Grand National runners, riders and odds for 2026: Full horse list

[ASFN Admin]

The maximum field of 34 horses has been confirmed for the Grand National on Saturday, April 11.

Defending champion Nick Rockett, who would have worn No 2, has been withdrawn. Second reserve Imperial Saint (No 36) takes his place after first reserve Pied Piper also pulled out. Third reserve Amirite (No 37) comes in too, to replace Spillane’s Tower.

The deadline for changes to the final line-up is 1pm on Friday.

The entries are listed below in bet365 best-odds order...

Grand National 2026: Full list of entries​

1.

I Am Maximus​

The winner in 2024 and a gallant second under a big weight last year – Mullins put defeat down to not having had three starts – which makes him a bit of an Aintree legend in my book. Going to be top weight this time after a good second to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase at Christmas, though didn't run to quite that level in the Irish Gold Cup. Should be there or thereabouts again and in the money, but weight stops trains and that might be the difference between first and second again.

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Expert rating
11st 12lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Paul Townend
Expert rating
Weight
11st 12lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Paul Townend

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31.

Panic Attack​

Only 13 mares have won the National, the last being Nickel Coin in 1951. Revelation of the season really. In sensational form winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and then, overcoming fears about her stamina, the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Third in the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham over two-and-a-half which now looks too short for her. If Dan Skelton can keep her at that level she would have an outstanding chance. Travels, jumps and has a touch of class, with a sky high level of confidence, and even the handicapper is wondering if he's under-cooked her weight.

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Expert rating
10st 5lb
Trainer
Dan Skelton
Jockey
Harry Skelton
Expert rating
Weight
10st 5lb
Trainer
Dan Skelton
Jockey
Harry Skelton

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4.

Grangeclare West​

Named after a townland in County Kildare. Gallant and a close third in last year's race. Stayed on well for fourth in the Savills Chase. Disappointing in the Irish Gold Cup, but back on song winning the Bobbyjo – a race won by I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett in the last two years – cosily for a five-star trial. Has a habit of fluffing the last, which he did in last year's National, the Savills and was lucky to get away with it at Fairyhouse. Otherwise an excellent chance.

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Expert rating
11st 10lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Patrick Mullins
Expert rating
Weight
11st 10lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Patrick Mullins

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22.

Jagwar​

From the same stable and owner as Iroko. Good sort. Likes Cheltenham and won the Plate there last March, but was out-battled by Donnacha in the mud on Trials day. Ran a blinder to finish second to Johnnywho in the Ultima on his first start over three miles (and one furlong), though. Arguably some inaccurate jumping cost him the Ultima, so if he can get that sorted he probably goes in better form than his stable companion.

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Expert rating
10st 10lb
Trainer
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey
Mark Walsh
Expert rating
Weight
10st 10lb
Trainer
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey
Mark Walsh

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13.

Iroko​

At one point the ante-post favourite for the race after staying on well to finish fourth in the National last year, jumping the first in last place and having to make up a lot of ground late on, giving the impression he raced a bit far out of his ground. That may just have been inexperience. Wind operation since and his airways are obviously clear after chasing home The Jukebox Man at Haydock, and then winning at Ascot over two-and-a-half. Disappointing effort when finishing mid-field in the Ultima, unless the eye was on a bigger prize. Stronger, a year older and should be there or thereabouts again. Soft ground would be even better.

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Expert rating
11st 1lb
Trainer
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey
Jonjo O'Neill Jr
Expert rating
Weight
11st 1lb
Trainer
Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey
Jonjo O'Neill Jr

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33.

Johnnywho​

Appeared to be a frustrating ride, but put that all behind him when winning the Ultima at Cheltenham, beating Jagwar. That was his first start after a wind operation and they often say it is second time out when that is most effective. Had a spin round Aintree in the Grand Sefton in the autumn over a shorter trip, looking short of his best. And despite finishing fifth, the Irish National last spring probably raised more question marks about his extreme stamina than it answered, though he is bred to get it. A latish addition to the shortlist.

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Expert rating
10st 4lb
Trainer
Jonjo & AJ O'Neill
Jockey
Richie McLernon
Expert rating
Weight
10st 4lb
Trainer
Jonjo & AJ O'Neill
Jockey
Richie McLernon

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9.

Monty’s Star​

Has only won one of his 11 starts over fences and that was a beginners' chase in 2023, but he's consistently in the money or thereabouts in Grade Ones, including fourth in last year's Gold Cup. Coming to the boil, running much better than the end result suggested behind Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup and challenging for the lead at the second last.

