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Corach Rambler, the winner of last year’s Grand National, has been confirmed among the entries for this year’s race, along with 93 other horses.
The deadline for trainers to enter their horses was February 6. The next staging post is February 20, when the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will announce the weight that each horse will be required to carry in the race itself, which is on April 13.
Many trainers will withdraw their horses from contention when these weights are announced. The final selection of 34 horses will be made 48 hours before the Grand National itself.
Of the 94 entries, 61 are Irish-trained, which beats the previous best of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.
Marcus Armytage’s 16 favourites
Mahler Mission (IRE) 8, Colm Herron & Rockview Racing Syndicate, John McConnell, Ireland
Odds: 16/1
Usually fitted with special shoes to combat the age-old thoroughbred condition: flat feet. His sire Mahler (second St Leger, third Melbourne Cup) is a strong influence on stamina. Four lengths clear in last year’s National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham when falling at the second last marked him out as a big player in staying chases for this season. Runner-up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November, beaten just over three lengths and losing both front shoes in the process. Would not be the first placed horse in the big Newbury handicap to go on and win a National. Only went up 4lbs for that so should comfortably get into a 34-runner National.
Vanillier (FR) 9, Mrs H. M. Keaveney, Gavin Cromwell, Ireland
Odds: 14/1
A gallant two-and-a-quarter-length runner-up to Corach Rambler in last year’s race despite being 12 lengths down at the last, Gavin Cromwell’s grey came up just short. One wonders if ridden a bit closer to the action on the second circuit it might have been a different story and this time, instead of giving 1lb, he’ll be receiving at least 7lbs. Once a winner of the Albert Bartlett Hurdle at Cheltenham he seems to save his best form for the spring, but has not set the world on fire in three starts this season. That said they have all been over distances way short of his best and, handicap-wise, there may be a lot of method in that madness.
Corach Rambler (IRE) 10, The Ramblers, Lucinda Russell
Odds: 16/1
Last year’s winner. Only a handful of horses have come back and won it again although they are often good each-way shots. Needed first start since at Kelso and looked the one to take out of the Betfair Chase when third to Royal Pagaille in terms of both Gold Cup and National. We won’t see the pride of Scotland until March when he will contest the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, where he is unbeaten in three starts. Won last year off 10st 5lbs, he will be a stone higher in the handicap this time.
Monbeg Genius (IRE) 8, Barrowman Racing Limited, Jonjo O’Neill
Odds: 20/1
Decent enough hurdler but really began to show what he was made of when he went chasing last year winning three, finishing a very good third behind Corach Rambler and Fastorslow at Cheltenham in what appeared to be the handicap chase of the season. Confirmed that when third in the Coral Gold Cup in December. The one hiccup surrounds his owner, Michelle Mone, an entrepreneur and Conservative peer who, along with her husband Doug Barrowman, set up a company in 2020 which was controversially awarded a £200m Government PPE contract during the pandemic. The BHA are on it though and there is plenty of time to sort out any ownership issues between now and April 13.
Panda Boy (IRE) 8, Old Pals Partnership, Martin Brassil, Ireland
Odds: 22/1
Another grey bidding to join an elite club of just three horses of that colour (The Lamb 1886 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges (2012) to have triumphed in the National. Maybe maligning him to say he does not win that often but he is maybe being protected from the handicapper at the moment after his very creditable fifth in last year’s Irish National. Otherwise he is a consistent sort trained by Martin Brassil who sent out Numbersixvalverde to win earlier this century. A staying on fourth in a hurdle last time, the sort of name that would attract a lot of once-a-year-punters on the day.
Capodanno (FR) 8, Mr John P. McManus, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Odds: 20/1
JP McManus owned. A Grade One winner over jumps and gave several British Gold Cup each-way shots a reality check when winning the Cotswold Chase in January. That will not have done his handicap mark much good with the National in mind. A touch of class but pulled up before the last behind Corach Rambler in last year’s race which leaves a slight question mark over his stamina for an extreme distance. Maybe more of a winning chance in the Topham?
Noble Yeats (IRE) 9, Mr Robert Waley-Cohen, Emmet Mullins, Ireland
Odds: 16/1
Who needs Willie Mullins when you can have his nephew Emmet? He won the race for Sam Waley-Cohen, the last amateur to ride the winner, in 2022. The first thing this Mullins does is cast convention out of the window. Has reinvented this horse as a staying hurdler having won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January and the Stayers Hurdle will, if nothing else, be a less gruelling National warm-up than the Gold Cup. Good fourth last year, good each-way chance again but the handicapper usually sees to it that horses do not win it twice.
