I’M very glad to say that Venetia Williams is better at training Grand National winners than I am at tipping them!

What a triumph last Saturday at Aintree was for everyone connected with the King’s Caple training yard.

Mon Mome ran fantastically, Liam Treadwell gave him a superb ride, and the horse that so often has knocked on the door of big races went through it first.

I had predicted this year’s Grand National could be a very open race. However, I could never have imagined that a dozen horses would be almost neck and neck as the field crossed the Melling Road for the final time.

Eventually 100-1 chance Mon Mome ran away from his rivals in the closing stages.

The longest-priced winner of the race since 1967, oddly enough his victory is fantastic news for the sport of horse racing in more ways than one.

Firstly, the public is hugely enthused by a ‘real’ outsider winning.

Secondly, the bookmakers made a massive fortune, estimated at perhaps £200 million. About £20 million of that profit will come back into racing as part of the way that the sport is financed.

As for my tip for Aintree, well Himalayan Trail was a classic first fence faller, over-jumping after the cavalry charge to the opening obstacle. Ah well, there’s always another year!

Mon Mome could very well be back to defend his crown in 2010. Current odds? About 25-1.

After Wednesday’s racing this week, Wye Valley Brewery day is next at Hereford Racecourse on Thursday, April 30.

The feature race is the £15,000 Barrels Hereford Handicap Chase.

l The first race on Thursday, April 30 is scheduled for 2.20pm. There are seven races, concluding with a hunters’ chase. Gates open just after midday. Grandstand admission is £14. Accompanied children aged under 16 enter free of charge. More information can be found on web site www.hereford-racecourse.co.uk or by telephoning the racecourse on 01432 273560.