The time had come once again, the third weekend in April brought along with the historic Grand National Festival in Liverpool. A venue where dreams come true and fierce passion is shown on both the track and in the crowd. It was time to write a new chapter in the sport's history, a new name on the trophy, a new "I was there" moment. 
Many of the sport's most dramatic and heart-warming moments have taken place on the Aintree turf. From the carnage at the smallest fence in 1969 allowed Foinavon to complete the course virtually by himself to the IRA bomb threat in 1997 which caused a mass evacuation and postponement of the race. Not to forgot the false start fiasco in 1993 in which the race never started but most of the field continued regardless, leading to a voided race.

The race has also seen its share of Hollywood moments, none more so that Bob Champion's fight against cancer before winning the Grand National on Aldaniti and the legendary Red Rum winning his third Grand National, a feat that has never been replicated. Tony McCoy finally winning the fabled race for the first time in 2010 was a crowing moment to the career of one of the all time greats and of course last year, Noble Yeats landing the race for Sam Waley-Cohen who had announced just days before that he would be retiring from the saddle. 

The great race itself still holds the same amount of prestige and excitement as it ever has and around the country, families and work colleagues come together to discuss their selections to take the bragging rights of choosing the winner. This year's renewal caused some concern to racing fans due to the lower than average number of entries at the first stage. 2023's total of 85 at the first entry stage was down on previous years as qualification stipulations were toughened up. The entries were whittled down to forty final runners and riders for Britain's own race that stops a nation. Quality was shown in abundance this year as the entry list read like a "who's who" of National Hunt Racing. The increased prize money added to the reward and it helped to attract a much classier line up than usual. Four of the first six finishers from last year returned to Aintree for another go which included the winner Noble Yeats, runner-up Any Second Now, third Delta Work and sixth Longhouse Poet. They had all been primed for this year and arrived in top form for the task at hand. Elsewhere on the roll call, high class names like Galvin, Fury Road, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Capdanno had all raced in Grade One company this year alongside the British contingent led by race favourite Corach Rambler, Le Milos and Our Power.
Irish-based trainers faced the dilemma of a choice between the Grand National or the Irish Grand National which was held six days before Aintree this year. Much to the relief of the Grand National, many of the leading protagonists who held double entries had chosen Liverpool over Fairyhouse and the race retained its high class lineup. .
Forty horses and jockeys were declared forty-eight hours before race time and an exciting and fascinating Grand National was about to take place. Only one pair would take home the trophy. 

For the rest of the meeting, please follow the link below.

For a seperate gallery featuring the parade of legends and a track walk before racing, please follow the link below. 

Full Race Report at the very bottom of the page:

The Randox Grand National 2023 (Premier Handicap) (4 miles, 2 furlongs) (7-y-o+)

1) ANY SECOND NOW (Oscar x Pretty Neat)
Trainer: Ted Walsh (Ireland)
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Weight: 11st 12lbs. 
An Aintree regular with this being his third attempt at glory in the Grand National. Trained by the highly respected Ted Walsh who landed the 2000 running with Papillon under son Ruby, the eleven year old has finished in the frame in the previous two years. Developing through the ranks as a smart handicap chaser, Any Second Now has won over a range of distances between two miles and three and a quarter miles. Missing out on the Covid 19-cancelled running in 2020, Any Second Now returned in 2021 to finish third. He did extremely well in the circumstances after being badly hampered by a faller and losing ground. Twelve months later, the son of Oscar finished one place higher to fill the runners' up spot after taking the lead at the final fence. This year was hoped to be third time lucky but the handicapper had his say by allocating the Irish runner with top weight of 11st 12lbs. Retaining all of his high class ability, Any Second Now has raced in Grade One company including a fourth in the Irish Gold Cup before warming up nicely with a cosy win of a Grade Two over two and a half miles.  
The green and gold silks of owner JP McManus is a regular sight in a Grand National, usually with multiple runners. After the retirements of Barry Geraghty and AP McCoy, Mark Walsh has taken over as retained rider for McManus. A high class rider, he has already tasted victory at the festival in the famous Irish colours. 

2) NOBLE YEATS (Yeats x That's Moyne)
Trainer: Emmett Mullins (Ireland)
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Weight: 11st 11lbs. 
The defending Grand National champion and one set to put up a hard fight for his title once again. Twelve months ago, Aintree was the scene of one of the most heart-warming victories in Grand National history as Sam Waley-Cohen rode Noble Yeats to victory during the final race of his career in the saddle. Noble Yeats smashed most trends by winning as a novice and as a seven year old, but he has since proven much better class than the average Grand National winner. Showing acceleration rarely shown by such a stayer, he won at Aintree's December meeting over regular fences before putting in a career best in the Gold Cup on his latest start. Outpaced for much of the event, Noble Yeats really charged up the hill and claimed fourth place at the finish, catching the eye in a big way. Returning to Aintree, his task will be a lot harder carrying the allocated 11st 11lbs compared to his winning weight of 10st 10lbs last year. His extremely shrewd trainer Emmett Mullins is highly renowned for knowing the time of day with his horses and few others come close to executing race plans
Ridden this year by Sean Bowen, the star youngster of the saddle is a future champion jockey and has enjoyed a great partnership with Noble Yeats, winning at Aintree in December and producing a never give up ride in the Gold Cup. 

3) GALVIN (Gold Well x Burren Moonshine)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Jockey: Davy Russell
Weight: 11st 11lbs.
Another high class entry from the stable of Gordon Elliott in the form of Galvin, who has always appealed as a Grand National prospect one day. A much classier type over fences than hurdles, he emerged on the scene when completing a four race unbeaten season as a second season novice, finishing with the National Hunt Chase just shy of four miles. That would set Galvin up for a tilt at the highest league and he duly delivered with a win in Grade One company in December 2021.  The Gold Cups at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals would be a bridge too far for the son of Gold Well, which prompted fresh ideas of aiming at the Grand National this year. A change of ideas from his astute trainer saw Galvin assigned a first attempt at Cheltenham's Cross Country Chase at the festival. A race run over a variety of obstacles, it is a good test of stamina and jumping. Travelling powerfully throughout, Galvin took up the lead on the home bend as his stablemate Delta Work stalked his progress. The pair jumped the last together but Delta Work saw out the 3 mile 6 furlong test the better. Arriving for the Grand National, Galvin fits a lot of trends as he matches the ideal age, ability and stamina needed for a Grand National winner for a stable which know how to win the race.
Veteran of the saddle Davy Russell takes the ride for Gordon Elliott, just as he did when winning on Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. Russell originally retired at the start of this year, but due to a jockey injury crisis, he made a swift return as emergency cover and it would be a remarkable way to bow out from a fantastic career.  

