2009 Grand National later said: "It was very disappointing – he was travelling well and jumping from fence to fence. I don't know what happened until I see a replay." Comply Or Die was the defending champion and came within 12 lengths of being the first horse for over thirty years to win back-to-back Nationals. The horse jumped alongside Mon Mome at the final flight but was outpaced on the run-in. After, jockey Timmy Murphy said: "He ran a blinder. Apart from failing to get 10 lengths closer to the winner I have no complaints whatsoever." State Of Play had won the 2006
1995 Grand National third fence. Country Member was the winner of the 1993 Agfa Diamond Chase before coming into the reckoning for the National as an 11/1 chance after winning the Horse & Hound Grand Military Cup at Sandown a month before the big race. Regular professional rider Luke Harvey missed out on that ride as it was a race for amateur riders only but was restored for what was his second ride in the National, which ended when Country Member crumpled at the first fence. Miinnehoma was naturally popular with the once-a-year betting public, having won the 1994 National and was again