9 Apr 2005 by Malcolm Drury
Millions of Britons crowded around their television sets today to witness a glorious event. The lucky ones were actually there, the rich and famous, the celebrities, and even a few ordinary folk. But all were united by their delight in seeing the unfolding of an event, a tradition, so deeply rooted in the British psyche that everyone - royalty and commoners, English, Scots, Irish and Welsh, Tories and Labourites - even Lib Dems - put aside their usual Saturday activities to be part of it.
And when it was all over the reminiscing began. "Did you see when ...?" and "Remember how ...?" questions fell from the lips of happy citizens across the British Isles as they gathered in pubs and clubs, around dinner tables, on village greens, in town centres - anywhere that a group could form, formally or spontaneously.
Said Gregory T. Mullet, a postman from Bootle, "It was so wonderful, there were even tears in my eyes, and I play rugby!"
"I just couldn't help it, I cried and cried with delight, it was all just so wonderful," said Brenda Shuttleworth, a pensioner of Grimsby.
"This is the kind of tradition that makes Britain what it is, and we must be ever vigilant to make sure we never lose it," said Sir Douglas Whistlethwaite-Twickenham-Ramsbottom, spokesman for the Urban Alliance for the Preservation of Archaic Country Activities.
Similar sentiments have been pouring out from people from every part of Britain. It was a day to remember, and it will be re-lived for weeks to come.
Yes, the Grand National has been run, and won, for another year. Congratulations to Hedgehunter!
DeadBrain