Nassalam (FR) 7, John and Yvonne Stone, Gary Moore
Odds: 28/1
No one would begrudge the Moore family or John and Yvonne Stone a Grand National winner. Runaway winner of the Welsh National in December when he was the only horse to handle the appalling conditions. That warranted a Gold Cup entry. Chepstow either flattered him or, if the handicapper who put him up a stone is right, extreme distance and/or blinkers has improved him out of all recognition. He has won on good to soft but really thrives when it is almost unraceable. Went round Aintree when a staying on fourth in the Becher Chase in November. An awful lot in his favour.
Latenightpass 11, Mrs P. A. Ellis, Dan Skelton
Odds: 33/1
Well named (by Passing Glance out of Midnightdip) if he gets in the race the 11-year-old will be a big focus of attention in the build-up to April 13 – owned and bred by Pippa Ellis and ridden by her extremely capable daughter-in-law, point-to-point champion Gina Andrews. He has spent most of his career in the point-to-point field trained by Gina’s husband Tom Ellis, he has already won an Aintree Foxhunters over the fences and has been a revelation in cross-countries at Cheltenham this season. If the race still goes to the best story, look no further and he would be the first genuine hunter chaser to win since Grittar in early 1980s.
Hewick (IRE) 9, Mr T. J. McDonald, John Joseph Hanlon, Ireland
Odds: 20/1
An £800 horse. Small but mighty winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day coming from nowhere to beat Bravemansgame. Failure to complete in his first three point-to-point starts did not augur well but other laurels include US Grand National (hurdle race), Galway Plate, Durham National, Bet365 Gold Cup and Oaksey Chase. Was still in front on 2023 Gold Cup when falling at the second last. He’s a great story. His trainer’s a terrific character but, like it or not, he is a little fellow who is going to be lumped with a big weight.
Kitty’s Light 8, R J Bedford & All Stars Sports Racing, Christian Williams
Odds: 30/1
Christian Williams has actually won a Grand National – the virtual one in 2020 with his 2019 Welsh National winner Potters Corner – but, obviously, you can’t dine out on that. It’s been a difficult year for the Welsh trainer and his family with daughter Betsy being treated for leukaemia and winning the National would be a wonderful tonic. The eight-year-old always comes good in the spring and last year completed the Eider Chase-Scottish National-Bet365 Gold Cup treble. He’s mainly been kept to hurdles this season to protect his handicap which should see him scrape in a 34 runner National near the bottom of the handicap.
Fiddlerontheroof (IRE) 10, The Minions, Jim Boyle
Odds: 50/1
Smart chaser on his day for Colin then Joe Tizzard but now trained in Epsom by Jim Boyle. It would be a while since there was a National winner from that area, the last being 1951 winner Nickel Coin, trained by Jack O’Donoughue in Reigate and the last mare to win it. Was quietly fancied by connections last year and duly ran a cracker in fifth and was right in the mix until the second last. Who knows what a change of scenery can do?
Chambard (FR) 12, David & Carol Shaw, Venetia Williams
Odds: 66/1
Would be bidding to give Venetia Williams a second National winner after Mon Mome but this would be an all-female victory were the 12-year-old to triumph; he is invariably ridden by Lucy Turner who would be the first female amateur to win the race. She won the Kim Muir on him in 2022 and his first win since was over the National course at Aintree in December, when he took to the fences like a duck to water beating Coko Beach 13 lengths. Age is but a number however the last 12-year-old to win was Amberleigh House 20 years ago.
Glengouly (FR) 8, Roaringwater Syndicate, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Odds: 33/1
Appeared to take a while to regain his mojo after a fall last season but has been a good second in two handicap chases this season. Any stamina doubts cast aside when second in a heavy ground Thyestes Chase when second to Ain’t That A Shame. Looks like he’s improving, gradually rather than rapidly but going in the right direction. Handles heavy so one to consider if it comes up wet in April.
Highland Hunter (IRE) 11, Nic Brereton and Lindsey Brennan, Fergal O’Brien
Odds: 66/1
A lightly raced veteran who was with Paul Nicholls last season, now with Fergal O’Brien. Was ridden out for Nicholls by ill-fated point-to-point jockey Keagan Kirkby. Nicholls has seen a dormer inmate win for someone else before with Silver Birch but he looks pretty safe this time. On his current rating he might just squeak in but he provided Aintree’s fence builders with overtime when standing off way too far at The Chair in the Bechers Chase in November. He will need to be more accurate in the National.
