Monday, April 16, 2018

Grand National Winner Brings Smiles to Alder Hey

The Grand National was run at Aintree at the weekend, giving us yet another thrilling finish after a gruelling battle to the line between Tiger Roll, the tenacious but tiny winner, and the gallant close second, Pleasant Company. It was wonderful to watch as these brave elite athletes, equine and human, gave the race, and us, their absolute best. Even better, all horses and jockeys made it safely back home. Sometimes Grand National winners are retired on the spot, having achieved the pinnacle of prizes at the culmination of their careers – but Tiger Roll is only only eight years old, and Pleasant Company ten (his real birthday is today, 15th April), so we'll no doubt be seeing more of them on the racecourse before they retire from racing and move on to their second careers.

It is unusual to have a photo finish like we had in this year's Grand National, but one did happen in 2012, when the race was won by the lovely grey, Neptune Collonges. He was then immediately retired and, now 17 years old, is well into his second life as an ex- racehorse. He started by trying his hand at showjumping, and is still happily going out on jollies doing showing and dressage with his doting owner Lisa Hales, as well as attending ex-racehorse parades around the country. And, as if to prove he is still a headline-grabbing star, he turned out again for a Personal Appearance at Alder Hey Children's Hospital the day before the Grand National.

Over the past 14 years it has become a tradition for the Grand National jockeys to visit sick children at Alder Hey the day before the big race. The jocks may be tough and brave, but they all say they find these visits very moving. The kids, on the other hand, seem to find it nothing but great fun. For many years an equine celebrity or two has gone along as well, former winners of the race, for a meet-and-greet with the young patients and staff outside the hospital doors. Since 2013 this has been Neptune Collonge's regular gig, though he has sometimes shared it with Amberleigh House, the National winner of 2004. Neptune – known as 'Nipper' at home - is perfect for the assignment – partly because he is grey and gorgeous, and mostly because he is so very quiet and kind, adores being patted and given mints, and is not at all bothered by excited, squealing children, or even by wheelchairs in his personal space. Who says ex-racehorses are skittish, nervy and unpredictable? Well, some may be; so are some cobs, and many ponies! But ex-racers can be as sweet, gentle and affectionate to humans as a well-loved old lapdog. And they can give the same pleasure and therapeutic benefits – just ask the children at Alder Hey Hospital !


Perhaps there might be a way to get the equine visitors indoors, and upstairs, to meet more patients, like with Patdogs....? Now there's a thought for second-career ex-racehorses!

   'Nipper' chats with folks at Alder Hey

 

Amberleigh House joined Nipper to entertain young patients in 2015

With thanks to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for the lovely photos

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