There are few sporting events that capture the attention of the British sporting public in the way that the Grand National does. As one of the blue riband events on the sporting calendar, it’s no surprise that millions tune in across the country to witness the action unfold.
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After a few years in which the Grand National was greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it was refreshing that the 2022 edition of the race saw a return towards pre-covid normality. The race more than lived up to expectations, with the roar of the crowd at Aintree enough to tell you just how sensational the event was.
As the dust settles on Noble Yeats’ victory with Sam Waley-Cohen in the saddle, let’s take a look at three reasons why the 2022 Grand National was one of the best ever.
The Return Of Crowds
First and foremost, it’s fair to say that the 2021 edition of the Grand National was lacking in the atmosphere department, simply due to the fact that the race was staged behind closed doors. There were no cheering masses to celebrate Rachael Blackmore’s historic triumph with Minella Times, and overall, there was a strange sort of feeling to the events.
This year, however, Aintree racecourse welcomed back a full house of spectators, and they certainly made their presence felt. With every twist and turn, the crowd rose and fell in decibel, lending a uniquely atmospheric backdrop to what turned out to be a hugely entertaining race.
The simple sight of seeing thousands of gleeful fans filling up the concourses in the hours before the race was enough to warm the hearts of horse racing fans, as we all seek to put pandemic times firmly behind us as far as sporting events are concerned.
A Race To Remember
Of course, what is a full-capacity crowd without a thrilling race to entertain them? With Minella Times rising up the betting market in the build-up to the race, many fancied Blackmore to make it two Grand Nationals on the spin. Other favourites included Any Second Now, Delta Work, Run Wild Fred and Snow Leopardess.
But even the best horse racing betting sites didn’t fancy the chances of eventual winner Noble Yeats, whom Sam Waley-Cohen led to victory after a thrilling race to the line with Any Second Now. It was the kind of finish that everyone hopes for from a Grand National, and the fact that it was a 50/1 outsider who laid claim to the top prize made the whole race all the more dramatic.
A Fitting Winner
For Waley-Cohen, it was the stuff of dreams. The amateur, who works as a dentist when he is not out on the gallops, had already made the decision that this was to be his last race. Talk about signing off in style.
It was a moment to savour for the entire Waley-Cohen family. Owned by Sam’s father Robert Waley-Cohen and trained by Emmet Mullins, the emotion among all Noble Yeats’ connections was plain to see as the magnitude of their collective achievement began to sink in. You couldn’t have asked for a more fitting Grand National winner, and everyone who witnessed this historic edition of the race is already counting down the days to the next one.
