Panic Attack leading National challenge against mighty Mullins

Panic Attack will bid to reward punter confidence and buck a 75-year trend in the Randox Grand National – in doing so capping a remarkable season for champion trainer-elect Dan Skelton.

No mare has won the Aintree showpiece since Nickel Coin in 1951, but it would prove somewhat fitting if the heavily-supported 10-year-old could correct the record in a season where she has already landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup/Coral Gold Cup double.

In many ways Bryan Drew’s pride and joy has already played a starring role in Skelton’s charge towards a first trainers’ title and the Alcester-based handler is relishing the prospect of a famous first.

Skelton said: “It’s a long time since a mare has won, but I like that, it means someone has got to do it!

“We’re very pleased with her, her preparation has gone really well and she looks fantastic. She’s in the form of her life, she’s had the season of her life so if it’s ever going to happen it’s going to happen this time, not another time.

“I have no negatives apart from we are trying to win a Grand National, which is a pretty hard thing to do!”

The National has proven pivotal in the title race the last two years, with Willie Mullins’ victories on Merseyside paving the way to thwarting Skelton twice on the final day of the season.

With Panic Attack disputing favouritism with 2024 winner and last year’s runner-up I Am Maximus, Skelton is ready to lock horns with the master of Closutton once again.

“I don’t know if she should be nearly favourite, Willie has won more Grand Nationals than me so his horses should be favourite,” continued Skelton.

“She’s been going up the weights all season, but she needed to as she’s still on 10st 5lb so she had to win those races.

“I don’t think she hides much, but what she has is an incredible tenacity to race. The trip will be no issue, I don’t think the fences will faze her, so it’s just whether she is good enough on the day.”

I Am Maximus will lead a formidable Mullins team as he attempts to become the first trainer since Vincent O’Brien in 1953, 1954 and 1955 to win three consecutive Grand Nationals.

Closutton number one Paul Townend has stayed loyal to the Aintree specialist, who will sport cheekpieces for the first time since 2022 in his attempt to become the first horse since Red Rum to reclaim the National crown.

“He’s been there and done it and ran a blinder back there when he was second last year,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“Willie is very happy with him and we’re hoping now for a bit of luck.

“He’s got the cheekpieces on and he’s getting a little bit older and wiser now.

“It’s great to have Paul riding, but he was always going to ride him, I think.”

Mullins will saddle almost a quarter of the 34-runner line-up and his son Patrick will bid for back-to-back National wins after victory 12 months ago aboard the absent Nick Rockett.

With Townend opting for I Am Maximus, Mullins picks up the choice mount on last year’s third, Grangeclare West, who was last seen winning the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

“I think it’s as strong a team as we’ve ever had, on paper at least,” said the record-breaking amateur.

“Obviously the second and third from last year are back again and there’s a couple of dangerous ones down near the bottom of the weights – we’ve got all the angles covered, I think.”

Of Grangeclare West, Mullins added: “I’m delighted to be on him, I thought he ran a brilliant trial in the Bobbyjo and obviously he’s taken to the track.

“Willie was very keen for me to ride him, so you’ve got to listen to your manager!

“He’s got plenty of weight, so I don’t have to worry about sweating and Leighton Aspell won two Grand Nationals one year after another on different horses, so it can be done.”

Like Mullins, McManus fields a power-packed team in search of his own fourth success in the race, with Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s pair of Iroko and Jagwar among his leading lights.

The former was the only horse to stop the Closutton dominance in the race when fourth 12 months ago and while he disappointed in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, there are hopes of a revival.

Berry added: “Iroko disappointed a bit at Cheltenham which would worry you a bit, but the team think he is back in good form again now.

“If he could get back to where he was last year then he must have a shout.”

In contrast, Jagwar finished second in the same race at Prestbury Park and is now exposed to a marathon trip for the first time.

“Jagwar ran a blinder at Cheltenham and if he takes to the place and gets the trip he would have to have his chance,” continued Berry.

“He will wear cheekpieces, which will sharpen him up and make him concentrate a little bit more. He’s got his own style of jumping, but we hope he takes to this.”