Century for the Martell Cognac Grand National

A total of 100 horses remain in the 2004 Martell Cognac Grand National following the first forfeit stage, details of which are revealed today, Wednesday, February 18.

» Click here for Details

All of the main contenders are still engaged in the £600,000 chase, including those prominent in the ante-post market such as Hedgehunter, Rince Ri, Bear On Board, Joss Naylor, the 2002 Martell Cognac Grand National winner Bindaree and Clan Royal, already twice a winner over the Grand National fences in the Martell Cognac Topham Chase and the Tote Becher Chase last year.

Ginger McCain has Amberleigh House, third to Monty´s Pass in last year´s Martell Cognac Grand National, going forward, while Saturday´s surprise Aon Chase winner Shooting Light is another left in. This year´s renewal of the world´s most famous chase, run at Aintree for the 157th time on Saturday, April 3, promises to be the most competitive ever with 58 of the 100 in the handicap. The maximum field is 40.

The weights are still headed by the Francois Doumen-trained First Gold, successful in the Martell Cognac Cup Chase at Aintree last season. First Gold is one of the four entries from France, all of whom have stood their ground, and he could be joined by stable companions Kelami and Innox, as well as the Jacques Ortet-trained Paladin.

Three out of the last five winners of the Martell Cognac Grand National have been trained in Ireland and there are still 23 Irish contenders remaining including last year´s hero Monty´s Pass, who had a pipe-opener over hurdles on February 14, the consistent Harbour Pilot, the Ted Walsh-trained duo of Rince Ri and Commanche Court, as well as the 2003 Irish Grand National victor Timbera who has been well-supported in the ante-post market.

Charles Barnett, Aintree´s Managing Director, commented today: 'I am very pleased that 100 horses have stood their ground for the Martell Cognac Grand National, including all the fancied contenders. 'There are no real surprise withdrawals at this stage - the quality and quantity remains.'