National Fever - Grand National 2013

As we approach the 2013 Aintree Grand National, the traditional office sweepstake started.
  
One of our colleagues said they planned on going this year and asked what should they wear (you know woman have to plan for these things and what a major malarkey that can be)

After a little research, it seems that the punters like to get all dressed up for the day.  Suits for the gents and short (very short) dresses for the ladies.  

Currently, the weather forecast is fine (but cold) but with the great UK weather at present we all know it can change quickly.

So, umbrella or no umbrella this year?  If so, which would be the best one to take?

Will we have a National like the Ballabriggs race of 2011 where Jason Maguire rode his gutsy mount to victory on what was a scorching early spring day?  Or will we see scenes reminiscent of a mud splattered Richard Guest nursing Red Marauder home in the 2001 National where only 4 runners completed (with two remounting!!).  We certainly don’t want scenes like the 1997 National when a bomb scare caused the mass evacuation of the racecourse.

It would be a crying shame for people to turn up in all their finery, only for the heavens to open and ruin their clothes, make up, hair and fake tan!!

After a little debate in the office during an impromptu coffee break, we came up with some thoughts.

You’ll want a compact, lightweight but strong umbrella – after all Aintree is a wide expanse of a course.  

After a quick poll we came up with the following suggestions:

For men it has to be the Fulton Open and Close Superslim brolly in black.  A robust umbrella that can be slipped into a suit pocket at just 25cm long if not needed, leaving your hands free for the racecard and pint!!

For women it’s a little more difficult of course – it has to “go” with the outfit.

In the end we agreed on any of the Fulton Clear Birdcage range.  It will go with any outfit while keeping you and the new hairstyle, dry from the elements.  It has the added advantage that you won’t miss a moments racing as it’s clear – perfect for a spectator sport.

Or if you want to make a statement, come rain or shine, have a look at these umbrellas for special occasions.

So, whatever the weather, you can enjoy the day to the full and shout your selection on.
Oh, and for anyone that’s interested, I drew Seabass from the sweep – seems it’s a family affair this horse with Ted Walsh training for his daughter Katie Walsh to ride.  Come on Katie, do it for the girls and be the first female to ride the winner of the National.  Of course, the chance for me to gloat in the office for the next 11 months has nothing to do with it ;-)

Just for fun, who can spot the name of the other horse I pulled from the sweepstake? It’s mentioned in this blog – and not Ballabriggs……