Winner John Hales defends Grand National after horse deaths

The winning Midland owner of the Grand National has defended the world's most famous steeplechase after two horses died.

Cosford-based businessman John Hales enjoyed a weekend of celebrations after his 11-year-old grey Neptune Collonges edged out Sunnyhillboy in the tightest finish of all time.

Fresh concerns were raised over the safety of the race following the deaths of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised and According To Pete. But Mr Hales said: "The Grand National is part of British sporting heritage. It's the greatest steeplechase in the world.

"Everyone must accept it's a sport that has risks. Aintree couldn't have done any more."

Hales today placed Neptune Collonges' thrilling Grand National success alongside the feats of his legendary chaser One Man as his greatest achievement in racing.

He was today back at his Cosford based reflecting on a whirlwind weekend which saw his 11-year-old claim his place in the rich history of the most famous steeplechase in the world.

Neptune Collonges' triumph – as he came from behind to catch Sunnyhillboy on the line to win by a nose – was a poignant success for the 72-year-old owner whose star performer One Man was killed in a fatal fall at Aintree in 1988.

One Man had landed a collection of the top National Hunt prizes on offer, winning two King George VI Chases at Kempton and the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham before his death.

And Hales believes those achievements are matched by Saturday's events, after which he stuck to his pre-race plan to retire Neptune Collonges.

"He sits up there with One Man," reflected Hales. "Both horses have made history. One Man was a Champion Chaser. We have now won the Grand National which just leaves the Gold Cup. Then we will have won the lot."

Hales admitted he was overwhelmed by Saturday's events – but would have been just as delighted had Neptune Collonges been pipped to glory in the tightest finish in National history.

"My family was split over whether to run him and when he came over the last, I had no comprehension he was going to win," he added.

"All I could think of once he jumped the last is that he is safe, he is retired and he's coming home. Then I heard the crowd building up to a crescendo and I saw them crossing the line both together.

"Even then, it wouldn't have bothered me too much. I was so proud of him and I would have been very happy to come second in the Grand National."

"I've been very fortunate as a racehorse owner. I've won five times at the Cheltenham Festival and we were trying to compare those to Aintree. To me, Cheltenham is everything. But to experience winning the Grand National at Aintree is something I will never forget."

Hales also saluted the performance of jockey Daryl Jacob and revealed it was the first time Neptune Collonges had jumped obstacles of that size.

"He had never seen a National fence before and he just took to them as if it was nothing," added Hales.

"He is a very worthy winner. The horse knew where the finishing line was and he was determined to win and Darryl gave him a brilliant ride. I've watched it over and over again and I can't see a fault anywhere – he was foot perfect."

Neptune will come home to Hales' daughter Lisa's Shifnal farm with stablemate Noland, who was also retired.