THERE will be just 32 runners in this year’s Grand National after a pair of early non-runners.
The field was down from 40 to 34 this year owing to safety changes and it was further depleted following Run Wild Fred and Chambard‘s late withdrawals.
PAVenetia Williams will be without a Grand National runner[/caption]
Venetia Williams had been hopeful of a big run from Chambard, a general 66-1 chance, but he was found to be lame this morning.
Williams, who trained Mon Mome to win the 2009 National at odds of 100-1, will be without a runner in the big race as a result.
The same comments don’t apply to Gordon Elliott, as despite Run Wild Fred being taken out due to lameness, he still has seven going to post.
Elliott is bidding for a fourth Grand National, following wins with Silver Birch in 2007 and a pair with fan favourite Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
His biggest chance looks to be dual Cross Country winner Delta Work, who finished third in 2022 behind Noble Yeats.
He was still going well when unseating mid-race last year and may have unfinished business with the National – despite being 11-years-old.
Delta Work is 25-1 alongside stablemate Coko Beach, who has run well for a long way in the last two Nationals but failed to get home.
All the morning cash has been for the Willie Mullins-trained Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus.
He was an impressive winner of the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse when last seen and the drying ground is only in his favour.
Britain’s biggest hope is last year’s winner Corach Rambler, who ran a screamer in the Gold Cup last month.
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