed a £1m gamble by winning the 2003 race, but must shoulder a lot more weight this time.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 22-1

3 14P52/F-4 WHAT'S UP BOYS 10-11-09
Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson
Gallant grey finished runner-up to Bindaree in 2002 when tiring under big weight. Injury problems since.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 25-1

4 16U3/-660420 ALEXANDER BANQUET 11-11-08
Willie Mullins IRE Shay Barry
Disappointing run in Gold Cup does not generate confidence. Would need shock return to form to challenge.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 66-1

5 24/13-36 KINGSMARK 11-11-07
Martin Todhunter Mick Fitzgerald
Decent fourth in the 2002 National. Out of sorts this season, and needs soft ground.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 50-1

6 PU3/-1313 ARTIC JACK 8-11-07
Sue Smith Dominic Elswore

Outside chance on basis of early-season win at Haydock. Trained by Sue alt Smith, wife of former showjumper Harvey Smith.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 40-1

7 3-161F2 RISK ACCESSOR 9-11-04
Christy Roche IRE Seamus Durack
Has fallen three times in his career, so could find the daunting National fences tricky.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 33-1

8 404-35626 DAVIDS LAD 10-11-04Sirona
Tony Martin IRE Timmy Murphy
Controversially banned from 2003 race. Won Irish National in 2001, and late casualty in 2002 Aintree version.
Rating: 8/10. Odds: 14-1

9 06-F216 BINDAREE 10-11-4
Nigel Twiston-Davies Carl Llewellyn
Endured barren spell after landing the 2002 National until claiming the Welsh National in December 2003.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 11-1

10 4-2555P1 ALCAPONE 10-11-00
Mouse Morris Noel Fehily
Trainer believes the horse will love Aintree despite most of his runs being over half the distance of the National.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 66-1

11 P-1211415U PUNTAL 8-10-13
Martin Pipe Danny Howard
Difficult mount who does not look the pick of champion trainer's contingent.
Bad stat: No novice has won since 1958.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 25-1

12 000-431 SOUTHERN STAR 9-10-13
Henrietta Knight Joe Tizzard
Could only finish 14th at Aintree in 2003. Warwick win in January hinted at better.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 50-1

13 310-2431 HEDGEHUNTER 8-10-12
Willie Mullins IRE David Casey
Fourth in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and third in the Welsh Grand National. Deserves consideration.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 10-1

14 12-U11P042 SHARDAM 7-10-11
Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore
Trainer won race in 1998 and 2002. Shardam finished a good second in a Cheltenham race that has proved a pointer to the National.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 16-1

15 230-435601 TAKAGI 9-10-11
Edward O'Grady IRE Davy Russell
Capable on his day, he returned to winning ways in Ireland in February when wearing blinkers for the first time.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 33-1

16 5/1110-2 JOSS NAYLOR 9-10-11
Jonjo O'Neill Paul Carberry
Decent second in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. Thrives on soft ground.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 16-1

17 033-342 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE 12-10-10
Ginger McCain Graham Lee
Fine third in 2003. Ginger McCain trained Red Rum, and is confident again.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 16-1

18 P00U0-0P THE BUNNY BOILER 10-10-08Englishman
Noel Meade IRE Ross Geraghty
Horse's name inspired by film Fatal Attraction. Has won Irish and Midlands Nationals. Out-of-form recently.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 66-1

19 10/-22P2101P TYNEANDTHYNEAGAIN 9-10-08
Richard Guest Henry Oliver
Considered a National type by trainer, who won the race as a jockey on Red Marauder in 2001. Needs soft ground.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 40-1

20 6P3250 BRAMBLEHILL DUKE 12-10-00
Venetia Williams James Davies
Last-minute substitute for the withdrawn Red Striker. Fell at the second fence last year.
Rating: 4/10. Odds: 200-1

