Grand National Result 2006

Numbersixvalverde was only in his second season as a chaser was the answer to the Grand National 2006 result puzzle and yet being light on experience it did not permit him from taking the greatest prize for the National Hunt handicappers in the season.

Both the leading fancies ran great races in Hedgehunter and Clan Royal and looked all over to fight it out up the home stretch but Numbersixvalverde came with a well timed run and spoilt the day for the Willie Mullins trained horse in his attempt to take the prize two years in succession.

Numbersixvalverde was ridden with restraint and was lucky a few times to avoid trouble most notably at Becher's first time round when It Takes Time almost fell in front of him. He slowly worked his way into the race and came to challenge the leaders after beachers on the second occasion and was one of six who were clear going to the third-last. Going on at the last, he gradually asserted for a clear cut win.

The 2006 John Smiths Grand National

Class A, Showcase Handicap, Aintree, Saturday, April 8, 2006. Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course).

• 1st Numbersixvalverde (N P Madden) 11-1
• 2nd Hedgehunter (R Walsh) 5-1 Jt Fav
• 3rd Clan Royal (A P McCoy) 5-1 Jt Fav
• Nil Desperandum (T P Treacy) 33-1

40 ran
TOTE WIN £15.30 PL £3.80, £2.80, £2.40, £11.30; Ex £98.90; CSF £56.30; TRICAST £337.70