4) FURY ROAD (Stowaway x Molly Duffy)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jnr.
Weight: 11st 6lbs.
An almost identical challenger to stablemate Conflated and owned by the same owner Gigginstown House Stud, Fury Road is another high class chaser for Gordon Elliott in the field. The nine-year-old gelding was originally known as a leading staying hurdler for the Cullentra House yard and won Grade One novice events over hurdles and fences. In open company, Fury Road has struck the crossbar on two occasions recently with third place finishes at Leopardstown's major festivals. His status as being just short of top class will make the Grand National a more suitable target and one the horse may enjoy better. Despite the doubts over the stamina sapping distance of over 4 miles, his class will make up for it in abundance.
Jonjo O'Neill takes the high quality spare ride for a rare ride for the Elliott stable. The son of legendary jockey and trainer Jonjo O'Neill Snr has ridden winners on the biggest stage and is set to emulate the career of his father. 

5) THE BIG DOG (Mahler x Saddlers Leader)
Trainer: Peter Fahey (Ireland)
Jockey: Aidan Coleman 
Weight: 11st 5lbs
The flag bearer for the Peter Fahey stable in Ireland and after his rapid progression this season, The Big Dog has been let off the leash in recent times. Always highly regarded, he was brought to the boil slowly by his astute trainer. Further improvement was found as soon as The Big Dog saw a fence and long distance races. Winning the 2021 Grand National Trial at Punchestown in dogged fashion despite his rider losing his irons close home. He has returned to the track with a vengeance for this season and hit the ground running by landing the Munster National and Troytown Handicap. Those races are valuable contests and he was at his best at the finish, showing strong stamina to hit the line running. A brave third place under a welterweight of twelve stone on heavy ground in the Welsh National was another personal best and the aim has always been Aintree's showpiece event.
Aidan Coleman took the leg up for the Irish hope and is no stranger to the ten year old as he rode a great race in the Welsh Grand National last December when the pair carried twelve stone to third place and not beaten far. 

6) CAPODANNO (Manduro x Day Gets Up)
Trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland) 
Jockey: Danny Mullins
Weight: 11st 5lbs.
The first of many entries for leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins, Capodanno brought Grade One winning form to the equation as he looked to be another interesting contender. A lightly race seven year old with just twelve starts, Capodanno has been trained with this race in mind. In previous years, a seven year old would be instantly ruled out of shortlists for their lack of experience until Noble Yeats dispelled that myth a year ago. Falling short at Cheltenham in the novice chase, Capodanno returned home to Punchestown to land the Grade One Champion Novice Chase impressively. A long layoff until Februrary indicate this race may have been the plan all along and Capodanno ran well to finish third in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park. Staying on nicely over a trip shorter than his preferred distance, the seven year old can emerge into contention for the ever feared Willie Mullins stable.
A member of the ever growing Mullins dynasty, Danny Mullins takes the ride for his uncle Willie. A very classy rider and one often feared when on a front runner, Danny is often seen as the second best rider available to Willie Mullins, behind only Paul Townend. 

7) DELTA WORK (Network x Robbe) 
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Weight: 11st 4lbs 
Another returning warrior from last year's renewal, Delta Work looked well treated to go two placings higher than 2022. Always the apple of his trainer's eye, Delta Work has been high class throughout the majority of his career. Another winner at the highest level in the field, Delta Work landed the 2020 Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup to go with other major acclaims throughout his career. A drop in class last year saw him take in the Cross-Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival where he took to the challenge like an old pro and spoiled the fairytale retirement of Tiger Roll. He would then go on to Aintree last year to finish a very brave third under a big weight. At the weights reveal, his rating of 5lbs lower than twelve months ago immediately caught the eye and he arrives a leading contender after a battling win over Galvin to win the Cross-Country Chase for a second year running. 
A regular rider of horses trained by Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House, Keith Donoghue has landed another plum ride in a big race. After riding Tiger Roll on many occasions, Donoghue warmed up for the Grand National by riding Delta Work in the Cross-Country Chase last time out, giving the horse a quiet and confident ride. 

8) SAM BROWN (Black Sam Bellamy x Cream Cracker)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Weight: 11st 4lbs. 
A once high class prospect in his younger days, injury setbacks have disrupted the career of Sam Brown by no end. Tasting defeat just once in his first six starts, layoffs saw connections miss valuable race time with their gelding. The lightly raced son of Black Sam Bellamy has enjoyed an injury-free spell in the last two seasons and he showed his true potential on this card twelve months ago. Taking in the handicap chase known as "the race before the National", Sam Brown tanked through the race and ended up winning by a yawning fifteen lengths. The handicap chase has seen former Grand National champions take the race on their path to racing stardom. His rating has undeniably been destroyed by that performance last year and Sam Brown has struggled recently, but a return to Aintree's flat track could see him back to his best again. 
Jonny Burke takes the ride on the highest rated British runner in the Grand National and has been a real breakout star in the past year or so. A winner at the Cheltenham Festival and at Grade One level, he is no stranger to the big stage.

9) LIFETIME AMBITION (Kapgarde x Jeanquiri)

Trainer: Jessie Harrington (Ireland)
Jockey: Sean O'Keeffe
Weight: 11st 3lbs 
Trained by the first lady of Irish racing, Jessie Harrington, the son of Kapgarde could be well named for his handler who has yet to win the Grand National. A very smart hurdler in the early stages of his career, Lifetime Ambition has followed up to a similar level over fences. The eight year old has already had a taste of the famous Grand National fences this season after a fourth place in the Grand Sefton Chase, ran over half of the Grand National distance. Finishing fourth, he seemed to enjoy the new experience and it was a good sighter with April in mind. He followed up that effort with a brave run in the Troytown Chase where he jumped boldly out in front before finding The Big Dog too strong in the closing stages. Lifetime Ambition's good jumping and prominent run style gives him the hallmarks of an ideal Grand National contender. 
Regular rider Sean O'Keeffe retains the ride on what could be a very smart ticket in this lottery of all lotteries. A potential win would be the ultimate heart warming story as trainer Jessie Harrington also revealed her diagnosis of breast cancer. All of the recent lows in life will be brushed away by the ultimate high of winning a Grand National for the first time. 

10) CAREFULLY SELECTED (Well Chosen x Knockamullen Girl)
Trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland)
Jockey: Michael O'Sullivan
Weight: 11st 1lb
One of the oldest contenders in the lineup at the age of eleven, but one of the smarter types in the field. The son of Well Chosen has returned from a huge layoff and appears to have lost none of his talent. Winner of an impressive seven of thirteen starts over jumps, Carefully Selected was seen as one of the bankers of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival. Unseating his rider when well held was a disappointing return and he was then away from the track for over 1000 days. Reappearing in last winter's Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown, he understandably needed the run and finished midfield. Carefully Selected bounced back to his best with a gritty win in the Thyestes Chase in January. Showing impressive battling qualities to hold on, it was the type of performance needed in the heat of battle at Aintree. 
An eye-catching jockey booking is the highly touted youngster Michael O'Sullivan, who looks to hold ability beyond his youth. A future star of the saddle, O'Sullivan won many plaudits for his timing and calmness at the Cheltenham Festival in March when winning two races on the first day. A high profile ride for such a big stable is only testament to his potential. 

