Sky Racing frontman Robert Cooper casts a wistful eye back on old-school Nationals - but he’s fixed on Yeats

Noble Yeats, ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen

AS we trot up towards the start of the most celebrated steeplechase on the planet, I wonder if the Grand National still resonates with those watching as it did say 20 years ago, let alone the black and white TV days pre-1969.
I’ve only sat upon (not ridden) half a dozen horses, none of them moving much faster than a very tired snail and I salute every jockey who sets out over those daunting Grand National fences.
The thought of leaving the g...