There is nothing quite like the Grand National to test your heart's health. I reckon if your ticker can cope with the 10 minutes or so the annual horse race lasts, you'll be grand for another year at least.

I always go for my annual check-up with my mate Wee John, first to the bookies to make a small wager (remember this about health not wealth) and then to a bar in town. For those 10 minutes it's a case of forgetting everything else and joining in with the other punters, screaming strange phrases like “C'mon Lord of Illusion!”, “Jump Nil Desperandum!” and “watch out Baron Windrush, Cornish Rebel is on the loose!”. Try saying that when your heart is in your mouth.

On this occasion, I'm pleased to say we both passed with flying colours although Wee John ended up with some wealth to add to his health after backing Numbersixvalverde who left my horse, Clan Royal trailing in a distant third.

Another man who no doubt had his heart checked over the weekend was Phil Mickelson. Congratulations to Phil on winning his second green jacket in three years at the US Masters in Augusta. With some excellent golf on display, this year's Ryder cup at The K Club in Ireland promises to be a fantastic golfing spectacle and I for one can't wait.