It had been some time since the Irish had a run of luck at the Aintree Grand National but then came the 2000’s when they dominated the race nearly every year and 2006 was no different when Numbersixvalverde became the fifth Irish winner in eight years.

The 10-year-old, Martin Brassil trained horse was weighted with 10st 8lb and began the race at odds of 11/1 but was not the favourite on the day. The previous year he had won the Irish Grand National so he definitely showed promise and was heavily backed by punters.

The 2006 John Smith’s Grand National was built up as possibly the most competitive renewal, with 2005 hero and Cheltenham Gold Cup second Hedgehunter also in contention and aiming to become the first dual Grand National winner since Red Rum, headed the betting market at 5/1.

Interestingly, Brassil was the only trainer in the race without a previous Grand National runner while the rider, Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, was only 20 years old and having his first ride in the big race when he was paired with Numbersixvalverde.

Despite his lack of Aintree experience Madden rode a fantastic race as he delayed his challenge until approaching the final fence and once he asked his mount to put a seal on matters at the elbow, the result was never in doubt.

Numbersixvalverde galloped on relentlessly up the famous run-in to come home six lengths clear of the ultra-tough Hedgehunter.

Other contenders included Clan Royal who was unlucky in 2005 and second in 2004 but finished in third in 2006. The 14-year-old Amberleigh House, the 2004 victor and trained by Ginger McCain had his last race before retirement but could not add to his great record over the Grand National fences. There were no real hard-luck stories but the fancied Jack High, a 9/1 chance, unseated his rider at the 15th of the 30 fences.

Numbersixvalverde had the John Smith’s Grand National as his main target the following season and he ran well on faster ground to finish a creditable sixth.