2008 Grand National runners in action at Down Royal

The Tennent’s No. 1 Chase held yesterday saw two of the Grand National runners likely to make the cut this week in action at Down Royal racecourse. Dun Doire went into the race as 11/8 favourite, with Grand National runner Point Barrow also priced at short odds of 13/8.

Punters with ante-post bets on the two Grand National runners are unlikely to have been thrilled by their subsequent performance over the 3 mile 2 furlong race. Although both horses finished with a show, the race went to 8/1 outsider In The Loop, who finished the race 4½ lengths ahead of second placed Dun Doire.

The result will have been more encouraging for Dun Doire than for Point Barrow. Dun Doire has failed to complete the Grand National in two previous attempts, and his second place at least confirms that he is jumping fluently.

However, the third place finish for Point Barrow is likely to see his Grand National odds drift. Point Barrow was co-favourite for the 2007 Grand National, but fell at the first fence. Prior to the race at Down Royal racecourse the Grand National runner's odds equaled that of former Grand National frontrunner Mr Pointment at 25-1 Grand National odds.

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