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National Nibbles - Darren Owen
After a great opening with Stephen Harris yesterday we swiftly move onto our second Nibble with Aintree on-course commentator Darren Owen (@Darren_Owen).
Darren is one of the UK's most experienced racecourse commentators and has also covered commentary for television including the Grand National for the BBC.
So let's get on with the questions:
So let's get on with the questions:
What are your earliest National memories?
Like most people with an interest in racing or employed within the industry, it was watching the National as a child that sparked a lifelong passion.
The earliest memory of the race, in fact one of the earliest childhood recollections I have is of watching the epic 1973 renewal won by Red Rum. I had my first bet in that race, 10p each-way on Spanish Steps who finished fourth.
Like most people with an interest in racing or employed within the industry, it was watching the National as a child that sparked a lifelong passion.
The earliest memory of the race, in fact one of the earliest childhood recollections I have is of watching the epic 1973 renewal won by Red Rum. I had my first bet in that race, 10p each-way on Spanish Steps who finished fourth.
Which has been your favourite National so far?
My favorite National is definitely the 1973 race. What a race, we had Red Rum beating Crisp who jumped those fences as if they were hurdles, and the front two were followed home by those wonderful 70's stars L'Escargot and Spanish Steps.
Of course, if you appreciate Red Rum you appreciate the 74 and history making 77 race.
My favorite National is definitely the 1973 race. What a race, we had Red Rum beating Crisp who jumped those fences as if they were hurdles, and the front two were followed home by those wonderful 70's stars L'Escargot and Spanish Steps.
Of course, if you appreciate Red Rum you appreciate the 74 and history making 77 race.
Which 2 horses would you put up against the field in this years renewal and why?
On His Own is certainly not original but has to be a big player when you consider how well he was going last year before falling at Becher's on the second circuit. We know he's capable as we're dealing with a lightly raced nine year-old who took last season's Thyestes Chase.
Teaforthree is also on my shortlist. We know he can stay four miles, has run well in defeat this season in the Welsh National and when a staying on sixth in the Hennessy.
On His Own is certainly not original but has to be a big player when you consider how well he was going last year before falling at Becher's on the second circuit. We know he's capable as we're dealing with a lightly raced nine year-old who took last season's Thyestes Chase.
Teaforthree is also on my shortlist. We know he can stay four miles, has run well in defeat this season in the Welsh National and when a staying on sixth in the Hennessy.
What effect do you think the new modifications to the start and the fences will have ?
I Understand why the authorities have done what they've done in light of the pressure they've been under in recent years, that said I'm a traditionalist and adored the 'old Aintree'.
We in racing have listened to those with concerns over the last few years, now is the time those less informed start listening to the racing professionals.
I'm under no illusion, danger will not go away from this or any other race, but what we must do is stand side by side to support this great event, and if it needs defending (I don't believe it does), defend it!
This is from the heart, let's be proud of it, this is our shop window event - the world's greatest horse race!
I Understand why the authorities have done what they've done in light of the pressure they've been under in recent years, that said I'm a traditionalist and adored the 'old Aintree'.
We in racing have listened to those with concerns over the last few years, now is the time those less informed start listening to the racing professionals.
I'm under no illusion, danger will not go away from this or any other race, but what we must do is stand side by side to support this great event, and if it needs defending (I don't believe it does), defend it!
This is from the heart, let's be proud of it, this is our shop window event - the world's greatest horse race!
Bearing in mind the new changes, how many finishers do you predict this year ( given good to soft ground) ?
Given the ground is no worse than good to soft I would say the favored spread would be 15 to 20 finishers.
Given the ground is no worse than good to soft I would say the favored spread would be 15 to 20 finishers.
Grand National or Gold Cup?
As much as I adore the Gold Cup, I would always favor the National. It may be a handicap but it's the race that simply captures the imagination of the general public.
As much as I adore the Gold Cup, I would always favor the National. It may be a handicap but it's the race that simply captures the imagination of the general public.
Who would you consider to be a lively outsider in this years field?
A couple of Irish trained horses Romanesco and Becausicouldntsee could be lively outsiders. They both ran well at Cheltenham and would appreciate good ground.
A couple of Irish trained horses Romanesco and Becausicouldntsee could be lively outsiders. They both ran well at Cheltenham and would appreciate good ground.
What instructions would you give to a jockey riding in the National?
I have never ridden in the race so would trust the person on top to use his or her own judgement and ride the race according to the horse's requirement
I have never ridden in the race so would trust the person on top to use his or her own judgement and ride the race according to the horse's requirement
How would you manage to keep up with the commentary particularly over those first few fences?
Commentating on the National is like no other experience a caller will have all year. For instance, the commentary is shared by at least three people because of the size of track and pace of the race. When I worked for the BBC a spotter would always assist as it can be difficult to follow all the runners.
Another aspect of the race which makes it difficult for a caller is when some of the big owners have multiple entries, which can be tough trying to remember the different colour caps for distinguishing runners.
Commentating on the National is like no other experience a caller will have all year. For instance, the commentary is shared by at least three people because of the size of track and pace of the race. When I worked for the BBC a spotter would always assist as it can be difficult to follow all the runners.
Another aspect of the race which makes it difficult for a caller is when some of the big owners have multiple entries, which can be tough trying to remember the different colour caps for distinguishing runners.
Where will you be watching the big race?
I'll be watching the race from the commentary box overlooking the Foinavon Fence as I will be working as the racecourse commentaor in the Becher's section.
I'll be watching the race from the commentary box overlooking the Foinavon Fence as I will be working as the racecourse commentaor in the Becher's section.
If you owned a horse running in the National and it won, how would you celebrate?
If I owned the winner of the National the celebrations will go on for an awful long time!
And just think about it, your horse will become a household name and be part of the legend that is our most cherished race!
If I owned the winner of the National the celebrations will go on for an awful long time!
And just think about it, your horse will become a household name and be part of the legend that is our most cherished race!
Many thanks to Darren for giving up some of his time and providing some of his thoughts on the big race.
Tomorrow we have a very exciting interview, as we have an exclusive treble with Kim Bailey, Aidan Coleman and Oli Bell - the trainer, jockey and owner of The Rainbow Hunter.
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