11) COKO BEACH (Cokoriko x Solana Beach) 
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Weight: 11st 0lbs.
A relatively young chaser at the age of eight, yet Coko Beach has a wealth of experience in big field handicaps and has won his fair share of valuable events in recent years. The grey son of Cokoriko burst onto the scene from an early stage in his career when second in the juvenile handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, but his true calling has been over fences. As a novice, he achieved the rare feat of winning the Thyestes Chase and a Grade Two event before a respectable seventh in the Irish Grand National. All roads led to Aintree last year and he put in a bold display in the 2022 Grand National where he led the field into the home straight before the long run-in claimed him as a victim, weakening into eighth place. Another tilt at the biggest race of the year is on the cards and he arrives in good form after a gritty win in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown in February. The grey gelding will be a popular selection by many who love the fairer skinned runners. 
Harry Cobden is an eye-catching jockey booking for the Gigginstown/Elliott combination as Cobden has enjoyed another fantastic season. He is renowned for being calm with his hands on the reins which gives his mounts the freedom to jump at their own devices. The key to a race like this is saving energy and there are few jockeys better at this than Cobden. 

12) LONGHOUSE POET (Yeats x Moscow Madame)
Trainer: Martin Brassil (Ireland)
Jockey: J J Slevin
Weight: 11st 0lbs. 
Yet another returning runner to Aintree and another member of the first six from last year's Grand National, Longhouse Poet will be looking to get closer than his sixth place twelve months ago. Trained by Irish trainer Martin Brassil who became a household name by winning the 2006 Grand National with the aptly named Numbersixvalverde, his charge was well fancied in the betting for last year's race. During that season, he had landed the valuable Thyestes Chase which is an esteemed trial for the Aintree showpiece. Longhouse Poet caught the eye throughout in the Grand National last year with the way he travelled effortlessly and took really well to the fences. He was one of many with a chance at the final fence, but he folded on the run in to finish over thirty lengths behind winner Noble Yeats. This year around has been filled with mixed fortunes, winning a minor hurdle race over Christmas, he fluffed his lines on latest start in the Bobbyjo Chase when falling at the first fence but made swift amends on his latest start. While all eyes were on Cheltenham's Gold Cup meeting, Longhouse Poet quietly took part in a conditions race at Down Royal. Justifying favouritisim, he toughed it out well in the three and a quarter mile chase to arrive at Aintree on the back of a confidence boosting win and racing off a rating 4lbs lower than last year.
The well fancied ride will be taken by the ever improving J J Slevin, usually attached to the Joseph O'Brien stable but making waves elsewhere in Ireland. Slevin landed the first race of this year's Grand National festival on Thursday when riding Banbridge and will be looking to cap the festival off with the biggest prize of them all. 

13) GAILLARD DU MESNIL (Saint des Saints x Athena Du Mesnil)
Trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland) 
Jockey: Paul Townend
Weight: 11st 0lbs.
Another high class from the Willie Mullins and seemingly the biggest hope for the Closutton stable in this year's running. A remarkably consistent type, the seven year old has finished in the first three on eighteen of his nineteen career starts. A Grade One winner over hurdles on just his third start in Ireland, he has spent the majority of his career at the highest level ever since. Switching to fences, it was a surprise to see Gaillard du Mesnil not win a race during his first novice season, but that season included a third place in the Brown Advisory Chase and more importantly, the Irish Grand National. He retains his status as a novice chaser this season and the experience has seen him in good stead with another Grade One victory and looking every inch a high class stayer. A return to Cheltenham for the National Hunt Chase over four miles was a season-long target and a plan well made as the grey seven year old showed deep amounts of stamina to turn a seemingly lost hope into a wide margin victory up the Cheltenham run in. It was a deeply impressive win and he will arrive at Aintree as one of the favourites. Aiming to give his dominant trainer a second Grand National win and first since Hedgehunter in 2005, Gaillard Du Mesnil has the talent and stamina needed to go well. 
It comes as no surprise to see Paul Townend choose Gaillard du Mesnil from the long list of Willie Mullins runners, many at Closutton perceive the grey to be their best hope and stable jockey Townend has chosen accordingly. The Irish champion jockey is on a crest of a wave at the moment following wins in the biggest races recently. A spectacular ride on Galopin des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and a never-say-die ride on I Am Maximus in the Irish Grand National at the start of this week. 

14) DARASSO (Konig Turf x Nassora)
Trainer: Joseph O'Brien (Ireland)
Jockey: Luke Dempsey
Weight: 10st 13lbs. 

When it comes to Grand National contenders, there won't be a more colourful CV than the one of Darasso's. A unique career which has seen the Joseph O'Brien-trained ten year old contest in a Champion Hurdle over two miles and Kerry National Chase over three miles. Formerly high class in the early stages of his career in France, he was purchased by JP McManus in 2018 and he made an immediate impact by winning a graded hurdle and chase back to back within a month. Adapting to every challenge assigned to him, Darasso may not have the high class or progressive form needed for a modern day Grand National winner, but he has danced every dance so far. A strong positive is his form in staying handicap chases. He seems to enjoy the larger fields to pass horses in and placed efforts in two Galway Plates and a Kerry National bode well in a premier handicap such as the Grand National. 
The secondary colours of owner JP McManus will be worn by Luke Dempsey, who is another journeyman jockey who has plenty of experience and is following in the footsteps of father John. Dempsey has been seen winning valuable handicap chases throughout the years including some of Ireland's biggest prizes, the Galway Plate and Munster National. Dempsey and Darasso have raced as a pair many times before, so will be accustomed to each other. 

15) LE MILOS (Shirocco x Banjaxed Girl)

Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Weight: 10st 11lbs
Yet another highly progressive British runner who has improved relentlessly in the past twenty-four months. A half decent hurdler, former trainer Tim Vaughan changed focus to chasing and it was over fences where Le Milos was most at home. With a record of five wins and three placings from nine starts over the larger obstacles, the son of Shirocco has gone from strength to strength and arrives at Aintree at potentially the peak of his powers. A switch to leading stable of Dan Skelton in the summer of 2022 has seen the horse aimed highly and after a win on stable debut, he would go on to win the Hennessy Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury, one of the season's feature contests. He impressed many with his determination to win and held on gamely on quick ground that wouldn't have been ideal. The equestrian-mad family of the Skeltons would love nothing more than to win the biggest race of them all and Le Milos arrived at Aintree on the back of a second in Kelso's Premier Chase, a valued trial for the Grand National which saw Ballabriggs compete in before winning at Aintree in 2011. 
Unsurprisingly, Harry Skelton takes the ride on Le Milos for his brother Dan as the Skelton family looked another high profile win at an equestrian event. Their father Nick will be undoubtedly nervous watching his sons competing in a high pressure race, but the genes of a champion show-jumper have already transferred to the racing world. 

