Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
The Grand National landscape has undergone further alterations following recent scratchings, as seven more horses have been withdrawn from the prestigious Aintree event just days before racing enthusiasts gather in Liverpool. Inothewayurthinkin, a prominent contender, was a significant withdrawal last month, having risen to favouritism after a victory at the Cheltenham Festival. The betting market is already reacting to this latest round of changes affecting the anticipated lineup for the Aintree showpiece.
L’Homme Presse Among Notable Withdrawals
L’Homme Presse’s absence from the race represents a considerable setback for British hopes in this £1 million contest. The gelding, previously priced at 40/1, has been ruled out due to a training setback.
Venetia Williams’ seasoned runner, aged 10, had demonstrated impressive form with a win in the Cotswold Chase in January. However, his last appearance saw him pulled up in the Betfair Ascot Chase in February. An injury sustained during training subsequently prevented his participation in the Cheltenham Festival, and this issue has unfortunately persisted, precluding his involvement at Aintree.
Further Changes to the Grand National Field
Mr Incredible was an early withdrawal on Monday, and further alterations include the scratchings of Capodanno, Velvet Elvis, and Minella Drama. These withdrawals have significantly reshaped the potential field, as all were positioned within the top 34 contenders. Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave have also been removed from the list of participants.
Beneficiaries of the Recent Scratchings
These alterations mean Horantzau D’Airy, Hyland, Three Card Brag, and Twig now ascend into the top 34, news that will be welcomed by trainer Nicky Henderson. The esteemed 74-year-old trainer has enjoyed a celebrated career, yet victory in the Grand National remains elusive.
Henderson, who began training in 1978, has yet to secure a win in the Aintree spectacle, his closest attempts being Zongalero and Tsarevich, both achieving second-place finishes. This year, his aspirations largely rest with Hyland, who has now progressed into the top 34.
The eight-year-old has experienced a successful season, securing victory in three of his six races and appearing well-suited to the demanding distance at Aintree. In a discussion with Sporting Life, Henderson commented on Hyland’s prospects: “If he gets in, going there with something you could realistically say has a good chance.”
“He is a genuine stayer, and a capable one at that, who prefers good ground. Running him in the Grand National was something I considered, but suggesting a novice chaser for the Grand National might seem unconventional! I must admit, I was surprised by the unanimous agreement and positive reception to the idea.”
Current Top Grand National Entries
The updated list of leading contenders for the Grand National:
- 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/Shakem Up’Arry/Roi Mage