21 014-P1P1 GUNNER WELBURN 12-10-08
Andrew Balding Tony Dobbin
Fourth in 2003 National. Trained by brother of BBC racing presenter Clare Balding.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 25-1

22 15-36514 KELAMI 6-10-07
Francois Doumen FR Thierry Doumen
Respected French trainer has triumphed in the Gold Cup, but best National finish is ninth.
Bad stat: No six-year-old has won the race for 79 years.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 50-1

23 13-14521 JURANCON II 7-10-07
Martin Pipe Tony McCoy
Bags of stamina, may lack required pace. Trainer won race 10 years ago with Miinnehoma, owned by comic Freddie Starr.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 9-1

24 06-0601P ROYAL ATALZA 7-10-06
Conrad Allen Paul Moloney
Owner Terry Ramsden, a renowned gambler, has pledged to give the prize money to under-privileged children in Liverpool if he wins. The kids shouldn't celebrate just yet.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 40-1

25 3122035P1 JUST IN DEBT 8-10-05
Martin Todhunter Jim Culloty
Capable of running a decent race at good odds, although others have more obvious claims.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 50-1

26 PUP-35336 EXIT TO WAVE 8-10-05
Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh
Defeated 18 times since last victory back in March 2002.
Bad stat: Trainer's best National finish from 22 runners is fifth. Rating: 5/10. Odds: 50-1

27 51411-1 CLAN ROYAL 9-10-05 BALLISTIC
Jonjo O'Neill Liam Cooper
Owned by Irish tycoon JP McManus, Clan Royal has won twice over the big Aintree fences, and looks ready-made for the National.
Rating: 9/10. Odds: 10-1

28 6P02-FP AKARUS 9-10-04
Martin Pipe Rodi Greene
Has fallen and pulled up on only two starts this season. Might have an outside chance on soft ground.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 40-1

29 U0-U04225 SPOT THEDIFFERENCE 11-10-04
Enda Bolger IRE Richard McGrath
Ran well before falling late on two years ago. Not the likeliest winner.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 66-1

30 1/0P6-3P BOUNCE BACK 8-10-04
Martin Pipe Andrew Thornton
Won Atthraces Gold Cup at Sandown in 2002. Has not progressed as expected since then.
Rating: 7/10. Odds: 50-1

31 120-43440 ARDENT SCOUT 12-10-03
Sue Smith Warren Marston
Enjoys the National fences - with a win, third and fourth in the Becher Chase. Age is against him
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 50-1

32 12-P1112 BEAR ON BOARD 9-10-01
Alan King Robert Thornton
In a good run of form this season, although whether his short odds are justified is another matter.
Rating: 6/10. Odds: 12-1

33 11-1P LORD ATTERBURY 8-10-01
Martin Pipe Mark Bradburne
Leading point-to-pointer. Looked an interesting contender before a shoddy run at Cheltenham.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 40-1

34 312/2U6- MANTLES PRINCE 10-10-01
Martin Pipe Ollie McPhail
Would be an emotional, if unlikely winner, for ex-Liverpool footballer Emlyn Hughes, who is recovering from brain cancer.
Rating: 3/10. Odds: 200-1

35 6000-40R BLOWING WIND 10-10-01Reboot
Martin Pipe Jimmy McCarthy
Twice finished third in the National. A repeat is not on the cards.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 66-1

36 11-30U05 SKYCAB 10-10-00
Nick Gifford Leighton Aspell
Veteran chaser whose better days are behind him.
Rating: 3/10. Odds: 150-1

37 4F-5FPP030 WONDER WEASEL 11-10-00
Kim Bailey JP McNamara
Should stay the distance but may well be some way behind.
Rating: 4/10. Odds: 150-1

38 35PP/05-40 SMARTY 11-10-00
Mark Pitman Andrew Tinkler
Appears to have missed his chance when second in 2001. Trainer's mother Jenny won the race twice.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 100-1