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Expert rating
11st 3lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Darragh O'Keeffe
Expert rating
Weight
11st 3lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Darragh O'Keeffe

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21.

Captain Cody​

Last year's Scottish National winner who unseated behind Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Chase. Fell early in the Thyestes when sent off favourite on his penultimate start, suggesting jumping a slight issue. Respectable fifth in the Bobbyjo on the wrong ground. Modern Aintree takes so little jumping these days that I do not think any horses should be downgraded for not being a great leaper. Spring ground might turn him round.

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Expert rating
10st 10lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Jonathan Burke
Expert rating
Weight
10st 10lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Jonathan Burke

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6.

Haiti Couleurs​

Won last season's National Hunt Chase and then the Irish National, often a pointer to Aintree. A facile winner of the Welsh National under a big weight just after Christmas, so we know he can carry it. It's been a while since the one and only Welsh-trained winner – the Pembrokeshire-trained Kirkland in 1905 – but Haiti looks made for it. Earth Summit was the last horse to win three proper Nationals (Aintree, Scottish and Welsh), and Haiti Couleurs could also get three out of the four, but he ran flat as a pancake in the Gold Cup which is a worry, although he also did that in the Betfair before winning the Welsh National. Surprisingly well-backed for the National since.

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Expert rating
11st 10lb
Trainer
Rebecca Curtis
Jockey
Sean Bowen
Expert rating
Weight
11st 10lb
Trainer
Rebecca Curtis
Jockey
Sean Bowen

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16.

Oscars Brother​

Interesting, rapidly improving eight-year-old novice for the two-horse stable of Connor King, 29, and ridden by his brother, Daniel. Victory would not be so much David versus Goliath but more along the lines of 'plankton kills whale'. It would also make King the youngest-ever winning trainer. The McManus team saw enough before he won the Ten Up at Navan to step in and buy him and it's now looking a shrewd purchase. Very solid fourth in the Brown Advisory without ever quite looking like winning.

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Expert rating
10st 13lb
Trainer
Connor King
Jockey
Daniel King
Expert rating
Weight
10st 13lb
Trainer
Connor King
Jockey
Daniel King

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29.

Final Orders​

I don't think any horse in this year's race will have run more often starting off on the Flat for Simon Crisford, and was once ridden on the all-weather at Newcastle by Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee. His latest incarnation is as a cross-country horse and won at Cheltenham in December and again at the Festival, turning the tables on Favori de Champdou on his 70th start. Has a very good strike-rate on good ground, will be well in and looks a good each-way shot.

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Expert rating
10st 5lb
Trainer
Gavin Cromwell
Jockey
Conor Stone-Walsh
Expert rating
Weight
10st 5lb
Trainer
Gavin Cromwell
Jockey
Conor Stone-Walsh

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5.

Gerri Colombe​

Has won more than half the races he has run in and peaked in the spring two years ago when runner-up to Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup, and beat Ahoy Senor in the Aintree Bowl. Only ran once last season and clearly had issues. He probably takes a bit of getting fit. Pulled up in his first start this season before finishing third in the Galmoy Hurdle, and took another big step forward when a good second to Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo, before beating Nick Rockett at Down Royal which will not have done his confidence too much harm. Likes soft and heavy ground, once a class act, definitely one for the shortlist.

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Expert rating
11st 10lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Jack Kennedy
Expert rating
Weight
11st 10lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Jack Kennedy

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24.

Gorgeous Tom​

Good ground operative which is why we have not seen much of him since he finished a creditable fourth to Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, often a good National trial. Stays, but also has pace to win over two-and-a-half. Just as a lot of Nicholases cashed in on Nick Rockett last year, if you're called Thomas look no further for your fiver. He might still be a bit ahead of the handicapper and is improving.

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Expert rating
10st 9lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Sean Flanagan
Expert rating
Weight
10st 9lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
Sean Flanagan

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23.

Perceval Legallois​

With a great record in big-race handicaps, Percy the Gaul was sent off joint-third favourite last year. He was going well before coming down after about a mile at Valentine's. Nothing like that form this time.

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Expert rating
10st 9lb
Trainer
Gavin Cromwell
Jockey
Harry Cobden
Expert rating
Weight
10st 9lb
Trainer
Gavin Cromwell
Jockey
Harry Cobden

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19.

