Corach Rambler will need to carry the heaviest weight to victory in the Grand National since 2015 if last year’s winner is to retain the crown at Aintree on Saturday.
Lucinda Russell’s stable star is burdened with 11st 6lbs but could be well in with the handicapper after a fine third place in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Corach Rambler is not the only previous Grand National winner in the 32-runner field, however, as 2022 hero Noble Yeats bids for another famous outing but the mount of Harry Cobden is lumbered with the top weight of 11st 12lbs.
Vanillier stayed on strongly to place second in last year’s renewal and is joined by stablemate Limerick Lace – the winner of the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – in his attempt to go one better.
Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins saddle eight runners each but it is the latter that appears to have the stronger squad as I Am Maximus, Meetingofthewaters and Mr Incredible have all been prominent in the antepost betting.
The latest Grand National odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
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Grand National verdict
Timeform: Claims can be made for plenty in a cracking renewal including low-mileage 8-y-o MAHLER MISSION. Kept fresh since a fine second in the Coral Gold Cup, the way he jumped/travelled that day marked him down as one who will be well served by the demands of this race. Vanillier, second last year, and the improving Meetingofthewaters head the dangers along with last year’s hero Corach Rambler who bids to emulate the greats Tiger Roll and Red Rum. Panda Boy and Delta Work complete the shortlist.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Grand National runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Grand National 2024.
Noble Yeats
Trainer: Emmet Mullins Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Top-class chaser who became first 7-y-o since 1940 to win this race 2 years ago and typically displayed bags of stamina when fourth from 19 lb higher mark 12 months ago. Campaigned over hurdles more recently, winning the Cleeve before midfield in Stayers’ Hurdle last month. Each-way claims again.
***
Nassalam
Trainer: Gary Moore Jockey: Caoilin Quinn Age: 7 Weight: 11st 8lbs
Caught the eye when fourth in Grand Sefton here in November and took form up a notch in blinkers, emphatically winning Welsh National over Christmas. Hit hard by the assessor as a result and whilst he’s best excused his Gold Cup run, this rates no easy task under a big weight.
***
Coko Beach
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Jordan Gainford Age: 9 Weight: 11st 8lbs
Likeable grey who has looked better than ever this campaign, landing the Troytown before a good second in the Becher here. Took well to Cross Country when going in again at Punchestown (24.6f) in February but worth noting he’s not got home in the last 2 renewals of this race from lower marks.
***
Capodanno
Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Keith Donoghue Age: 8 Weight: 11st 8lbs
High-class chaser who got back to winning ways when landing Grade 2 Cotswold Chase (25.2f) at Cheltenham in January and similar form despite shaping as if the drop in trip was against him when fourth in the Ryanair last month. However, seemingly failed for stamina in this 12 months ago.
**
I Am Maximus
Trainer: Willie Mullins Jockey: Paul Townend Age: 8 Weight: 11st 6lbs
8-y-o who displayed deep reserves of stamina when taking last season’s Irish National. Took his form up a notch in landing 2 of his 4 starts this time round, well on top when seeing off Vanillier in the Bobbyjo in February. Jumping does temper enthusiasm to a degree but he possesses the class.
***
Minella Indo
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 11 Weight: 11st 6lbs
2021 Gold Cup hero who was well prepared back from 7 months off to land Grade 3 at Punchestown in October. Similar form when fourth behind Latenightpass in Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in December but suspicion this 11-y-o will find a few too good.
**
Corach Rambler
Trainer: Lucinda Russell Jockey: Derek Fox Age: 10 Weight: 11st 6lbs
High-class chaser who emulated his stablemate One For Arthur when running out a most impressive winner of this race 12 months ago (Vanillier second). Repeat bid looks to have been his target since and well in at the weights following his cracking third in last month’s Gold Cup. Lots to like.
****
Janidil
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Jody McGarvey Age: 10 Weight: 11st 6lbs
Willie Mullins trained 10-y-o who won Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran last season. Lightly raced and largely underwhelming efforts have followed, including when well beaten in last month’s Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival. Stamina has to be a major doubt returned to chasing.
**
Stattler
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Mr P. W. Mullins Age: 9 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Quickly developed into a high-class novice over fences, running out a ready winner of the NH Chase 2 seasons ago. Rather underwhelming efforts this campaign though and didn’t really warm to his task when distant fourth over Cross Country fences at Punchestown in February.