17) THE BIG BREAKAWAY (Getaway x Princess Mairead) 
Trainer: Joe Tizzard
Jockey: Brendan Powell Jnr.
Weight: 10st 10lbs
A potential headline making outcome was in the pipeline for the freshman trainer Joe Tizzard to win the Grand National at first attempt. Best known as the son of former trainer Colin and a high class jockey in his own right, Joe Tizzard took over the reins at the stable in Dorset and has made a fine start to his new career. Leading hope at Aintree is The Big Breakaway who, despite a lack of wins, has shown the attributes needed for a Grand National contender. Always held in the highest regard at the stable, The Big Breakaway looked to be a star prospect over hurdles, winning his first four and finishing in the frame at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020. Winning over fences at the first time of asking, it was his most recent victory albeit two and a half years ago. The Big Breakaway then struggled for various reasons but this season has seen a much improved horse. Narrowly beaten at Haydock on reappearance, the next stop would be Chepstow for the Welsh National. Racing prominently throughout, he remained on the premises close home and fought valiantly to take second on bottomless ground. It was a glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel of frustration for connections and their horse could be on the way back to his best. 
Brendan Powell takes the ride and follows suit to Jonjo O'Neill of having a famous jockey father. Powell has ridden The Big Breakaway on most of his recent starts, including when going close on those two occasions earlier in the season. He would love to get their noses in front at the finish line this time around. 

18) CAPE GENTLEMAN (Champs Elysees x Hawaiian Heat)
Trainer: John Hanlon (Ireland)
Jockey: Jody McGarvey
Weight: 10st 8lbs.
Much of the pre race build up was focused on the John Hanlon-trained Hewick for a potential fairytale outcome, but a lesser known new arrival to the stable has given his trainer a strong back up in the race. Trained by that man again, Emmett Mullins, Cape Gentleman has mixed high class form on the flat and over jumps. Winning the two mile Irish Cesarewich Handicap on just his second start in Ireland, he was switched to hurdles where he took very well to it. Winning a Grade Two at Kempton showed his adaptability to British racing and that would be a positive for a race like the Grand National. The seven year old has run well in numerous valuable handicaps over the past few years and he seems a perfect project for "the shark" John Hanlon. Falling at the last fence when making a challenge in the Kerry National, it was a performance that showed the ability was still there. With a low weight on his back for Aintree, it wouldn't be a surprise for Cape Gentleman to post a career best on the biggest stage in racing. A potential Hollywood story lies in wait for the owner, Pierre Manigault, whose great-grandfather owned the 1923 winner Sergeant Murphy. It would be an amazing acheivement to follow in his family's footsteps exactly a hundred years on. 

The hopes of the American owner and Irish trainer will rest in the hands of Jody McGarvey. An often underrated jockey who is regularly used to good effect for owner JP McManus and has also tasted big race success with John Hanlon previously, courtesy of Skyace at Grade One level. 

19) ROI MAGE (Poliglote x Royale Majesty)
Trainer: Patrick Griffin (Ireland)
Jockey: Felix de Giles.
Weight: 10st 7lbs
A veteran who hasn't spent long in Ireland, but has the potential of repeating history for his owners. Now an eleven year old, Roi Mage spent a large chunk of his career in France where he bordered on Grade One class and placed numerous times at the highest level. Still classy enough as a nine year old, he would still be able to win at Listed level before moving to the Patrick Griffin stable in Ireland. The stable are regular visitors to Britain and have enjoyed Grand National day success before when Maggio won the three mile handicap chase at 50-1 in 2016. Settling into his new surroundings, Roi Mage posted an impressive display in winning a conditions race over three and a quarter miles where he was strongest at the finish. Going under the radar, he fell halfway through a Cross-Country Chase at Cheltenham and went down all guns blazing in the race he landed last year when giving weight to Longhouse Poet. Roi Mage will carry the silks of owners Pryde, van de Hoeven, Gladery and Beaumont and famously landed the Grand National with Auroras Encore in 2013. They will be hoping their relatively new purchase will be able to make lightning strike twice ten years on.
Felix de Giles makes a return to Britain on the highest stage and is a name only regular fans of National Hunt racing will recognise. A promising young rider attached to the Nicky Henderson, de Giles looked a star of the future, but a lack of opportunities saw him move to France. Since his switch across the Channel, de Giles has established himself as a leading rider in France. Felix has ridden Roi Mage just once, but that was a smart effort in a Grade Three race in France, receiving the horse's maximum effort into third.

20) DIOL KER (Martaline x Stiren Bleue)
Trainer: Noel Meade (Ireland) 
Jockey: Kieren Buckley
Weight: 10st 8lbs 
The next member of the Gigginstown House Stud but this time for Noel Meade, Diol Ker has shown improved form over long distance chases and posted a return to his best recently. The son of Martaline was a high class hurdler over staying trips and dipped his toe into the waters of chasing briefly at one stage. Reverting to hurdles again, he improved further to finish runner up in a Grade Two. Switching attentions to chasing full time, Diol Ker has been in good heart ever since and run with credit each time. An agonising defeat in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas where he missed out by the narrowest of margins prompted the goal of Aintree further down the line. He responded well the first time application of blinkers that day and those aids were kept on for the Grand National. 
Keiren Buckley will wear the famous maroon and white silks of owners Gigginstown House Stud and makes a return to riding in Britain having moved full time to Ireland with Noel Meade. Still in the early days of his career, there will be no better stage than the Grand National to break into the big time.

21) A WAVE OF THE SEA (Born To Sea x Je T'Adore)
Trainer: Joseph O'Brien (Ireland)
Jockey: Shane Fitzgerald
Weight: 10st 6lbs
A somewhat surprising inclusion to the Grand National field as the seven year old has plenty of high class form over much shorter distances, but connections must feel confident enough that their charge will appreciate the marathon trip. A very smart youngster starting out, A Wave Of The Sea was progressive on the flat and transferred that ability to hurdles where he won a Grade One juvenile race in 2020. Going straight over fences later that year, the son of Born To Sea showed his adaptability to run to a high level over large obstacles and won a valuable handicap chase at just five years old. Although he has mostly run well between two miles and two and a half miles, there have been times where A Wave Of The Sea has improved for a longer distance. An in-and-out look to the form over three miles, he does have creditable performances including placings in two consecutive Munster Nationals. As he gets older, the sharp pace will dissolve from his legs and a longer distance could be the thing A Wave Of The Sea needs nowadays. A respected runner for powerful connections. 
Young rider Shane Fitzgerald gets the call up for his first Grand National ride and he will expect to have a great spin over the fences. In a relatively short career so far, Fitzgerald has landed the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival and Cork's Kerry National Chase. 

