The world’s most significant steeplechase event is upon us, the Grand National. A field of 34 will take to Aintree on Saturday in the hope of winning the 176th running of the race, with Corach Rambler returning to try and defend his crown following his emphatic victory 12 months ago.
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Lucinda Russell’s stable star pulled just over two lengths clear of second-placed Vanillier to secure a win for Scotland in the race, with the gelding being roared home by the thousands who had backed him into 8/1 favourite following his win in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival.
Corach Rambler has been hiked up in the weights, and the likes of Willie Mullins’ I Am Maximus and 2023 Scottish National winner Kitty’s Light will be hoping that they can capitalise. Gordon Elliott has a great record in the race and heads to Aintree with eight hopefuls.
Delta Work, Galvin and Coko Beach are all set to lineup, though the trio’s preparation for the Aintree showpiece was interrupted last month when the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham was abandoned due to rain. The Irish trainer is capable of navigating his team past that hiccup, though they all have question marks over the 4m 3f trip this weekend.
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Those who are allocated outsiders like Eklat De Rire, who will be ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, and fellow Mullins hopeful Janidil will be hoping that their horses can spring an upset in front of the thousands in attendance on track.
Fan’s favourite Rachael Blackmore is certain to be popular among annual punters as well, with Minella Indo widely available at 20/1 and likely to relish this step up in trip after staying on at the one pace over 3m 5f at Cheltenham in December.
Full list of runners and riders:
1. Noble Yeats (Harry Cobden)
2. Nassalam (Caoilin Quinn
3. Coko Beach
4. Capodanno (Keith Donoghue)
5. I Am Maximus (Paul Townend)
6. Minella Indo (Rachael Blackmore)
7. Corach Rambler (Derek Fox)
8. Janidil (Jody McGarvey)
9. Stattler (Patrick Mullins)
10. Mahler Mission (Ben Harvey)
11. Delta Work
12. Foxy Jacks
13. Galvin
14. Farouk D'Alene
15. Eldorado Allen (Brendan Powell)
16. Ain't That A Shame (David Maxwell)
17. Vanillier (Sean Flanagan)
18. Mr Incredible (Brian Hayes)
19. Run Wild Fred
20. Latenightpass (Gina Andrews)
21. Minella Crooner
22. Adamantly Chosen (Sean O'Keeffe)
23. Mac Tottie (James Bowen)
24. Chemical Energy
25. Limerick Lace (Mark Walsh)
26. Meetingofthewaters (Danny Mullins)
27. The Goffer
28. Roi Mage (James Reveley)
29. Glengouly (Mikey O'Sullivan)
30. Galia Des Liteaux (Harry Skelton)
31. Panda Boy
32. Eklat De Rire (Darragh O'Keeffe)
33. Chambard (Lucy Turner)
34. Kitty's Light (Jack Tudor)