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AFICIONADOS of the turf will doubtless be queueing up for the latest Elite game, Grand National. If, however, you are seeking quick and easy reparations for your failure to back Last Suspect a few weeks ago, forget it.

The game is part simulation, part arcade in style. The first section involves choosing a mount for the race. You are offered a selection from the field, and information for the condition of the course.

Then it is into the arcade section for the race itself. An overhead view of the course shows other horses attempting to get into position. A further screen in the corner shows a view of the horse from the side, to enable you to judge the jumps as they come. That is the difficult part. You have to jump at just the right point to clear the fence, and must have built up a fair speed through constant use of the whip.

The graphics are a little lacklustre and the excellent animation does mean the horses, although realistic, move somewhat slowly. More of an amble than a gallop, one might say. The frustration of falling off your horse at the first fence 25 times in a row is off-putting, but you will eventually find it possible to complete at least one lap before your nag finally flops to the ground in total exhaustion.