Stellar Story​

One win from eight starts over fences. Best efforts include finishing second to Lecky Watson in last year's Brown Advisory and third to Grey Dawning in the Betfair Chase. Prominent for a long way in the Savills Chase before fading behind Affordale Fury. Solid effort in the Bobbyjo. Probably handicapped up to his best. Soft ground would be a big help.

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Expert rating
10st 11lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Robbie Dunne
Expert rating
Weight
10st 11lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Robbie Dunne

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12.

Champ Kiely​

Won a Grade One novice chase over three miles at Punchestown last spring, but since finishing a close second over two miles on his first start this season not much has gone right for him. Clipped heels and came down after fourth in the Savills Chase, which may have left its mark on him at Tramore, and never a factor in the Irish Gold Cup. At the weights, Patrick Mullins is sweet on him.

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Expert rating
11st 1lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Danny Mullins
Expert rating
Weight
11st 1lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Danny Mullins

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14.

Favori De Champdou​

Refound his mojo by going cross-country, the Tiger Roll route. Fell first time, but it sparked him up enough to win a big handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas and follow up with facile cross-country success back at Cheltenham in January. He then followed that with a good second to Final Orders after giving him nearly a stone. We haven't had an 11-year-old winner since we had three in a row between 2012/13/14 with Neptune Collonges, Auroras Encore and Pineau de Re.

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Expert rating
11st 1lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Danny Gillgan
Expert rating
Weight
11st 1lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Danny Gillgan

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28.

Jordans​

Chased home Caldwell Potter in a Grade One at Aintree last spring. Went hurdling for his first two starts of the season to protect his handicap rating. Pulled up in the mud, which is excusable, in the Thyestes after some late headway. Joseph Patrick O'Brien is already one of the most successful dual-purpose trainers, with two Melbourne Cups to his name, a Breeders' Cup victory, a King George and an Irish Derby. A National would only enhance that reputation. Fits the profile the race is trending towards and O'Brien seemed more excited about this one than Banbridge with a big weight.

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Expert rating
10st 8lb
Trainer
Joseph Patrick O'Brien
Jockey
Ben Jones
Expert rating
Weight
10st 8lb
Trainer
Joseph Patrick O'Brien
Jockey
Ben Jones

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26.

Quai De Bourbon​

Sent off 11-2 favourite for the Irish National – as much as anything because he was Paul Townend's chosen one – despite having unseated in the Brown Advisory and been brought down by his stablemate in the Mildmay at Aintree. Didn't jump overly well but finished third, nine-and-three-quarter lengths behind Haiti Couleurs. Whether that left a mark is unclear, as he was pulled up in his first two starts this season. Put in a better effort when third in a Listed handicap at Leopardstown at the start of March.

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Expert rating
10st 9lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Donagh Meyler
Expert rating
Weight
10st 9lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Donagh Meyler

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11.

Lecky Watson​

Winner of last year's Brown Advisory at 20/1 when the stable's red-hot favourite, Ballyburn, bombed out. Subsequently fell at the fifth in an equivalent race at Punchestown and not much doing this season. He was close to Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase but pulled up in the Irish Gold Cup and has 63 lengths to find on Grangeclare West on Bobbyjo form. Probably wants better ground than that but back to a handicap might help him regain form. Although fair to say it has gone AWOL this season.

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Expert rating
11st 2lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Sean O'Keeffe
Expert rating
Weight
11st 2lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Sean O'Keeffe

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10.

Spanish Harlem​

Owned by the race sponsor, who celebrates 10 years in that role this year. A bone-headed jumper prone to the odd clanger. Carried out in the Scottish National but ran a good fourth in last year's bet365 Gold Cup while still a maiden over fences. Has won a couple since and was running the race of his life for 7lb-claimer Sean Cleary-Farrell, who was getting a great tune out of him, when he made a mistake and unseated with the Thyestes at his mercy. The effect of that might have caught up with him in the Bobbyjo, when he pulled up. You can blunder your way round Aintree these days but he would want to get into a good rhythm there if he is to win it for Randox.

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Expert rating
11st 3lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Brian Hayes
Expert rating
Weight
11st 3lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
Brian Hayes

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3.

Banbridge​

Good ground specialist, one wonders if they water the track too much for a horse like him to win a National these days. Winner and second in the last two King Georges at Kempton, and third in the Ryanair on his last start. Class act on his day, and Joseph Patrick O'Brien has to be the best dual-purpose trainer anywhere these days.

