Where did you watch the Aintree Grand National? For as long as I can remember it's been one of the must see sporting events. As a toddler I recall talk of Red Rum and Brown Lad and for the 2015 renewal ended up watching the race on the trusty Samsung S5 following afternoon tea at Limericks Savoy Hotel. It's amazing how we can access this content nowadays, and heading to the final furlong it looked like AP had done enough, avoiding any troublesome traffic that could have unseated him.
But even on the small screen heading to the turn for home it was clear that he wouldn't have enough gas to secure a fairytale finish in his final Grand National. AP must have senses that elusive spot in the winners enclosure ebb away as he drifted from runner up with a shot to eventually finishing fifth to eventual winner Many Clouds.
The eight-year-old gelding gave jockey Leighton Aspell his second consecutive victory in the race has been described as a "warrior" with a big future after his first Grand National win. So no dream sign off for AP in one of the world's biggest races.
Not everyone gets the opportunity to sign off like Brian O'Drioscoll. A Six Nations medal. A Pro 12 winners medal and the opportunity to wave goodbye to your home crowd. How Ronan O'Gara and Roy Keane would have loved that, to name but two.
Anyway all of which should be put into context by Robbie McNamara's week.
The 26 year old Limerick jockey Robbie McNamara is on the road to recovery after spinal surgery on serious injuries sustained in a fall at Wexford on Friday. Get well soon to the Croom native.
Like to thank everyone for the kind words. Ribs and spine very stiff and sore but Op went well. Plenty of work ahead pic.twitter.com/HibUsXWEME
— Robbie McNamara (@RobbiepMcN) April 12, 2015
