There are a number of times in the life of a racing tipster when one thinks 'dash it!' -- or words to that effect.

As Red Marauder romped past the winning post in one of the most amazing Grand Nationals I have ever watched, I had one of those moments.

The words of dismay were uttered because on the previous three or four occasions the horse had run I tipped him in this column, but failed to do so for the big one as I could not be confident he'd get round the course or last the trip.

However, such is life and I was particularly pleased for rider Richard Guest, a likeable lad whom I got to know when he was stable jockey at Sue and Harvey Smith's yard near Bingley.

Inn At The Top, my selection for the National, was a late withdrawal from the race, but the remaining Saturday selections proved very profitable.

Following cancellations and withdrawals, we had three runners - with Docklands Limo first past the post at a whopping 20/1, Virtuoso winning at 100/30 and Best Mate second at 3/1. So, it wasn't such a bad day after all.

Reviewing the current turf campaign at Yorkshire's racecourses, there is news of a major sponsor for the season in Betabet, the largest network of independent bookmakers in the UK. The sponsorship includes two races at each of the county's nine racecourses in Yorkshire, with Betabet said to be offering punters better odds, guaranteed prices and security of winnings via either the internet or telephone. The Betabet site can be accessed on www.betabet.com or call 01132-494989.

Ripon's 14-day 2001 season on the flat now starts on Thursday, April 19, following the cancellation of last week's meeting. The course's most valuable race of the 2001 campaign is The William Hill Great St. Wilfrid Handicap Stakes - to be held on

Saturday, August 18, while its only Listed race, the Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy, is featured on Bank Holiday Monday, August 27.

The first-ever Saturday evening fixture staged at Thirsk - on May 12 - is the most fundamental change to the course's 13-day 2001 season, which begins with the traditional Classic Trial meeting on Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21. York's season, which starts with the traditional May Festival (May 15 - 17), offers record added prize money, which breaks through the £3 million barrier for the first time. Last year, York received three special awards to confirm its status as one of the top racecourses in the world. The course's commitment to future racegoers is reflected in plans for a new

County Stand, which will be constructed for the start of the 2003 season.

With deadlines brought forward a day this week, it's difficult to predict this Saturday's runners - let alone winners - with any certainty. One thing's for certain - the Scoop6 begins afresh again after the mammoth pot was scooped last weekend.