22) MINELLA TRUMP (Shantou x One Theatre)
Trainer: Donald McCain 
Jockey: Theo Gillard
Weight: 10st 6lbs
The McCain surname is embedded in Aintree's history and racing folklore as Ginger McCain famously trained Red Rum to win three Grand Nationals and a fourth with Amberleigh House. The family added another Grand National victory to their repertoire as Donald McCain landed the 2011 running in hugely popular style with Ballabriggs. This year around, the stable rely on their winning machine Minella Trump as their biggest hope and he had been kept away from any action for almost a whole year with this race in mind.  After returning to fences in 2021, the nine year old cleaned up in small field novice races during the second half of that year and returned again in the summer of 2022 to add two more wins to his resume. With an impressive strike rate of eight wins from his last ten starts, Minella Trump definitely knows where the winning line is and enjoyed a recent blowout over hurdles at nearby Bangor to brush off the race rustiness. 
It will be a first ride in the race for Theo Gillard, who has enjoyed a great season this year, recently riding out his claim. Attached to the McCain stable, Gillard will have ridden Minella Trump at home and know him inside out. 

23) VANILLIER (Martaline x Virgata)
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell (Ireland)
Jockey: Sean Flanagan
Weight: 10st 6lbs 
The grey Vanillier has been given plenty of stick for his seemingly lack of pace, but he has come to the boil just at the right time and the one thing guaranteed is his ability to stay a trip this far. A high class staying novice hurdler, he is best known for his win at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival in the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle where he decimated a good quality field and raced akin to a runaway train. He was expected to take a high ranking over fences, but often struggled and has just the one win over fences to his name. On his major trial race for the Grand National this year, he ran his best race yet. Running the very classy Kemboy to half a length and gaining all the time. That was a rare attempt over more than three miles and he relished the stamina test despite some dodgy jumping. If he puts it all together, he would be a very big danger from such a low weight. 
The very experienced Sean Flanagan gets another ride in the Grand National, this time for Gavin Cromwell. The Irishman has won at all levels of racing and is a worthy ally to Vanillier's chances. The pair first met last time out when Vanillier was second last time out and Flanagan appeared to get the best out of the grey. Something that could bode well for today. 

24) VELVET ELVIS (Shirocco x Treen)
Trainer: Thomas Gibney (Ireland)
Jockey: Daragh O'Keeffe
Weight: 10st 6lbs
The city of Liverpool love a party and it would come as no surprise to hear Elvis Presley songs blasted out on Saturday night if Velvet Elvis were to win the Grand National. The son of Shirocco is another entry to have slipped under the radar and entered the reckoning by just going about his business as other focused on better quality runners. Trained by Irish Grand National winning trainer Tom Gibney, the seven year old returned to the winner's enclosure back in February and should be a stout stayer. Improving on each start as he went further up in distance, he landed a valuable novice handicap chase at Navan in clearcut fashion in March 2022. He would follow up with a sixth place in the Irish Grand National where he was crowded at the final fence and lost momentum. Returning to a smaller field, Velvet Elvis looked calm and assured to win a conditions race in good style and it guaranteed his place in the field. With comparisons by his trainer to the stable's Irish National winner Lionn Na Bearnai, it is a good gauge into how much regard Velvet Elvis is held in. 
Daragh O'Keeffe steps into the saddle for this year's Grand National and has tasted success at the highest level thanks to a great ride on A Plus Tard in the 2020 Savills Chase at Leopardstown. O'Keeffe is often seen as a very capable freelance jockey as shown by winning at the Cheltenham Festival last month on Maskada for Henry de Bromhead. 

25) AIN'T THAT A SHAME (Jeremy x Castletown Girl)
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Weight: 10st 5lbs
Sneaking into the race and carrying a low weight, Ain't That A Shame has held the opinion of his trainer that he has a big race in his locker should everything go to plan and this season has shown that potential. A novice hurdle winner, the nine year old has yet to add to his sole career win so far. Placed on all of his novice chase starts, including bumping into Galopin Des Champs, he put in a rare below par run at the Cheltenham Festival last year. It could have been a shock to his system after running in small fields to suddenly running in a fiercely competitive big field handicap. A summer's break has done him the world of good and Ain't That A Shame has run as well in competitive events. Beaten on the line by The Big Dog in the Munster National and then finishing a close fourth in the Paddy Power Handicap, the Henry de Bromhead-trained gelding has impressed with the way he travels through his races. A relatively easy task back in beginners' company saw him win a first race over fences last time out to build his confidence. His low weight and lightly raced manner can draw some comparisons to the stable's 2021 winner Minella Times and it wouldn't be a shame for those involved were he to win. 
The high profie booking of Rachael Blackmore only boosted Ain't That A Shame's claims. Racing's First Lady landed the race two years ago to create history and the comparisons between the two horses is there to see. Confidence will be building for a big run. 

26) CORACH RAMBLER (Jeremy x Heart N Hope)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell 
Jockey: Derek Fox
Weight: 10st 5lbs. 
The hope and pride in the race for all of Scotland and connections were undoubtedly delighted with the weight they were allocated for their strong stayer. One of the leading fancies in the race, Corach Rambler has been targeted at Aintree all season long and matches many trends found in recent past winners. A recruit from the point-to-point scene, he developed into a smart novice chaser last season. Winning on the traditional Aintree course, it set up an eventual tilt at the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival where he really put his name in lights. Under a magnificent ride by Derek Fox, Corach Rambler ducked and weaved through the field and even at the final fence he had a lot of work to do. Flying up the run in, he appeared like he had been dropped into the race at the final 50 yards and bolted up. This season has been about one race and one race only, the Grand National. After an eyecatching staying on fourth in the Hennessy, he returned to Cheltenham to defend his Ultima Handicap crown. In a similarly brilliant ride, Corach Rambler arrived at the last possible moment and powered up the run in, slightly idling when in the clear. He aims to give Scotland their best chance of winning the Grand National since One For Arthur for the same connections in 2017; it would be a poignant achievement too after the death of One For Arthur just a few weeks ago. 
Derek Fox defied an eleventh hour injury scare to take the ride on the Grand National favourite, one of the best rides a jockey could ask for. After winning in 2017, Fox would have been desperate to get fit for the ride on a horse he gets the absolute best out of.

27) ENJOY D'ALLEN (Network x Triple Star)
Trainer: Ciaran Murphy (Ireland)
Jockey: Simon Torrens
Weight: 10st 5lbs 

A contender who was fancied by many tipsters last year and arrived at Aintree that day as a leading contender, only for the dream to be over before it even started. Developing nicely over fences after joining current trainer Ciaran Murphy in early 2021, Enjoy d'Allen would go on to finish third in the Irish Grand National of that year. Ticking over nicely in preparation for last year's Grand National at Aintree, he stumbled after the first fence and his race was over. A bitterly disappointing event for connections and their horse hasn't been in the same form since. Struggling with midfield placings since last year's trip to Aintree, he returns this year in the hope the big ceremony of the race can encourage confidence out of Enjoy d'Allen.
Simon Torrens, a recognisable name in Irish racing thanks to his father; the former trainer Mervyn Torrens. The up and coming youngster has already landed plenty of handicap races in Ireland so will be used to the hustle and bustle of a race like the Grand National.