Mister Coffey (FR) 9, Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, Nicky Henderson
Odds: 66/1
Eighth last year after a bold jumping display that saw him surge 10 lengths clear crossing the Melling Road for the last time very briefly giving the impression he might lift Nicky Henderson’s National hoodoo. The fact that he is still yet to win a steeplechase is probably up there with the trainer’s greatest frustrations and, even more frustratingly, off his current mark Lady Bamford’s jumper is unlikely to get into the race.
The other 78 horses
Adamantly Chosen (IRE) 7, Watch This Space Syndicate, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
The only way he is top of the list of Willie Mullins’s 13 entries for the National is if it’s in alphabetical order. Would probably make the cut but would have something to prove at the distance. Finished a well beaten seventh in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham on his first start over three miles and did not fare much better over the trip at Leopardstown at Christmas. Unknown territory beyond Becher’s second time.
Ain’t That A Shame (IRE) 10, Robcour, Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
God-old chaser who usually pays his way. Won the biggest race of his career when taking the Thyestes Chase at Gowran last time. All his wins have come on the heavy. Job to know if he was held up or couldn’t go the pace in last year’s race but briefly moved up after Valentine’s second time before fading again to finish 17th and last for Rachael Blackmore. If it’s a dry and sunny April they’ll be thinking ain’t that a shame because wetter the better for this one.
Amirite (IRE) 8, Patrick Hale, Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
Amirite or amiwrong? At the moment he is going to struggle to make the cut. Won his last start over hurdles and first over fences but, since, he has not managed to get his head in front. However ran well in a competitive handicap at Leopardstown at Christmas and his trainer knows what it takes. Trip probably less of a problem than getting into the race itself. First off, however, he needs to kick ass before the weights are out on February 20.
Angels Dawn (IRE) 9, Mr Alfred Sweetnam, S. Curling, Ireland
Trainer is son of one of Europe’s most esteemed equine artists Peter Curling – how he would like to paint this one jumping the last in front in the National. Won last year’s Kim Muir at Cheltenham before finishing a remote sixth and last behind I Am Maximus in Irish National when he did not jump with much fluency. Maybe he was feeling the effects of a hard race three weeks before. Another who might struggle to make the cut.
Annual Invictus (IRE) 9, Mr Thomas Michael Smith, Chris Gordon
A good old chaser trained near Winchester who wins his fair share of races. Versatile in that he flits between hurdles and fences and hung on by a nose to win the Great Yorkshire Chase with the trainer’s conditional jockey son Freddie Gordon on. Could have done with winning it by a bit further as he is another who is borderline not to make the cut for the new-look runners-lite National.
Ashtown Lad (IRE) 10, Darren & Annaley Yates, Dan Skelton
Has won over the course which is a big plus in his favour but pulled up in last year’s Topham, he will struggle to make the cut. Dan Skelton has the most entries of any British trainer but Le Milos and Latenightpass are the ones the punters will want to be on.
Ash Tree Meadow (FR) 8, Alymer Stud Ltd, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Having once lived in Ashtree Cottage I would be compelled to have a fiver on this one. Essentially a two-and-a-half miler he won the Galway Plate in the summer and then followed up in a two-horse race at Down Royal. Rating would get him in comfortably but having never tackled three miles he will need to before long to guarantee qualification. You have to assume he has been running over middle distances for a reason which raises a question mark about his ability to stay four-and-a-quarter miles.
Asterion Forlonge (FR) 10, Mrs J. Donnelly, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Grey 10-year-old who was considered good enough to run in 2022 Gold Cup. Tends to make the odd howler over fences but much cleaner jumper of a hurdle and after finishing half a length behind Klassical Dream in the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown in the spring, after which his trainer said he would probably stick to hurdles, he might be surprised to see himself entered here. He seems to be flitting between hurdles and fences though but you would have to think he would be a bigger threat to Noble Yeats in the Stayers Hurdle than he would be round Aintree.
Battleoverdoyen (IRE) 11, Pioneer Racing, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Borderline to make the cut, he had a confidence-boosting win in a point-to-point on his only start this season. Has been to Aintree twice, both times jumping round in the Topham without setting the world on fire. Getting a tiny bit long in the tooth for a modern National in all probability and stamina would be an issue.
