The National Returns to Leicester
For the first time since the war years, the Grand National finds itself away from Aintree, with Leicester hosting racing's most famous steeplechase. Don't let the venue change fool you into thinking this is anything less than the real deal – £1 million in prize money and a field of 37 seasoned campaigners ensure the prestige remains intact.
The good to soft ground plays perfectly into the hands of the staying chasers, though Leicester's undulating track will provide a stern test different from Aintree's unique challenges. I've walked this course more times than I care to remember, and while it lacks the National's famous fences, the stamina required over 4m 2f remains the ultimate leveller.
The Mullins Battalion
Willie Mullins arrives with seven runners, his biggest-ever National squad, and the statistics suggest at least one will be there at the business end. I Am Maximus heads the market on a rating of 168, and rightly so. This ten-year-old has been targeting this race since his impressive Cheltenham Gold Cup third last season.
P. Townend takes the ride, and that partnership has been money in the bank over staying trips. The gelding's course-winning form at Leicester gives him a crucial edge – he's proven he handles the track's quirks. At 11-12, he's carrying plenty of weight, but class horses carry big weights in Nationals.
Grangeclare West represents fascinating value with Mr P. W. Mullins claiming a valuable 7lb. The amateur's Grand National record speaks for itself, and this horse has been campaigned specifically for a National-type test. His rating of 166 looks workable off 11-10.
The Mullins third string Spanish Harlem shouldn't be dismissed either. Tongue-tied for the first time, which often brings improvement, and Brian Hayes knows his way around a big-field handicap.
The Irish Challenge
Gordon Elliott's trio deserve maximum respect. Gerri Colombe with Jack Kennedy up represents the yard's best chance. This course winner has been kept fresh since Christmas, classic Elliott preparation for a spring target. The ten-year-old's rating of 166 off 11-10 looks fair, and Kennedy's big-race temperament could prove decisive in the closing stages.
Firefox is an interesting runner at a bigger price. The tongue-tie goes on, suggesting connections expect improvement, and Keith Donoghue has been riding with real confidence this season. At 11-4, he's got a nice racing weight.
Joseph O'Brien's Banbridge with J. J. Slevin completes the Irish big three. The visor goes on for the first time, which either means they're pulling out all the stops or they're getting desperate. His Leicester course form gives him claims, though the 167 rating looks on the stiff side.
British Hopes and Value Plays
The home team is led by Rebecca Curtis's Haiti Couleurs, who's been knocking on the door in similar contests. Sean Bowen's booking catches the eye – he doesn't often travel for rides unless the horse has a genuine chance. The nine-year-old's Leicester form is solid, and 11-10 seems a fair mark.
From the bigger-priced runners, Beauport appeals each-way. The Twiston-Davies team know how to prepare one for a National, and Sam's claiming 3lb brings the weight down to a manageable 10-8. His distance-winning form gives him an edge over many at the foot of the weights.
Iroko for the Greenall-Guerriero team represents excellent value. Jonjo O'Neill Jr knows Leicester like the back of his hand, and this eight-year-old has been running consistently in similar company. The tongue-tie suggests they're expecting improvement.
Ground and Pace Analysis
The good to soft conditions will suit the majority, though it might just blunt the speed of some of the lighter-weighted runners who prefer a quicker surface. With 37 runners, the pace should be strong throughout, which typically favours those who can settle and produce a sustained finish.
Leicester's long home straight rewards horses who stay every yard, and the slight uphill finish will find out any stamina doubts. This isn't a track for tearaway leaders – tactical speed and a strong finish win races here.
My selection is I Am Maximus for the win, with Grangeclare West each-way as the value play. The Mullins pair represent different angles to the same puzzle, and I suspect one of them will be holding the trophy come 4:30pm.
Who is the favourite for the Grand National?
I Am Maximus heads the betting at around 7-1, spearheading Willie Mullins' seven-strong assault. The ten-year-old's class, course form, and partnership with Paul Townend make him a worthy market leader, though his 11-12 burden means he'll need to be at his very best.
Which trainers have the best National records?
Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott dominate the modern National scene, with their systematic approach to staying handicaps proving highly effective. Elliott's three previous National wins give him a slight edge in terms of race-reading, while Mullins' sheer volume of quality runners makes him dangerous in any staying contest.
What makes Leicester different from Aintree for the National?
Leicester's undulating track and conventional fences present a different test from Aintree's unique obstacles, but the stamina requirement remains paramount. The course favours strong stayers who can handle the uphill finish, making tactical positioning crucial in the closing stages of this marathon contest.