39 F514BP LUZCADOU 11-10-00
Ferdy Murphy Brian Harding
Inconsistent but has got round in two previous National runs. Trainer's father responsible for Aldaniti's famous win.
Rating: 5/10. Odds: 200-1

40 F64S6P MONTREAL 7-10-00
Martin Pipe Joey Elliott
The last of champion trainer Martin Pipe's seven contenders. First ride in race for conditional jockey Elliott.
Rating: 4/10. Odds: 150-1

15

Oh To Be In England..

by Englishman in

jw
friends

'tis a beautiful time of year, folks.

i'm thinking of alan f and julie who visited us in december during a particularly wet and chilly winter.

anyway, here's the cultural bit:.

reboot

I've been in a t shirt for the past three days Ball...but I think that's my lot til next year

29

Is anyone going to Glastonbury?

by reboot in

jw
friends

.

decided on the spur of the moment to try and get some glastonbury tickets yesterday,as there were still 55, 000 left due to the system cock ups... had friends who stayed up til 5am trying on the friday night but none of us had any luck, mind you, with two teenagers and a child it's the equivilent of a small mortgage...did anyone here have any joy?

i've just had a phone call this morning to say i had sunday tickets , the ones you can get if you live in somerset...ive got a phone number if anyone want to try it... so; if anyone wants to meet up to have a shamanistic dance or two, share moment in the tipi field or help me negociate the toilet block..... i'll be around...

reboot

Thats nearly as good Ball.......

im going to go for Blowing wind....he was 2nd last year...i'll keep an eye out for yours in the race .....mine usually fall and kill the jockey at the first fence mind you. so that's not a tip...

15

Oh To Be In England..

by Englishman in

jw
friends

'tis a beautiful time of year, folks.

i'm thinking of alan f and julie who visited us in december during a particularly wet and chilly winter.

anyway, here's the cultural bit:.

reboot

Yesterday I would have agreed with you Mike... but i'm supposed to be laying my new lawn today and the sun's just disappeared and it's now pouring aaaaagggghhhhhhh

Actually the sun's back and the rain's stopped lol

Beautiful yes, but infuriating.

29

Is anyone going to Glastonbury?

by reboot in

jw
friends

.

decided on the spur of the moment to try and get some glastonbury tickets yesterday,as there were still 55, 000 left due to the system cock ups... had friends who stayed up til 5am trying on the friday night but none of us had any luck, mind you, with two teenagers and a child it's the equivilent of a small mortgage...did anyone here have any joy?

i've just had a phone call this morning to say i had sunday tickets , the ones you can get if you live in somerset...ive got a phone number if anyone want to try it... so; if anyone wants to meet up to have a shamanistic dance or two, share moment in the tipi field or help me negociate the toilet block..... i'll be around...

reboot

Decided on the spur of the moment to try and get some Glastonbury tickets yesterday,as there were still 55, 000 left due to the system cock ups... had friends who stayed up til 5am trying on the friday night but none of us had any luck, mind you, with two teenagers and a child it's the equivilent of a small mortgage...Did anyone here have any joy? I've just had a phone call this morning to say I had Sunday tickets , the ones you can get if you live in Somerset...ive got a phone number if anyone want to try it..

so; if anyone wants to meet up to have a shamanistic dance or two, share moment in the tipi field or help me negociate the toilet block..... i'll be around...

52

Why is there a High Rate of Suicide among Jehovahs Witnesses?????

by Aikon in

jw
friends

hi guys.

last week i was involed in a very distressing situation, going with a family to identify their mother who had commited suicide.. we are waiting for the coroner to release the body for the funneral.. but, so far this year a number of jw have commited suicide in england,why???.

can any one throw a light why so many jw of good standing commit suicide,.

reboot

I think the question was 'Why is there a high rate of suicide among Jehovahs Witness'? and the answers are trying to offer some explaination for that 'fact'...rather than provide stats..

