THE fences are no longer the test they once were and the field has been cut to just thirty four.
But while the powers that be can’t help but tinker with this country’s great test of the thoroughbred, Grand National day remains something truly special.
AFPWill the all-conquering Willie Mullins add this year’s Grand National to his CV as well?[/caption]
Indeed, this afternoon our nation — and much of the world — goes racing and appreciates all that is incredible about the horse.
The waiting is over. This is the race that allows families around the country to huddle together, pick a runner and watch a unique event.
And the people that find the winner will get that buzz, that feeling those of us who love this game have enjoyed time and time again. There’s nothing like it.
You see, the Grand National is a one off.
From the moment the starting tape is released, there’s that toxic mixture of fascination, thrill and danger. Yes, danger.
Because while the fences may not be what they once were, there are still 30 of them over nearly four and a half miles.
So rest assured this is a race that still takes some winning, pushing man, woman and the horses — specifically bred to race — to their limits.
Remember, the tape is due to ping back at an earlier-than-usual 4.00pm to the roar of a rocking Liverpool crowd itching to ‘Twist and Shout’.
Then, from a new standing start, 136 hooves are set to thunder to the first fence, with the crack of the odd whip as riders jostle for an early position.
Becher’s Brook, the Canal Turn and The Chair await, as does a place in racing history which already features the likes of 100-1 shot Foinavon, triple hero Red Rum and the Bob Champion cancer story via Aldaniti.
And last year, of course, there was Corach Rambler, who returns for another go.
And it’s not always the winner that takes centre stage. Remember Devon Loch coming down on the run in for the Queen Mother in 1956, and what about Crisp’s defeat by Red Rum in ‘73?
The big question is, of course, who will take centre stage?
There are some terrific stories around Kitty’s Light, trained by Christian Williams whose daughter Betsy is fighting leukemia, cross country specialist Delta Work and Latenightpass, representing wife and husband team of Gina Andrews and Tom Ellis.
That said, here is my 1-2-3-4.
1st I Am Maximus — Lightly-raced for colossus Willie Mullins, but has already finished in front of a Gold Cup winner and landed an Irish Grand National as a novice.
Has always shown talent, making a winning debut at Cheltenham in 2020 when in the care of Nicky Henderson.
Goes well in testing conditions and stays strongly. Some question his jumping but I’d argue it’s harder to leap around Fairyhouse than the fences here.
2nd Noble Yeats — It seems like he’s been around for years having landed the National in 2023 and finished fourth last year.
Those were achieved off marks of 147 and 166. He’s on 165 now.
However, he’s still only nine and has been in cracking form this term, landing the Cleeve and finishing a fair seventh in the Stayers’.
Others might be better handicapped but he should give Harry Cobden a decent spin.
3rd Meetingofthewaters — He finished third in the Ultima at Cheltenham.
A relative youngster who surely has more to give and probably won’t ever get in the race again off a mark as low as 147. A big ride for Danny Mullins.
4th Vanillier — Gavin Cromwell’s grey hasn’t been at his best this season for all that his handicap mark has only dropped 1lb.
That means on paper he has more to do than when chasing home Corach Rambler in 2023.
However, he stayed on really well that day and I’m sure his whole campaign has been geared up for this day. Good luck!
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