28) MR INCREDIBLE (Westerner x Bartlemy Bell) 
Trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland)
Jockey: Brian Hayes
Weight: 10st 4lbs.
A very lightly raced type who could be well named to the punters who choose him, some very hard work has gone into ironing out the quirks that once hampered his progress. The seven-year-old has raced just a handful of times but since his move to the Willie Mullins stable, he has displayed his best career performances. As soon as he looked set to be a smart prospect for former trainer Henry de Bromhead, the Paul Byrne-owned gelding began to show signs of temperament. On one occasion, he even refused to race and pulled himself up mid race on another occasion. Staying with his owner, Mr Incredible was switched to Closutton where he began to show his true potential. A strong finishing second in Warwick's Classic Chase caught the attention of many and he followed up with equally strong display at Cheltenham where a last fence blunder lost his momentum after arriving on the scene on the bridle.  His owner Paul Byrne is best known for owning some shrewd horses including The Shunter and at one stage, last year's Grand National hero Noble Yeats. He was evidently keen to hold on to Mr Incredible with the potential to win the Grand National in his own right. At the weights reveal lunch, Willie Mullins was quietly delighted with the weight given to Mr Incredible as there is a lot more to come from the son of Westerner. When interviewed, he gave his horse a glowing review, comparing him alongside his main hope Gaillard du Mesnil.
Brian Hayes takes the lucky or unlucky ride on Mr Incredible, depending on the horse's mood. Partner of Rachael Blackmore, Hayes will be looking to emulate his other half by winning the Grand National and add another trophy to the household. Building acclaim already for his impressive stand in performances for Willie Mullins, he is a shrewd rider booking. 

29) MISTER COFFEY (Authorized x Mamitador)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson 
Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Weight: 10st 4lbs
A once high class prospect in his younger days who has turned into a frustratingly perennial runner up in recent times, his trainer Nicky Henderson will be hoping that the one day it all clicks with Mister Coffey is the day he lands the Grand National to break his curse. The son of Epsom Derby winner Authorized, Mister Coffey has top class form in handicap hurdles and was expected to reach a high level in that sphere. Switching to fences last season, Mister Coffey became renowned for his quirky jumping and became famed for a photo of a fence at Sandown which had been demolished because of him. A strong finishing second at the Cheltenham Festival last year saw the Grand National come into consideration in the future and a first taste of the National fences came in the Topham Chase at the meeting last year. While he is undoubtedly talented, he has given much more frustration and a first career win over fences in a Grand National would provide more than enough forgiveness. 
Nico de Boinville takes the ride on the enigmatic chaser and will be hoping for a clean round here. Life onboard Mister Coffey will be more hectic than if he were on Constitution Hill, but Nico will be desperate to win the Grand National for the first time, just like Nicky Henderson. 

30) CLOUDY GLEN (Cloudings x Ribble)
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Weight: 10st 4lbs.
Carrying the famous colours of legendary owner Trevor Hemmings, who had a passion for owning Grand National runners and is much missed, Cloudy Glen takes part in this year's Grand National in the hope of emulating Many Clouds from 2015 who was also a son of Cloudings. Trained by 2009 Grand National winning trainer Venetia Williams, the ten year old has more than a few quirks about him, but he is very talented on his day. A strong stayer, his best career moment came at Newbury in the 2021 Coral Gold Cup where he enjoyed the big and competitive field, coming clear and holding on for a gutsy win. It also proved his ability when fresh and his form often has an in and out look to it. A third place on this season's reappearance in the Haydock's Grand National Trial, it was one of his better efforts before rarely featuring at Cheltenham in the Ultima where he pulled up. Cloudy Glen often does things his own way and on occasions is kept away from the others at the start so his antics at Aintree will be watched closely, but the new challenge of the Grand National can often inspire quirky horses and make them enjoy themselves, prompting an improved display. 
Stable jockey Charlie Deutsch takes this ride for Venetia Williams and will be hoping he can ride a well behaved Cloudy Glen. Deutsch has won many fans for ability to ride over fences, often timing a horse's stride to perfection and making ground at each obstacle. 

31) HILL SIXTEEN (Court Cave x Chasers Chic)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson
Jockey: Ryan Mania
Weight: 10st 2lbs
Another leading hope for the Scottish raiding party and one who has come close to landing a race over the National fences in his career. Beginning his career in North Yorkshire with Sue Smith, he moved down south to the Cotswolds with Nigel Twiston-Davies before settling in Scotland with Sandy Thompson. Wherever he is trained, he has produced smart form and he returns to Aintree to attempt a first win at the course at the third time of asking. Back in 2021, he took in the Becher Chase in horrible conditions but the thrilling finish warmed the crowd up. Coming clear with the winner Snow Leopardess, the pair battled hammer and tong down the run in and Hill Sixteen narrowly lost out by the narrowest of margins. Connections were left ruing their luck as Hill Sixteen missed out on a run in last year's Grand National by a few spots and they will be sweating once again to sneak in from a low weight. A much better horse with some juice in the ground, his trainer will be hopeful for a deluge over Liverpool during race week. 
2013 winning jockey Ryan Mania will be looking to repeat history and solidify his decision to return to race riding. The day after his famous Aintree victory, Mania suffered a horror fall which left him hospitalised. Briefly retiring from the sport due a lack of rides, Mania has made a much welcomed return and his experience of success over the fences gives Mania a boost over some of the others. 

32) GABBYS CROSS (Frammassone x Mille Et Une Nuits)
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead (Ireland)
Jockey: Peter Carberry
Weight: 10st 2lbs. 

Another representative for the 2021 Grand National winning stable of Henry de Bromhead, Gabbys Cross has put himself in the reckoning for Aintree with some good finishes just behind the protagonists in valuable Irish handicaps. The son of Frammassone carries the silks of Roger Brookhouse who is better known for his British trained horses on the flat and over jumps, so Gabbys Cross will be a rare runner over the National fences. The eight year old enjoyed an upturn in form at the turn of last year, winning a competitive handicap chase over two and a half miles before landing another valuable event over slightly further at Galway. He caught the eye in a bunched finish at Leopardstown in the Paddy Power Chase where he was held up early on and picked rivals off one by one. He kept on nicely to finish sixth, beaten four lengths, but would have been closer if not for a last fence mistake. He has yet to race over anything further than three miles, but his liking for good ground will be a positive and he shapes as if he has more to give at the longer trips. 
Taking the ride will be Peter Carberry, whose family name holds a rich history in Irish horse racing. Whether was his brothers Paul or sister Nina, the Carberry name would be at the forefront of the sport. Peter will be looking to make an impact on the heritage on his first ride in the Grand National. 

