Donald McCain has been left wondering over Across The Bay
Donald McCain says he "can't have too many complaints" despite Across The Bay's dreadful luck in the Grand National.
Last Updated: 07/04/14 1:04pm
The 10-year-old jumped soundly and was bowling along at the head of affairs before being carried very wide by the riderless Tidal Bay with a circuit still to run, costing the McCain runner any chance of victory.
In the circumstances, Across The Bay performed admirably to get back in contention before predictably weakening as his efforts to get back on terms took their toll.
Henry Brooke's mount eventually passed the post 14th of the 18 finishers, with his young stable companion and 100/1 chance Kruzhlinin also running well to finish 10th.
McCain said: "Both horses are grand, they came out of the race with no problems and they're on their summer holidays now.
"Everyone has been coming up to me saying what a performance it was (from Across The Bay), and it was.
"He was in front of Tidal Bay when it happened and he still ran across us - I used to like the horse (Tidal Bay) as well!
"I was stood right where it happened and I was thinking 'Bloody hell Henry, pull him up!'
"But by the time they got round to the Canal Turn he was back on the heels of the leaders, he obviously got a bit tired towards the end, which is fully understandable.
"It was a magic run, really, and it does make you wonder what might have been, but Aintree has been a lucky place for us in the past, so we can't have too many complaints.
"Personally, I was never convinced he was a proper Aintree horse, but he proved he was on Saturday and I would imagine next season will be geared around going back in a year's time."
The Cholmondeley handler was also proud of the efforts of Kruzhlinin and believes he is worth another shot at the race.
"He ran a grand race for a seven-year-old. You forget how young he is," said the trainer.
"He's had a fairly long season, but he jumped and galloped all the way to the line and you would have to think he can improve on what he did next year."