**
Mahler Mission
Trainer: John McConnell Jockey: B. W. Harvey Age: 8 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Improved model switched to chasing, having his rivals on the stretch when departing 2 out in last season’s NH Chase at Cheltenham. Proved much sharper for his return when a fine second in Coral Gold Cup in December, travelling/jumping well. Connections keen to keep him fresh for this. Big player.
*****
Delta Work
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: J. W. Kennedy Age: 11 Weight: 11st 4lbs
Did well to finish third here 2 years ago, and having landed his second consecutive Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, he unseated back here 12 months ago. Should be sharper for a spin in Grade 2 Hurdle at Navan in February and no surprise to see a good showing with first-time blinkers enlisted.
***
Foxy Jacks
Trainer: M. F. Morris Jockey: Gavin Peter Brouder Age: 10 Weight: 11st 4lbs
Hit the ground running during second half of last year, landing Midlands National at Kilbeggan, and jumped better than often the case when seeing off Latenightpass in Cross Country contest at Cheltenham in December. Good fourth over hurdles since but needs to keep the errors to a minimum here.
**
Galvin
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Sam Ewing Age: 10 Weight: 11st 2lbs
Very smart chaser with a very good record at Cheltenham, runner-up behind stablemate Delta Work in last season’s Cross Country Chase. Efforts this winter suggest he retains plenty of ability but worth noting he unseated at the first in this race 12 months ago.
***
Farouk D’Alene
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Donagh Meyler Age: 9 Weight: 11st 1lbs
Gordon Elliott-trained 9-y-o who was twice successful over fences as a novice, latterly a Grade 2 in early 2022. Hasn’t convinced with his jumping in this sphere since however and didn’t mark himself down as a leading candidate for this race when pulled up in last month’s Pertemps at Cheltenham.
**
Eldorado Allen
Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 10 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Grey who remains capable of smart form on his day over fences, proving as much when fourth in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December. Well beaten having rare start over hurdles at Plumpton in January and pulled up in Ultima at Cheltenham since. Others preferred.
**
Ain’t That A Shame
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Mr David Maxwell Age: 10 Weight: 10st 13lbs
Hurdles/chase winner who seemingly failed for stamina when midfield in last year’s renewal. Never figured first 2 starts initially this season but firmly back on track when taking 18-runner Thyestes Chase (25f, heavy) in January. Previous comments concerning this trip remain a concern.
***
Vanillier
Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell Jockey: Sean Flanagan Age: 9 Weight: 10st 12lbs
Albert Bartlett winner in 2021 who ran a cracker from a long way back when a strong-finishing second to Corach Rambler 12 months ago. 9 lb better off with his old rival here and teed himself up for another crack with a good second behind I Am Maximus in the Bobbyjo in February. On the shortlist.
****
Mr Incredible
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: B. Hayes Age: 8 Weight: 10st 11lbs
Has looked quirky but no doubting his ability, placed in Classic Chase/Kim Muir and still firmly in the mix when unseating his rider soon after Canal Turn second time round 12 months ago. Returned with a solid second under big weight in Midlands National last month and not underestimated.
***
Run Wild Fred
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Non Runner Age: 10 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Non Runner.
Latenightpass
Trainer: Tom Ellis Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews Age: 11 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Multiple point winner who is well proven over the National fences, landing the 2022 Foxhunters, and he added to his haul in Cross Country discipline for Dan Skelton at Cheltenham in December. Latest spin over hurdles should have blown cobwebs away and interesting runner re-united with former stable.
***
Minella Crooner
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: K. C. Sexton Age: 8 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Useful chaser who made a winning return in 4-runner listed chase at Wexford and similar form when third in Tramore Grade 3 on New Year’s Day. Struggled since though, well held in Ultima Handicap latest and far from certain to relish this test (well-beaten both starts beyond 3m).
**
Adamantly Chosen
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: S. F. O’Keeffe Age: 7 Weight: 10st 9lbs
7-y-o who made most of a good opportunity when resuming winning ways in 5-runner Down Royal chase (26.2f) last month. Stamina not fully tested at the trip on that occasion and definite reservations as to whether he wants this far. Others preferred.
