The Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England is billed as the “world’s most famous steeplechase”, and for good reason, as no other horse race can compare to the marathon contest.
Stamina and jumping are both tested in the Grand National. The winner enters Aintree’s roll of honor, and it is often the highlight of any jockey’s career when they cross the finish line in front.
Here is a look at three horses that have an excellent chance of winning this year’s contest.
Corach Rambler
Defending champion Corach Rambler is +1200 in today’s racing odds to win the Aintree feature in back-to-back years. Those odds suggest the Scottish-based horse is one of the leading contenders once again.
CORACH RAMBLER WINS THE 2023 GRAND NATIONAL 🏇 pic.twitter.com/IXDzrs9BK4
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 15, 2023
The Lucinda Russell-trained chaser is sure to be one of the leading horse racing tips as he showed in 2023 that he has all the attributes needed to win this race. Ridden by Derek Fox, the pair prevailed by two lengths last April.
The task this year will be tougher for Corach Rambler as he has been handed a 10lb higher weight allocation. Should he land the top prize for a second time, he will be only the third horse since 1974 to win the contest in consecutive years.
Vanillier
Irish chaser Vanillier finished second in the 2023 Grand National behind Corach Rambler. After being given a patient ride by rider Sean Flanagan, he finished the race strongly to take the runner-up spot ahead of some tired horses.
It has been a quiet start to the latest campaign for the nine-year-old, but he produced his best performance of the season so far when he was second in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. That was his final prep run before he travels to Aintree, so it will give his connections a lot of confidence.
Gavin Cromwell’s gelding now has an official rating of 150, which means he will carry 3lb more on his back in the Grand National this year. If he improves on what he showed in the race in 2023, he could go one place better this time around.
I Am Maximus
Owner J.P McManus has won the Grand National twice, with wins coming in 2010 and 2021. A third success this year will see him match the record for the most victories as an owner. His best chance of success is likely to come through I Am Maximus, who emerged as a major contender with his triumph in the Bobbyjo Chase.
A ❤️ affair with Fairyhouse! 🟢🟡⚪️
I Am Maximus lands another big prize @Fairyhouse as he gives weight and a thrashing to his Bobbyjo Chase rivals.
He has to be firmly in the mix for the Grand National now.@WillieMullinsNH | @jody_mcgarvey pic.twitter.com/tDHKrlQpvA
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 24, 2024
The eight-year-old is a Grade One winner, as he won the Drinmore Novice Chase earlier this season. He also prevailed in the Irish Grand National last season in his opening campaign over fences.
Irishman Willie Mullins is on course to be Irish Champion Trainer once again. He is having an excellent campaign both in the UK and Ireland. A second Grand National triumph will be a great way for him to cap off the season.
Enjoy the 2024 Grand National wherever you are tuning in from around the world, and let’s hope it is another thrilling renewal of the annual steeplechase.
