Grand National winning owner John Hales defends race

The Shropshire owner of Grand National winner Neptune Collonges today launched a staunch defence of the world's most famous steeplechase after two horses died in the showpiece race.

Cosford-based John Hales enjoyed a weekend of celebrations after his 11-year-old grey edged out Sunnyhillboy by a nose in the tightest finish to the marathon race of all time.

It was Shropshire's first success in the race since Lord Gyllene, trained by Steve Brookshaw at Uffington, won the race in 1997 and was worth £547, 267 to winning connections.

Mr Hales and his family held a post-race party at a hotel in Warrington on Saturday night before travelling by helicopter to the yard of trainer Paul Nicholls in Ditcheat, Somerset, for the traditional parade yesterday.

But a shadow was cast over events at Aintree with the deaths of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised and According To Pete raising fresh concerns over the race safety.

Mr Hales is no stranger to racecourse tragedy after his star chaser One Man was killed at Aintree in 1998.

And his family were split over the decision to run Neptune Collonges on Saturday, with his daughter Lisa electing to compete in a showjumping event in South Wales rather than attend. But he believes everything possible was done to ensure the safety of the horses.

"The Grand National is part of British sporting heritage," said Mr Hales, who owns Golden Bear based at Hortonwood in Telford.

"It's the greatest steeplechase in the world. With horses, there will always be accidents that happen through nobody's fault. They are speed machines and it's part of the scene.

"Everyone must accept it's a sport that has risks. Aintree couldn't have done any more. I attach no fault to Aintree as I didn't in 1998 when I lost One Man there."

Mr Hales' daughter Lisa insisted she had no regrets at not being present for the memorable victory.

"It would have been fantastic to be at Aintree," she said.

"But I made my decision and I'm happier not being there and Neptune winning than if I had been there and something had happened."