**
Mac Tottie
Trainer: Peter Bowen Jockey: James Bowen Age: 11 Weight: 10st 9lbs
Won 2 races over the National fences during 2021/22 campaign and notched another success on belated return here (Mildmay Course) on Boxing Day. Below best over hurdles/fences since and stamina to prove upped markedly in trip operating from this career-high mark.
**
Chemical Energy
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Danny Gilligan Age: 8 Weight: 10st 9lbs
Easy winner of first 2 starts over fences and career-best effort when runner-up in NH Chase at the Festival last term, reeled in late on by Gaillard du Mesnil. Didn’t get home in Irish National thereafter and absent since finishing midfield in Kerry equivalent last summer. This may just stretch him.
***
Limerick Lace
Trainer: Gavin Patrick Cromwell Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Smart mare who is enjoying a cracking season, winning 3 times either side of her second in the Troytown (behind Coko Beach), including Grade 2 Mares’ Chase at the Festival last month. Interesting she’s the choice of Mark Walsh and looking to be first mare since Nickel Coin in 1951 to take this.
***
Meetingofthewaters
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: D. E. Mullins Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Well-served by increase in stamina when landing 27-runner Leopardstown handicap (24.4f) over Christmas and quickly over his unfortunate mishap there in February when a cracking third in last month’s Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham. Further progress likely for top stable and one for the shortlist.
****
The Goffer
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Lightly raced this term and shaped better than distance beaten suggests when fifth of 21 in Ultima Handicap at the Festival 32 days ago. Possible he’ll be sharper with that under his belt and he appeals as being on a workable mark for all this rates a sterner assignment.
***
Roi Mage
Trainer: Patrick Griffin Jockey: James Reveley Age: 12 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Veteran who made good fist of things having first crack at these fences when seventh 12 months ago. Enhanced his good record at Compiegne in November and produced another solid effort when second at Down Royal latest but have to go back 20 years for last 12-y-o winner of this race.
***
Glengouly
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: M. J. M. O’Sullivan Age: 8 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Lightly-raced front runner who cemented positive start to the season when a solid second behind Ain’t That A Shame in Thyestes Chase (25f, heavy) at Gowran in January. Took strong hold and ultimately well held in Plate Handicap at Cheltenham since and he’ll need to settle better up markedly in trip.
**
Galia Des Liteaux
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 8 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Low-mileage mare whose 3 chase victories have come in small fields but showed another dimension to her game when second in Classic Chase at Warwick (29.2f, soft) in January. Not at her best at Exeter since but she remains with untapped potential over marathon trips and yard enjoying a fine season.
***
Panda Boy
Trainer: Martin Brassil Jockey: J. J. Slevin Age: 8 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Smart chaser who finished fifth in last season’s Irish National and big effort when staying-on second behind Meetingofthewaters at Leopardstown (24.4f, heavy) in December. Solid fourth over hurdles in February and this sort of test looks tailor-made for him. Yard won this with Numbersixvalverde.
****
Eklat De Rire
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe Age: 10 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Lightly raced since unseating in Brown Advisory at Cheltenham 3 years ago but stepped up on return when runner-up in 4-runner chase at Fairyhouse (3m) in February. Better than being pulled up suggests back at Cheltenham latest but others make much more appeal.
*
Chambard
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Non Runner Age: 12 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Non Runner.
Kitty’s Light
Trainer: Christian Williams Jockey: Jack Tudor Age: 8 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Signed off last season by landing an exceptional hat-trick, winning the Eider Chase, Scottish National and bet365 Gold Cup. Has seemingly been brought along with spring targets in mind again, and whilst underfoot conditions may not be ideal, he’d be the most heart-warming of winners. Respected.
***
Today’s Aintree Tips
- Paddy Power pundits’ epic cheat sheet of horse racing tips for Aintree
- Aintree tips for Day 3 on Saturday from Rory Delargy
- Mick Fitzgerald’s horse racing tips for Saturday at Aintree
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips for Aintree on Grand National Saturday
Read These Next on the Grand National 2024
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest Grand National tips
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- Grand National weights: Full list of Aintree 2024 handicap ratings
- Grand National favourites: Paddy Power’s leading contenders for Aintree 2024
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