33) RECITE A PRAYER (Recital x Old Madam)
Trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland)
Jockey: Jack Foley
Weight: 10st 1lb.
Connections may have to be reciting a prayer for their horse to get a run in the Grand National and this all or nothing character could feature if on a going day. Running well without settling the world alight, the son of Recital has moulded into a useful type over the last few years and has stepped up well to the stamina tests he has faced. A maiden over hurdles, Recite A Prayer scored his first career win on first attempt over fences and enjoyed a fun time of things in spring  2022. Winning a novice handicap chase at Wexford before landing the Killarney National in the summer of that year. He has since placed in two valuable staying races, the Cork Grand National on heavy ground and the Kerry National. On both occasions, he showed he stays well when on song, but his most recent runs have lacked inspiration. A midfield finish over the Grand National fences last December where he never really featured and then a backend finish in the Paddy Power Chase. It would be a surprise to see Recite A Prayer at the head of the pecking order of the Mullins runners, but he will give his owners a great day out nonetheless.
It will be a first ride in the great race for young Jack Foley, a jockey making a name for himself in Ireland and enjoyed a high profile win at last year's Punchestown Festival when winning a Grade A handicap for his boss Willie Mullins. 

34) EVA'S OSKAR (Shirocco x Sardagna)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
Weight: 10st 1lb
After compatriot Iwilldoit was ruled out of the race due to not being qualified, Eva's Oskar will carry the hope of Wales provided he sneaks into the lineup. The grey nine year old has found a good vein of form since the application of a visor was added. He would win at Exeter on heavy ground in early 2022 on his first start in headgear and has improved ever since. Winning at Cheltenham over a stamina sapping three and a quarter miles was a bold display and he has since carried twelve stone to respectable finishes of sixth at Sandown and then fourth in the Eider Chase over four miles at Newcastle. He will appreciate the relative feather weight of ten stone and one pound for the Grand National and conections will be hoping he can tag onto the quick early pace as he will definitely finish well at the end given his assured stamina. 
Regular rider Alan Johns takes up the ride on the stamina laden grey and the pair have tasted victory five times throughout the horse's career.

35) OUR POWER (Power x Scripture)
Trainer: Sam Thomas
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Weight: 10st 0lbs.
Connections had everything crossed for their horse to squeeze into the race and their patience and sleepless nights was rewarded with a runner in the Grand National. The eight-year-old arrived at the top of his game on the back of two wins from two starts this season, winning valuable handicap chases over three miles both times. The gelding is unusually bred for a Grand National as a son of Power, winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas over a mile. Our Power has spent time at numerous trainers, but has found his form with current trainer Sam Thomas. Best known as the Gold Cup winning rider with Denman, training a Grand National winner would either equal or surpass that accolade. A smart type over two miles and four furlongs in previous years, Our Power has learnt to settle more over a longer distance. A smooth traveler in his races, he does just about enough when in front but is battle hardened. A large doubt over his ability to stay still hangs, but his tactical speed early on will be an asset and if he gets his favoured quick ground, he would be a lively outsider with such a low weight.  
It will be a case of the "Two Sam's" with Our Power as Sam Twiston-Davies retains the ride on the Dai Walters-owned gelding. A strong finisher last time out at Kempton, Twiston-Davies was evidently impressed in his post race interview, saying his horse would be a great ride in a National. A potential headline making story, Dai Walters and Sam Thomas escaped death in a helicopter crash in November. A win here would give the pair the biggest thrill of their lives. 

36) DUNBOYNE (Yeats x Patsy Cline)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott (Ireland)
Jockey: Jack Tudor
Weight: 10st 0lbs.
Yet another runner from the Gordon Elliott battalion, Dunboyne has more than a few quirks about him. When things go right though, the eight year old could easily have a say in the outcome if he decides to race. A useful type who gradually improved with each start over hurdles, Dunboyne looked set to be just modest over fences until this season. Landing his first race over the larger obstacles in a handicap chase, his most recent starts have been much better. An agonisingly close second to Carefully Selected in the Thyestes Chase in January was a smart effort at the distance and he took part in the Kim Muir Chase over slightly further at Cheltenham where once again he loomed large before lacking the extra gear. He still finished fourth and marked himself down as a smart stayer for the future. Risks will come attached to Dunboyne as he refused to race on a recent occasion and has also been noted for not travelling in some races. 
Rising star Jack Tudor lands the spare ride for Gordon Elliott as he celebrates a recent promotion to stable jockey David Pipe. It would be a fitting booking as Gordon Elliott spent time at Martin Pipe's stable when learning the trade so the connection runs deep. Tudor himself has won much acclaim by winning a Welsh National as a teenager.

37) FRANKY DU BERLAIS (Saint Des Saints x Legende Du Luy)
Trainer: Peter Bowen
Jockey: Ben Jones
Weight: 10st 0lbs.
Once renowned as a Summer horse, Franky Du Berlais was a great money spinner for connections by landing multiple valuable handicap chases through the summer period of National Hunt. The Bowen family are always highly regarded when it comes to training a winner over the Grand National fences. Always Waining landed three Topham Chases at the Aintree festival for the Welsh outfit and the team are looking ahead to the "big one". Winning Market Rasen's Summer Plate Chase and Uttoxeters Summer Cup Chase during his career, Franky Du Berlais has enjoyed running over unique obstacles without winning. A staying-on fourth in last year's Topham, he finished midfield in last December's Becher Chase before turning his focus to the Cross Country Chases. Fifth on first start in the discipline, Franky Du Berlais was running a mighty race behind Galvin and Delta Work, turning for home in third and keeping on. He would refuse to jump the last fence as tiredness showed, but it was an eye-catching run. With quicker ground much more suited to him, the potential over this longer trip remains and this safe jumper will give his rider a great thrill. 
James Bowen would have wanted nothing more than to ride against his brother Sean in the Grand National for their father Peter, but he agonisingly had to sit this year out. The ride falls to the equally adept Ben Jones, who has tasted success in other valuable handicaps. 

38) FORTESCUE (Shirocco x Last Of Her Line)
Trainer: Henry Daly
Jockey: Hugh Nugent
Weight: 9st 13lbs
A returning runner to the Grand National having taken part last year, Fortescue will be looking to bounce back into some of the smart form he showed last season. An emotional runner for his connections following the recent death of his owner and breeder Tim Nixon, Fortescue will be ridden like always by Nixon's grandson Hugh Nugent. The nine-year-old gelding competed in strong handicaps last season and placed on numerous occasions before landing a valuable handicap at Ascot. Arriving at Aintree as a fancied runner, Fortescue struggled to keep with the early pace. Eventually unseating at the fourth last, connections will be hoping for a clean round. Finishing just outside of the placings in the Becher and Grand National trial, Fortescue has been noted for plugging on well at the same pace which offers hope of sneaking a place in the Grand National as beaten horses start to tire. 
It will be a poignant day for rider Hugh Nugent as he hopes to complete the Grand National. Fortescue was bred and owned by Nugent's grandfather Tim Nixon who passed away late last year. Nugent has enjoyed numerous big days onboard Fortescue already, but a win will be the greatest of all. 

