2018 Grand Nationals go down to the wire with the English, Irish and Scottish contests all won by a head or less
The Irish, Scottish and English Nationals have all gone down to the wire with Joe Farrell's victory the latest of a number of thrilling finishes to the marathon contests
A PHOTO finish is a rare enough occasion in horse racing - let alone in Grand Nationals.
But this year's marathon contests have gone right down to the wire with the Irish, English and Scottish Nationals all being sent up to the judge to call the winner.
Despite the terrible conditions at Fairyhouse and the tiring ground at Aintree, only a head could separate the winners and losers there with the Scottish National at Ayr decided by an even narrower margin.
In a month of close finishes, General Principle got the ball rolling on April 2 when denying Isleofhopendreams by a head in the Irish National.
The first five home in that contest were covered by less than two lengths in an even more remarkable ending.
Trainer Gordon Elliott then bagged another National as Tiger Roll clung on to beat Pleasant Company at Aintree in the big 'un on April 14.
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The Cullentra House handler may not have won a historic third National at Ayr, but Rebecca Curtis' Joe Farrell made sure it was another thrilling finish as he held on by a nose from Ballyoptic to win the Scottish National on Saturday.
It seems there are no easy rides for punters at the moment.