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Expert rating
11st 11lb
Trainer
Joseph Patrick O'Brien
Jockey
JJ Slevin
Expert rating
Weight
11st 11lb
Trainer
Joseph Patrick O'Brien
Jockey
JJ Slevin

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34.

Twig​

Finished 10th in last year's National, but never got into the race at all when possibly ridden a bit too cold. It was, nevertheless, a good experience for him because he went back and won the Becher Chase over the fences, beating Mr Vango by a short-head getting a stone. A veteran these days but has won nearly half of his 13 chases, which is a lot more than can be said for some of his rivals, and expect more of a show under the owner's son, Beau, this time round. Had a nice warm-up for this over hurdles.

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Expert rating
10st 4lb
Trainer
Ben Pauling
Jockey
Beau Morgan
Expert rating
Weight
10st 4lb
Trainer
Ben Pauling
Jockey
Beau Morgan

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27.

Answer To Kayf​

The wetter the better, this one does not mind any amount of mud. Fourth behind Now Is The Hour in the Thyestes Chase last start and a so-so fourth in the Bobbyjo. Good fourth in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham a couple of years ago, very much weather dependent and any sightings of Noah on Merseyside in early April is considered helpful.

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Expert rating
10st 8lb
Trainer
Terence O'Brien
Jockey
John Shinnick
Expert rating
Weight
10st 8lb
Trainer
Terence O'Brien
Jockey
John Shinnick

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8.

Firefox​

Has spent most of his career knocking around over two-and-a-half miles. Beaten by Iroko at Ascot before Christmas but stepped up to three miles with a good effort behind Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup. Appeared to be ridden to pick up the pieces there and never got into the Gold Cup finishing, well beaten by Gaelic Warrior. A job to know whether he truly gets the trip or not; I suspect he doesn't.

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Expert rating
11st 4lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Keith Donoghue
Expert rating
Weight
11st 4lb
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Keith Donoghue

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18.

High Class Hero​

Once won five on the bounce when going from bumpers to novice hurdles. Won his beginners' chase in February 2025. Third when sent off as favourite (mainly because he was the choice of Paul Townend) behind Resplendent Grey in the bet365 Gold Cup. Is probably happiest on good ground. Not much doing this season so far but that's not to say he won't improve for some spring ground and a trip. Patrick Mullins reckons he's interesting and "high" on the list.

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Expert rating
10st 11lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
James Bowen
Expert rating
Weight
10st 11lb
Trainer
WP Mullins
Jockey
James Bowen

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36.

Imperial Saint​

Owned by a syndicate put together by former Champion jockey Richard Johnson who rode more winners than anyone other than AP McCoy, but also holds the record for most National rides without a win; maybe as an owner? Mainly campaigned over two-and-a-half but ran the race of his life to win the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock by a narrow margin from Richmond Lake. Nearly brought down in the Ultima at 13th, and ran on late. Didn't look like he was stopping there so trip should be OK, and he pretty much goes on any ground.

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Expert rating
10st 2lb
Trainer
Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
Jockey
TBC
Expert rating
Weight
10st 2lb
Trainer
Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
Jockey
TBC

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15.

Three Card Brag​

Finished 11th behind Nick Rockett in last year's National, a long way behind. Was up in the van for much of the way and doing too much, before running out of puff three out. Ran well in second behind Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, but disappointed in the Bobbyjo and blew hard, suggesting he needed the run after a three-month break. Will have a bit more weight than a year ago, but if he settles this time, he is not out of it.

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Expert rating
11st
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Jordan Gainford
Expert rating
Weight
11st
Trainer
Gordon Elliott
Jockey
Jordan Gainford

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17.

Mr Vango​

Defo one for the shortlist if soft. Looks made for a soft/heavy-ground National, although he proved when second to Twig in the Becher Chase and when winning the Midlands National last year that he is effective at a trip on good to soft. Bit screwed around by the weather this winter, waiting for the rain and then having to put up with abandonments. Returned home after pulling up at Sandown with a foot abscess so no mystery there, but did not finish the Eider Chase either. Coming in on the back of two pulled-ups is not ideal for his confidence. On the positive side, getting in the region of a stone from I Am Maximus he will think he is loose.

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Expert rating
10st 12lb
Trainer
Sara Bradstock
Jockey
Jack Tudor
Expert rating
Weight
10st 12lb
Trainer
Sara Bradstock
Jockey
Jack Tudor

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32.

