Willie Mullins' Grand National 2023 runner being…

Willie Mullins' Grand National 2023 runner being backed as top trainer chases huge double

Just weeks after training the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Willie Mullins is assembling a strong challenge for the Grand National.

Fresh from his big success with Galopin Des Champs, Ireland's top jumps trainer is set to saddle several runners in the iconic race on April 15. Mullins took the 2005 running with Hedgehunter and his squad is led by Cheltenham Festival winner Gaillard Du Mesnil this year.

The strong stayer picked up the pieces when the leader Mahler Mission came down in the National Hunt Chase.

With just over a week to go ahead of the National, William Hill report that punters are supporting Gaillard Du Mesnil, who bids to become the first grey winner since Neptune Collonges in 2012.

Spokeman Lee Phelps said: "We’ve seen a good deal of money for Gaillard Du Mesnil in the Grand National market and have been forced to cut him from 16-1 into 14-1 as a result. Mullins’ seven-year-old proved himself a strong stayer when winning the National Hunt Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Punters seem to think Mullins could be on course for a second National win to add to Hedgehunter’s 2005 success, as he now shares fourth place in the market with his stablemate Mr Incredible at 14-1."

Mr Incredible finished third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham with Mullins' son Patrick in the saddle – who also rode Gaillard Du Mesnil.

Others from the stable in contention for the big race include the likes of Capodanno, a thoroughbred carrying the colours of JP McManus, last successful in 2021 with Minella Times. The now-retired chaser provided Rachael Blackmore with a historic moment – the first female jockey to emerge victorious.

Lucinda Russell's Ultima Chase scorer Corach Rambler heads the Grand National market at 6-1, two points ahead of reigning champion Noble Yeats. Delta Work finished third behind him and is a popular choice with Coral to go two places better.

‘’I suspect that Corach Rambler will go off favourite, but Delta Work’s record on soft/heavy ground is there for everybody to see, and if the rain does arrive and conditions are on the testing side, then it would be no surprise if we see Gordon Elliott’s runner vying for favouritism this time next week,’’ said a spokesperson for the firm.