The biggest event in the horse racing calendar takes place on Saturday.
Last year’s winner I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, who heads the confirmations for Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.(Image: Nigel French for The Jockey Club/PA Wire)
The field for Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree has begun to take shape after the five-day entry stage was confirmed on Monday.
Last year’s winner I Am Maximus heads the confirmations as Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old will attempt to add his name to an elite list who have won the race more than once.
Six horses were absent from today’s stage and thus will not take part in this year’s competition.
Those were L’Homme Presse, Capodanno, Velvet Elvis and Minella Drama (all of whom had previously been guaranteed a run) as well as two horses not within the 34-horse cut line – Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave.
Following the withdrawals, Celebre d’Allen, Three Card Brag and Twig are now guaranteed a run in the 34-runner field.
Appreciate It, Minella Cocooner and Meetingofthewaters are also set to represent Mullins, with Capodanno his only horse in the top 34 not confirmed on Monday morning.
Former King George winner Hewick, last year’s third and 2021 Gold Cup hero Minella Indo and Intense Raffles – Tom Gibney’s seven-year-old who won the Irish National last season – are also among a typically strong Irish contingent.
Paul Nicholls has five contenders as he goes in search of a second win in the race, with Kandoo Kid, Bravemansgame, Threeunderthrufive, Hitman and Stay Away Fay among the 57 horses to stand their ground.
Duffle Coat is set to take the final place in the race, as he boasts a higher current rating than both Shakem Up’Arry and Roi Mage, with all three due to carry 10st 4lb. There will also be four reserves.
Below is the confirmed list of 34:
- I Am Maximus
- Royale Pagaille
- Nick Rockett
- Grangeclare West
- Hewick
- Minella Indo
- Appreciate It
- Minella Cocooner
- Conflated
- Stumptown
- Hitman
- Beauport
- Bravemansgame
- Chantry House
- Threeunderthrufive
- Perceval Legallois
- Kandoo Kid
- Iroko
- Intense Raffles
- Senior Chief
- Idas Boy
- Fil Dor
- Broadway Boy
- Coko Beach
- Stay Away Fay
- Meetingofthewaters
- Monbeg Genius
- Vanillier
- Horantzau D’Airy
- Hyland
- Celebre D’Allen
- Three Card Brag
- Twig
- Duffle Coat