I would have thought that on one hand the incidence would have been lower, due to the society's view that once suicide is comitted there would'nt be any redemption and out offear of displeasing 'him' and being seen as spiritually 'weak'...

but on the other hand, having the added pressures of living to such an unattainable standard, especially if you're a perfectionist, compounded with personnal problems and possibly not being 'allowed' to receive councelling or professional comfort, could drive JW'S to live in turmoil to such an extent that th relief of suicide is worth the loss of their 'eternal life'.

52

Why is there a High Rate of Suicide among Jehovahs Witnesses?????

by Aikon in

jw
friends

hi guys.

last week i was involed in a very distressing situation, going with a family to identify their mother who had commited suicide.. we are waiting for the coroner to release the body for the funneral.. but, so far this year a number of jw have commited suicide in england,why???.

can any one throw a light why so many jw of good standing commit suicide,.

reboot

And you know,,,,,,,,for along time I felt such guilt that I wasnt there to take care of my mom like I always had. I told myself for years, if only I would have went to her that night, as I always did on the phone to check on her,,,,,maybe I could have saved her. I was out of town thou.
It took many years to realized that even thou I was the mother to my mother, that wasnt my place and I had no real experience in taking care of someone who needed so much help. I had to admit to myself, that I couldnt have held her hand everyday, for fear she would die. I grew up that way and it was just a natural part of my life to take care of her. I gave her sponge baths when she was out of it, I wiped puke off of her face, changed her gown, nursed her in her pill induced haze,,,and just kept quiet to the world about it.

((((Dede)))) You did so well...but as you said, you should'nt have had to be responsible for all that.

I stayed near my mother after my brother and sister moved out so I could carry on looking after her and protecting her..I used to nurse her injuries from my father from when I was seven and wondered whether she'd die in my care and imagine how i'd felt if she had? I was'nt allowed to call an ambulance...terrifying...we should have been able and allowed to ask for help for them-but we were just children...I think that's why we're left with little nagging guilty doubts...but we should'nt think like that...circumstances put us in that position..but age prevented us being able to sort it out- so we did what we could- we just looked after them and loved them-my mother spoke of suicide often..and children should'nt have to hear things like that...I just wanted to wrap her up and make her feel better and thought I could and felt like afailure when she did'nt get happier as the years went by.

we had slightly different situations-but similar burdons at too young an age. I don't think that if you had watched her all the time you could have prevented what she did that day; we have to respect people's ability to choose their own path and sometimes all we can do is accept that they could'nt find the help they needed from anyone and just be proud of ourselves for being there and letting them know how much we loved them..my mother too, just before she died appologised for everything, and i felt as you did-to be that close to her was wonderful; I was glad to be there-but thinking about it, I should'nt have had to...your mum sounded as loved as mine ...I bet she was so proud of you

18

You're so Smart

by simplesally in

you know, i look at my daughter and i see with my eyes how beautiful she is to me.

so many times we hear them say such cute things, smart things, funny things, etc......... we brush their hair, we dress them and play.

but so many times, i hear coming out of my mouth, "you're so beautiful" or "you're so pretty.

reboot

I did'nt get the 'You're smart, you're beauiful you're amazing' talk either and it is really important to tell your children that, I know what you mean Sally; my girls are always teling me what they're going to do in the future and I have to stop myself from saying their aims are sometimes unrealistic because they have so much confidence.

I think they have a lovely balance of confidence, great self image and inability to accept failure as an option.It's incredible that confident, happy kids are so easy to make, and so sad that alot of parents fall mess up their kid's lives. If you love them unconditionally, never be-littling their dreams and tell them how great it is to share your life with them they're going to be amazing

I works both ways too though...last night I was a bit low and was singing really quietly to myself..my daughter (14) came up behind me and kissed my hair and wrapped her arms around me and said 'Oh, mum, you're so sweet! ' I love the way these georgeous, natural children we've made give it right back when they see we need it.