On Saturday, 40 horses will be lining up for the greatest racing event of them all, the Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Last year, Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to win it, riding Minella Times to victory. But coming into this weekend’s race Snow Leopardess has been well backed with the bookies to defy history and become the first horse to prevail in the race after giving birth to a foal.
Since the inaugural race in 1839, there have been over 100 winners and one rider and jockey will be added to that illustrious list this year - but who will it be? Here, Mirror Sport counts down the top 10 contenders for the Aintree showpiece.
Delta Work 8/1
Delta Work became a pantomime villain after beating stablemate Tiger Roll at Cheltenham in March - and is in with a shot again at the National. With odds of 8/1, Delta Work could be set to gallop to victory, but hopefully with fewer boos this time.
Snow Leopardess 17/2*
Grey mare Snow Leopardess was in fine form as she tackled the National fences at the Unibet Becher Chase at Aintree last December, opening up a clear lead for much of the race. Despite only holding on to the win by a fine margin, it is this excellent performance that has made her one of the favourites with the bookies at 17/2.
Any Second Now 9/1
Ted Walsh’s 10-year-old ran a strong race to come third at last year’s Grand National just over eight lengths behind winner Minella Times. A good jumper and strong stayer, he comes in as the third favourite with Betfred at 9/1.
Minella Times 10/1
It is hard to overlook last year’s winner. Ridden by Rachael Blackmore, the pairing won the 2021 Grand National by six and a half lengths and will be looking to emulate previous winner Tiger Roll in securing back-to-back titles on Saturday. Minella Times is still only nine-years-old, the prime age for Grand National winners down the years and has attracted more than his fair share of Aintree tips. With odds of 10/1, bets will no doubt be piling in for the reigning champion.
Escaria Ten 11/1
After just seven chase starts, Escaria Ten is one of the more inexperienced racers in the field. With successful jockey-trainer partnership Davy Russell and Gordon Elliott teaming up, this could be the winning combination to bring the best out of the up and coming contender.
Enjoy D’allen 11/1
Trained by talented new trainer Ciaran Murphy, Enjoy D’allen came third at last year’s Irish National. A genuine stayer but one that has worn most of the headgear varieties to help him concentrate, he has been primed for a crack at the National and was acquired by last year's winning owner JP McManus.
Éclair Surf 12/1
Éclair Surf Fortescue made the cut for Saturday with Fortescue after it was announced Caribean Boy and Farclas would not run. Now, the recent addition is climbing up the market with odds of 14/1, as he has form with Win My Wings, the runaway winner of the Scottish National.
Fiddlerontheroof 16/1
Fiddlerontheroof’s trainer Colin Tizzard is due to hand over his yard's training licence to son and assistant Joe very shortly – so a victory in the National would certainly suffice as far as send-offs go. At 16/1 his fairy-tale ending is not insurmountable but his horse has to prove he stays the trip.
Longhouse Poet 18/1
Thyestes Chase hero, Longhouse Poet, has only ran two three milers and won them both with plenty seemingly left in the tank – so in theory shouldn’t find four and a quarter of the National a problem. With odds of 18/1, Longhouse Poet is each-way value.
Run Wild Fred 20/1
The runner-up in last year’s Irish National and in last month’s National Hunt Chase, Run Wild Fred could go one place better at the Grand National. The eight-year-old has plenty of experience over fences for his age and is in contention.
*Odds from Betfred