Bronn (IRE) 7, Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
A grade 2-winning novice hurdler back in 2022, he has bits and pieces of smart form over fences but has not been exactly rocking it so far this season with two wide-margin defeats and pulled up last behind Ain’t That A Shame in the Thyestes. Only young so plenty of time to come back and would get in the race if they want to run but on his form so far this season it would be a stingy bookmaker not offering a three-figure price for him.
Busselton (FR) 7, Mr Michael Hilary Burke, Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland
Even though he is trained by one of the legendary O’Brien family, I am not seeing Busselton in my crystal ball. Won last season’s Kerry National before running a good fifth in the Coral Gold Cup behind Le Milos at Newbury but not much doing this season. However progress may have been halted by the weather. Best form on good ground so may be unfair to judge him on the back of a wet winter.
Celebre d’Allen (FR) 12, Mr Allan Stennett, Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
Won his first three starts since joining Philip Hobbs from France in late 2021 but might struggle to get in off his current mark. Won a handicap chase over regulation fences at Aintree before returning there to run fourth behind Chambard in the Becher Chase. Looked a serious player two out but tired quickly in the heavy ground. Needs to bang in a smart performance before the weights are out on February 20 just to get in.
Cepage (FR) 12, The Bellamy Partnership, Venetia Williams
An old boy these days who used to race almost exclusively at Cheltenham so he can’t be too bad. His greatest moment was leading at the second last in the December Gold Cup only to be beaten by Frodon in 2018. Won a veterans chase back at Cheltenham earlier this season with cheekpieces fitted and while he wins a race every season he probably needs to go up in the handicap to get in. Two and a half miles looks like his optimum trip.
Chemical Energy (IRE) 8, Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Good sort not seen out since finishing sixth in the Kerry National in September. Runner-up in last season’s National Hunt Chase behind Galliard Du Mesnil after being left in front at the second last when Mahler Mission fell but could not sustain his four-length advantage at the last. Disappointed in Irish National after that when jumping was a bit patchy. Sold at the Andy and Gemma Brown dispersal sale on February 6 for £215,000 – that would look cheap if he went on to win the National for which he is borderline to make the cut.
Classic Getaway (IRE) 8, Cheveley Park Stud, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Was on the back foot after an early blunder in a big handicap chase at Dublin Racing Festival and eventually pulled up. That looked a blip because for a big horse he is usually an agile jumper. Until that point this season was going swimmingly with jumping a strong point. Appears to be happy on any ground which is a bonus for a race like the National. Not the best but nowhere near the worst of the Mullins baker’s dozen of entries.
Coko Beach (FR) 9, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
The grey has never been in better form than he has this season; winning the Troytown Chase, finishing second to Chambard in the Becher Chase at Aintree and adapting to cross-country fences at Punchestown as if he were born to it on his last start. Jack Kennedy, his jockey that day, said he didn’t know who enjoyed it more, him or the horse. That opens up options but he has run in two Nationals running out of petrol both times and the fact remains that a jockey riding him in the marathon is always going to set off with range anxiety. But why not try again when he is in the form of his life?
Conflated (IRE) 10, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
High-class chaser. Having won an Irish Gold Cup and Savills Chase at Leopardstown he has no choice but to run against the best these days. Third in last year’s Gold Cup he has unseated on his last two starts, both times at the last having run mighty races and given his all against Galopin Des Champs. Might enjoy the tempo of National, certainly good enough if the handicapper has not done him in.
Delta Work (FR) 11, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Desertmore House (IRE) 9, O. B. P. Carroll/Anthony Vaughan, Martin Brassil, Ireland
Diol Ker (FR) 10, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Dunboyne (IRE) 9, S. P. O’Connor, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Named after a small town which boasts a castle in County Meath. Bit of a character who has his own ideas about the game having refused to race on one occasion and seemed pretty disinterested in the National last year when pulled up setting out on the second circuit having trailed round the first lap. But ok on his day as fourth in the Troytown. Needs to pull his finger out somewhere before weights are announced if he is to make the cut.
Dusart (IRE) 9, BARTLETT & CARTHY, Nicky Henderson
Lovely old fashioned big and long chaser who has struggled a bit lately even to complete what with pulling up twice and being brought down in last year’s Scottish National though he was going ok at the time. Until Mister Coffey led the field back over the Melling Road for the last time last April, Nicky Henderson had struggled to get one beyond the first fence for a few years. Would want to show a bit more before April to be considered as live chance or likely to break trainer’s hoodoo in the race.
