John Hill Contributor | GrandNational.org.uk

John Hill

John has worked in the horse racing and betting industry for the last 13 years in various roles, including as a broadcaster for Betfred and as a freelance commentator and journalist. His favourite horse racing moment form the last couple of decades is Kauto Star’s victory in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup where the horse became the first to regain his crown in the Blue Riband contest. John particularly enjoys National Hunt racing, with his favourite course being Wetherby.
@johnhillsport

January 22nd 2020, 2:23 pm

2018 Runner-Up Pleasant Company On Course For Fourth National Run

By John Hill

The Grand National at Aintree in April has become a regular fixture in Pleasant Company’s diary over the last few years, with Willie Mullins’ chaser featuring in the race in each of the last three renewals. A fourth shot at the famous steeplechase looks to be on the cards again for the Irish horse as […]

January 22nd 2020, 2:16 pm

Fall At Exeter Makes Richard Johnson A Grand National Doubt

By John Hill

Champion Jockey Richard Johnson faces a race against time to be fit for the 2020 Randox Health Grand National after he broke his arm at Exeter yesterday. Johnson came down after being unseated by Westend Story in a novice 2m3f handicap chase and was then trampled on by another horse. The 42-year-old is set to […]

January 20th 2020, 12:42 pm

Connections give warning to punters for Vintage Clouds

By John Hill

A vintage performance from the galloping grey Vintage Clouds to take the 2020 Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park. pic.twitter.com/niqY1i80Np — Steve Mullington (@mulldog) 18 January 2020 Vintage Clouds produced his best performance for some time when he was the emphatic winner of the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last Saturday. Under the hands of […]

January 20th 2020, 12:17 pm

Could History Be Made In The Grand National In 2020?

By John Hill

Each year the Grand National has a great habit of throwing up great storylines following the 4m2½f contest. Bob Champion’s victory in 1981 after overcoming cancer, and then, just 12 months later, Peter Simple becoming the oldest jockey to win the race at 48 are just two examples which immediately stand out. This year’s contest […]

January 18th 2020, 2:54 pm

Three Horses Who Can Learn From Last Year’s Grand National Experience

By John Hill

The bigger fences at Aintree, the marathon 4m2½f distance and the large field of 40 runners all add up to making the Grand National the most unique contest in horse racing. Experience in this race can often prove invaluable. Tiger Roll aside, here is a look at three horses who may be able to build […]

January 18th 2020, 2:48 pm

What Made Red Rum Such A Public Favourite?

By John Hill

Tiger Roll is looking to match the achievement of Red Rum when he lines up in the Grand National in April by winning the famous steeplechase for a third time. Although that feat will be something special, it is worth pointing out that ‘Rummy’, as he was affectionately known, also finished second twice in the […]

January 16th 2020, 1:55 pm

Five Leading Jockeys Who Have Yet To Win the Grand National

By John Hill

The Grand National is the race which every young jockey grows up dreaming of winning. With a maximum field of 40 runners lining up each year, it is not an easy race to win. It took the greatest of them all, Tony McCoy, 15 attempts before he prevailed for the only time in his career […]

January 16th 2020, 1:30 pm

Five Great Grand National Memories

By John Hill

The Grand National is the race many people look forward to above anything else in horse racing each year. Aintree’s feature contest has produced so many memorable races since Lottery became the first winner in 1839. Here is a look back through the history books at five stand-out moments. Foinavon causes an upset in the […]

January 6th 2020, 2:05 pm

Rathvinden will know what to expect on second National bid

By John Hill

For large parts of the 2019 Randox Health Grand National, Rathvinden looked to be travelling better than any of his rivals for his trainer Willie Mullins. The talented grey eventually came home in third place though behind Tiger Roll and Magic of Light respectively. Connections would have been delighted with their horse’s performance in his […]