Grand send-off

BOOKMAKERS will face a pay-out of almost unprecedented proportions should Shutthefrontdoor produce a fairytale ending to Tony McCoy’s spectacular career in tomorrow’s Grand National .

The champion jumps jockey, on the brink of his 20th title, is hanging up his riding boots this season.

Victory tomorrow in the world’s greatest steeplechase will almost certainly signal the end for jump racing’s most revered figure. I have little doubt if the horse wins, AP will retire on the spot.

Every year the public pins its National hopes on McCoy. And with all the hype surrounding his farewell ride, that support could grow into something massive and spell potential financial disaster for the odds layers.

And there is every chance it could happen. Shutthefrontdoor won last year’s Irish National in determined style and has loads going for him.

Normally a sound jumper, he seems to stay forever and importantly, has a touch of class.

Carrying the famous green and gold silks of JP McManus, for whom McCoy won the 2010 National on Don’t Push It, Shutthefrontdoor is currently trading around the 7-1 mark. I reckon he could go off 5-1 or even shorter.

The biggest irony, though, would be a win for the McManus “second string”, Cause of Causes. Recent winner of the National Hunt Chase over four miles at the Cheltenham Festival, this fellow has a major chance given his stamina-laden profile.

McCoy could have ridden him, but has chosen Shutthefrontdoor, which is a tip in itself.

I was at Aintree when Don’t Push It ended a long Grand National wait for McCoy five years ago.

The explosion of noise that day was incredible. Heaven knows what sort of reception AP will get if he repeats the trick tomorrow. Fingers crossed


GRAND NATIONAL FORM GUIDE

ACROSS THE BAY (3): Carried out by a loose horse when leading after the first circuit last year so deserves a change of luck. Recent form not inspiring, though.

AL CO (5): Last year’s Scottish National winner has been trained this season with one race in mind. Stable knows the time of day with its

Aintree runners and stamina is not an issue. Great chance at a big price.

ALVARADO (4): Ran a blinder to be fourth last year and has been kept fresh for another crack. Very much one to consider.

BALLYCASEY (2): Talented horse, but generally a weak finisher and this tortuous test is likely to be too much for him even though he will be ridden by the peerless Ruby Walsh.

BOB FORD (2): Hit and miss performer who ran away with a decent prize at Ffos Las on his penultimate start. Aintree will either light him up or turn him off.

BALTHAZAR KING (4): Cross-country specialist who ran a great race to be second last year. Kept fresh for this year’s renewal, he will surely play a leading role.

CARLITO BRIGANTE (2): Has been around the block a few times, but is not the force of old and will do well to get involved.

CAUSE OF CAUSES (3): Bolted up over four miles at Cheltenham last month, so stamina is not a problem. It is possible that race could have left its mark, though, so fresher contenders are preferred.

CHANCE DU ROY (3): Loves the challenge of Aintree, but his stamina gave out last year and the same is likely to happen this time.

CORRIN WOOD (3): Frontrunner and usually a fine jumper. It is asking a lot to lead all the way over this extreme test, but this is one of the more lively outsiders.

COURT BY SURPRISE (4): Two wins from two runs —although the latter on a

disqualification — this season and usually goes best when fresh so his long absence is not a worry. The best outsider.

DOLATULO (2): Not one of the more obvious contenders, but has jumped the fences and promises to stay.

FIRST LIEUTENANT (3): Well handicapped on his best form, but seems to be regressing. The Aintree factor could revitalise him and Nina Carberry’s assistance is a plus.

GAS LINE BOY (2): Thorough stayer who has been in good form this season. Seems to need mud to be at his best, though.

GODSMEJUDGE (4): Fine jumper with a Scottish National success on his CV. Likes decent ground, comes into the race fresh and has a big chance.

LORD WINDERMERE (3): Won the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup so he has earned top weight. Shapes as though he will stay the extreme trip.

MANY CLOUDS (3): Landed big prizes at Newbury and Cheltenham this season before finishing sixth in the Gold Cup. Good jumper and stayer, but this race seems to be an afterthought rather than a plan.

MONBEG DUDE (3): Has run some decent races this season and got round in this race without troubling the principals last year. Expect something similar.

MON PARRAIN (3): One of the best jumpers in the field and a lively outsider from a top stable. Likes to race prominently.

NIGHT IN MILAN (3): Well fancied by his Northern stable, this sound-jumping stayer should make his presence felt.

OSCAR TIME (4): Has finished second and fourth in Nationals and landed the Becher Chase over the big fences last autumn. At 14, he is the veteran of the field, but his price of around 40-1 is an insult given his course form.

OWEGA STAR (1): Irish challenger who has never won beyond two miles, six furlongs. Huge stamina issues.

PINEAU DE RE (4): Easy winner last year and has a superb record over marathon trips. His season has been geared around a repeat bid and he could make the frame at least.

PORTRAIT KING (2): Won the 2012 Eider Chase, but cut little ice on his return to Newcastle last month. Stamina not an issue, but needs a personal best.

REBEL REBELLION (2): Bang in form and a winner over the National fences, he would be a strong fancy but for his stamina limitations.

RIVER CHOICE (1): Wins his share of races in France, but all of them are over trips two miles shy of tomorrow’s. Swerve.

ROCKY CREEK (4): Fifth last year and arguably in better form this time round. Jumped like a bunny a year ago and, if ridden with more restraint, has to be there or thereabouts.

ROYALE KNIGHT (3): From last year’s winning stable, this consistent type might not have stopped improving. Each-way claims.

RUBI LIGHT (2): Irish challenger who jumps particularly well, but has serious stamina issues.

SAINT ARE (3): Well handicapped on his best form and seems to like Aintree. Trainer is sweet on his chances.

SHUTHEFRONTDOOR (4): Won the Irish National last year and has every chance of giving AP McCoy a fairytale win in the National on his final ride in the race. Jumps, stays and has a touch of class.

SOLL (3): Has won his last two races and is strongly fancied by the Pipe stable which, unusually, has only one runner this year. That could be a tip in itself.

SPRING HEELED (3): A winner at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, this capable performer has a sporting each-way chance.

SUPER DUTY (2): Had good form for his previous stable, but has done little in two starts this season and will do well to make an impact.

THE DRUIDS NEPHEW (3): Won at the recent Cheltenham Festival, suggesting tomorrow’s handicap mark is lenient. May not be as fresh as others, however.

THE RAINBOW HUNTER (2): Won a big prize at Doncaster last season, but has not shone at Aintree on previous visits and is one of the less obvious contenders.

UNIONISTE (4): Three solid runs this term suggest this grey may still be improving. Fresh for this challenge, a sound jumper and fancied by many.

WYCK HILL (3): Stays particularly well and is no forlorn hope. Has valuable experience of the fences,


twitter: @KeithMcHughOC