Top Of The Bill​

Probably best on good-to-soft ground. A good-staying handicap chaser who wins his fair share of races but may not quite have the class to win a modern National. Cumulative jumping mistakes cost him the Haydock Grand National trial, so should stay. Ridden in all three starts this season by Toby McCain-Mitchell; Ginger McCain of Red Rum fame's grandson. Nice for him to have a ride but he might have to wait to add the next generation to the race's roll of honour.

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Expert rating
10st 5lb
Trainer
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey
Toby McCain-Mitchell
Expert rating
Weight
10st 5lb
Trainer
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey
Toby McCain-Mitchell

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37.

Amirite​

A good-ground operator whose last win was at Kilbeggan in the summer. Tried his hand at cross-country in December but well beaten after losing a shoe. Stays and jumps on the whole but Henry de Bromhead, who famously won it with Minella Times, has had better shots than this fella. Am I right?

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Expert rating
10st 2lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
TBC
Expert rating
Weight
10st 2lb
Trainer
Henry de Bromhead
Jockey
TBC

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30.

Marble Sands​

Only beaten by a neck over two miles on the Flat at Goodwood in October. Answered questions about stamina for three miles or so when successful over 3m 3½f at Cheltenham in November and followed up with a second-place finish in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby. Well beaten in 12th at Topham last April, he faces a tough task.

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Expert rating
10st 5lb
Trainer
David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
Jockey
Kielan Woods
Expert rating
Weight
10st 5lb
Trainer
David Killahena & Graeme McPherson
Jockey
Kielan Woods

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25.

The Real Whacker​

Winner of the Brown Advisory in 2023 and has probably been hard to place ever since, but dropping down the handicap now. Has had to compete in Grade Ones and has found it tough. Last win came over Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall, but he is still capable of throwing in a good effort. Fifth in last year's Gold Cup. Had a couple of spins over hurdles this season to mix it up. Colourful owner whose stable also includes nightclubs in Galway.

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Expert rating
10st 9lb
Trainer
Patrick Neville
Jockey
Gavin Sheehan
Expert rating
Weight
10st 9lb
Trainer
Patrick Neville
Jockey
Gavin Sheehan

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20.

Beauport​

A good stayer who probably did a bit too much in last year's race; too close to the pace rather than biding his time. Racing like that he didn't get him home but he is a Midlands National winner. Pulled up in the Long Walk Hurdle, had wind surgery and ran OK without setting the world on fire in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock mid-Feb. Second time out after wind op is usually the time to see what difference it makes. Owner was the youngest when his Corbiere won back in the day. Now not so young.

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Expert rating
10st 11lb
Trainer
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey
Sam Twiston-Davies
Expert rating
Weight
10st 11lb
Trainer
Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
Jockey
Sam Twiston-Davies

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Reserves​

In order of who will get a run if there are further withdrawals

38.

Ain’t That A Shame​

Gave ex-amateur jockey David Maxwell the ride of his life when sixth in 2024, having completed a year before as a novice with Rachael Blackmore. Subsequently sold in a dispersal sale and moved to Tom Ellis from Henry de Bromhead. Fell at the last at Kelso when needing to jump round to qualify.

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Expert rating
10st 2lb
Trainer
Tom Ellis
Jockey
TBC
Expert rating
Weight
10st 2lb
Trainer
Tom Ellis
Jockey
TBC

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39.

Deep Cave​

Welsh-trained horse who originally started out in Ireland, before moving to France. Only needs Scotland to complete his passport now. On a roll winning at Aintree last spring and then at Bangor and Ascot this season, before finishing fifth in the Great Yorkshire Chase. Disappointed when losing a shoe at Kempton last time. Has won on heavy but probably best on decent ground.

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Expert rating
9st 13lb
Trainer
Christian Williams
Jockey
TBC
Expert rating
Weight
9st 13lb
Trainer
Christian Williams
Jockey
TBC

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40.

Buddy One​

Last win for this horse, which flits between Flat, fences and hurdles, came on the Flat at Balinrobe over a mile and five in July. Not much to shout about since, although did not run too badly in the Red Mills at Gowran mid-Feb over an insufficient trip. I'd say his best effort was finishing fifth to Bob Olinger in the Stayers Hurdle last March. If he is long on stamina he may be a bit short on class for a National.

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Expert rating
9st 12lb
Trainer
Paul John Gilligan
Jockey
TBC
Expert rating
Weight
9st 12lb
Trainer
Paul John Gilligan
Jockey
TBC

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