The Grand National - Feed The Pony's Tips

Yes, it's that day of the year where I put my reputation on the line and try and pick the winners of The Grand National, taking place at Aintree this afternoon at 4:15pm. Traditionally I've been pretty lucky on this race and indeed last year I picked Hedgehunter to win and came up trumps, so I'm feeling over-confident with my selections today - perhaps not a good omen as I was on a losing streak at the casino last night! Anyway, these are my three tips for today:

• Garvivonnian 16-1
• Lord Of Illusion 25-1
• Le Duc 40-1

I've got a £2.50 Each Way bet on all three horses, plus a straight £10 to win on Garvivonnian, making a total stake of £25. I've also drawn Ballycassidy in our winner-takes-all office sweepstake. Check back later to see if I'm celebrating or cursing...

[ Updated 4:40pm ]

So here's the winning horses:

• Numbersixvalverde 11-1
• Hedgehunter 5-1
• Clan Royal 5-1
• Nil Desperandum 33-1

Gambling then - it's a mugs game. Unless you're Dom that is. B*ll*cks! Right, I'm counting on my free bet on tonight's Irish lottery now...