Eklat de Rire (FR) 10, Mr P. Davies, Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
Eldorado Allen (FR) 10, J P Romans & Terry Warner, Joe Tizzard
Embittered (IRE) 10, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Empire Steel (IRE) 10, Alan Wight, Sandy Thomson
Fakiera (FR) 9, Mrs Martina Griffin, Eoin Griffin, Ireland
Fakir d’Alene (FR), 9 Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Fakir d’Oudairies (FR) 9, Mr John P. McManus, Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Ireland
Famous Bridge (IRE) 8, Hemmings Racing, Nicky Richards
Fantastic Lady (FR) 9, Mr E. R. Hanbury, Nicky Henderson
Farouk d’Alene (FR) 9, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Favori de Champdou (FR) 9, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Foxy Jacks (IRE) 10, Ms Rachel Carthy, M. F. Morris, Ireland
Frontal Assault (IRE) 9, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Full Back (FR) 9, Mr Ashley Head, Gary Moore
Fury Road (IRE) 10, Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Galia des Liteaux (FR) 8, Mr Michael Ariss, Dan Skelton
Galvin (IRE) 10, Mr R. A. Bartlett, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Gevrey (FR) 8, Denis Gallagher Racing, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Good Boy Bobby (IRE) 11, Dash Grange Stud, Nigel Twiston-Davies
I Am Maximus (FR) 8, Mr John P. McManus, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Originally bought by Henrietta Knight for the late Mike Grech, he was bought by JP McManus shortly before he won last year’s Irish National in good style. The last horse to complete the double was Numbersixvalverde in 2006 and, before him, Bobbyjo in 1999 – maybe it is time for another. Returned to Fairyhouse to win a Grade 2 at the start of this season and has chased round his stable companion Galopin Des Champs on his last two starts. Absolutely no disgrace in that but only rated 1lb below Corach Rambler now which makes life quite tough in handicaps.
Iron Bridge (IRE) 8, Hemmings Racing, Jonjo O’Neill
Its On The Line (IRE) 7, C. C. R. Racing Syndicate, Emmet Mullins, Ireland
James du Berlais (FR) 8, Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Janidil (FR) 10, Mr John P. McManus, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Kinondo Kwetu 8, Gunalt Partnership, Sam England
Le Milos 9, The Jolly Good Partnership, Dan Skelton
Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE) 9, Alymer Stud Ltd, Gavin Cromwell, Ireland
Limerick Lace (IRE) 7, Mr John P. McManus, Gavin Cromwell, Ireland
Longhouse Poet (IRE) 10, Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, Martin Brassil, Ireland
Macs Charm (IRE) 9, Macs Charm Syndicate, Colm A. Murphy, Ireland
Mac Tottie 11, Steve & Jackie Fleetham, Peter Bowen
Malina Girl (IRE) 7, Mrs J. M. Russell, Gavin Cromwell, Ireland
Meetingofthewaters (IRE) 7, Mr P. Byrne, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Minella Crooner (IRE) 8, KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Minella Indo (IRE) 11, Mr Barry Maloney, Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
Minella Trump (IRE) 10, Mr T. G. Leslie, Donald McCain
Moroder (IRE) 10, Mrs Ann Leftley, Seamus Mullins
Mr Incredible (IRE) 8, Paul Byrne & J. Carthy, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Ontheropes (IRE) 10, Cheveley Park Stud, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Placenet (FR) 7, Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson, David Pipe
Revels Hill (IRE) 9, Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil, Harry Fry
Riaan (IRE) 7 Philip J. Reynolds Gordon Elliott Ireland
Roi Mage (FR) 12, Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont, Patrick Griffin, Ireland
Royal Thief (IRE) 10, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Run Wild Fred (IRE) 10, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Sail Away (FR) 8, Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton, Dan Skelton
Salvador Ziggy (IRE) 8, William Hurley/Mrs Aisling Hurley, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Samcro (IRE) 12, Gigginstown House Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Shakem Up’arry (IRE) 10, Mr Harry Redknapp, Ben Pauling
So des Flos (FR) 7, Mr David Lestrange, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Stattler (IRE) 9, Mr R. A. Bartlett, W. P. Mullins, Ireland
The Goffer (IRE) 7, Mr Allan Snow, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Threeunderthrufive (IRE) 9, McNeill Family, Paul Nicholls
Tommie Beau (IRE) 9, Simon & Christine Prout, Seamus Mullins
Tullybeg (IRE) 9, Bective Stud, Gordon Elliott, Ireland
Where It All Began (IRE) 8 Patrick & Scott Bryceland, McNeill Family, Gordon Elliott, Ireland