39) BACK ON THE LASH (Malinas x Giovanna)
Trainer: Martin Keighley
Jockey: Adam Wedge
Weight: 9st 13lbs
A horse likely to be popular for the football mad city of Liverpool given one of his co-owners is football manager Harry Redknapp, the nine-year-old faced an anxious wait to make the final lineup. A smart handicapper over hurdles and fences, the son of Malinas has found a new lease of life over the Cross-Country Chase circuit at Cheltenham. Landing his first race in that discipline on his debut, Back On The Lash added another in January this year. A tilt at the equivalent race at the Festival turned out to be a damp squib as rain turned the ground heavy and he was pulled up out after just one circuit. On much better ground at Aintree, his stamina and finishing kick could be seen to good effect. 
Adam Wedge takes the ride on the lightly weighted runner for the first time. A winner of Grade One races in the past, Wedge is also very competent of riding over fences. In the past five years, punters have enjoyed a near £20 profit to a £1 stake on each of Wedge's rides in chases. A win on Back On The Lash will be another huge payday for punters.

40) BORN BY THE SEA (Born To Sea x Avida Star)
Trainer: John Paul Gilligan (Ireland) 
Jockey: Phillip Enright
Weight: 9st 10lbs
Fourtieth spot in the Grand National is one of the most coveted places in horse racing. Every stable would love to have a runner in the great race and others are desperate to hold onto their position as a guaranteed runner. Number forty saw a game of musical chairs between horses as some dropped out and others moved up the list. Scraping into the race is the Paul Gilligan-trained Born By The Sea, a nine year old gelding. The son of Born To Sea doesn't hold a progressive profile like others in the race and has an all or nothing look to his form figures, but on his day, Born By The Sea has the talent to be competitive. Despite racing most of his career over distances a lot shorter, Born By The Sea has shown promise on the odd occasion when trying a staying trip. Personal best performances include a win over three miles at Wetherby and just missing out on the placings in big handicaps such as the Galway Blazers Chase and Kerry National. The Grand National at Aintree will be a whole new adventure for Born By The Sea, but will be a great day out for the Gilligan family.
Phillip Enright takes the leg up into the saddle and has been enjoying a productive spell in the driving seat. With placed finishes at the recent Fairyhouse festival, he has a vast wealth of experience. 

Story of the Race:

1st: CORACH RAMBLER (Odds: 8-1 Fav.)
2nd: VANILLIER (20-1)
3rd: GAILLARD DU MESNIL (10-1)
4th: NOBLE YEATS (10-1)
5th: THE BIG DOG (12-1) 
Distances: 2 and a quarter lengths, 4 and three-quarter lengths, 1 and a half lengths, a neck.

There would significant news on the morning of the big race as Escaria Ten would be a last minute withdrawal on account of the ground. The previous day's rain brought hope to some connections as the ground had turned soft, but a dry and breezy evening and morning led to the going being changed back to good to soft, soft in places. The Gordon Elliott battalion would be reduced by one and a bitterly disappointing outcome for the jockey and owners too. 
As the minutes ticked down to the big race, the swollen crowd in the grandstands had enjoyed a great afternoon of racing so far, many favourites had already won and the bookies would be taking a pummeling. The Grand National would be upon us and the nation would be tuned in and following the action. A highly frustrating delay for non racing issues led to the horses being removed from the parade ring for up to fifteen minutes. The high pressure cooker atmosphere of the parade ring wouldn't be an ideal place for a highly strung racehorse and once the matter was dealt with on track, the horses were quickly sent out to the starting point of the race. 
After two attempts, the Grand National would be underway and one of the best sights in racing would take place. Thirty nine horses thundering across the Melling Road heading towards the first fence and fanned out across the Aintree turf. The first circuit of the race would prove hard to watch as there would be many incidents and loose horses causing mayhem. There would be a total of eight fallers or unseated riders over the first two fences, owing to the overly frenetic pace. Things began to calm down heading out into the country on the second lap as the depleted field charged on. Up in front, Mister Coffey was really enjoying himself in front, putting in some extravagant leaps over the daunting fences. Alongside him, Coko Beach helped to set the tempo until a bad error caused Harry Cobden to defy gravity and stay on in a remarkable sit. Corach Rambler enjoyed a trouble free run just behind the leaders and was jumping very nicely too. The unusual markings on his face were easy to spot. Crossing the Melling Road on the far side for the final three fences, there was still plenty of chances and the jockeys had their eyes firmly set on the runaway leader Mister Coffey under Nico De Boinville. Jumping the final two fences in the Grand National, Corach Rambler pounced under Derek Fox. He took up the running from The Big Dog and Born By The Sea and rocketed up the long run-in. It would be a question of whether the horse could hold on to his big lead on the hardest run-in in racing. From a long way back, Vanillier ate up the ground hand over fist and looked a danger under Sean Flanagan. He would be the strongest finisher of the race, but it would be just too little, too late as he couldn't get to the winner. Fellow grey Gaillard du Mesnil followed a similar route to Vanillier and also finished well into third. A mighty effort for such a young horse. In behind, Noble Yeats was there again and grabbed fourth on the line, much to the surprise of most as he had rarely been spotted throughout the race. The Big Dog took fifth and Born By The Sea would be a fantastic sixth for his family connections. Seventeen of the thirty nine starters took the finish, with the likes of Our Power, Ain't That A Shame and Le Milos all crossing the line in their own time and the valiant Mister Coffey was rewarded for his flashy display with eighth place. Many non finishers were unlucky, mostly hampered by fallers and loose horses. Any Second Now's race was over as soon as it started after being hampered by a faller and finding himself detached from the field. Mr Incredible looked to be creeping into the race on the second circuit until his saddle appeared to slip and gave Brian Hayes no chance of staying on. Eva's Oskar also travelled well until being hampered and gravity eventually claimed Alan Johns from the race. 
It would be a third Grand National win for Scotland and second in six years for trainer Lucinda Russell. The ultimate long term plan had come off as Corach Rambler crossed the line at Aintree, it was a vision first thought of ever since his win at Cheltenham in 2022. Lightly raced since and given a low weight at the entry stage, everything looked perfect for a big run; especially when he was ten pound "well in" at the weights. The nine year old was always in a great position under a well judged ride by Derek Fox, who had only just passed a fitness test days before the race. The race would almost be a copy of One For Arthur's win in 2017 and the recent loss of that horse to colic would provide even more incentive to win. It would be appropriate for the yard to have the winner after the heartbreak of losing the star which made them a household name. 
There would be a tragic post script to the race as the Sandy Thomson-trained Hill Sixteen fell at the first and died instantly. The delay to the race undoubtedly caused inconvenience to the horses as they began to get even more revved up than usual. The big crowd and loud noises often spooks horses and the cavalry charge to the first fence was too quick. It is the outcome that no one in horse racing wants to see happen, but the circumstances of this year's running definitely played a part.