Strong Irish challenge for Aintree Grand National

Corach Rambler is a worthy favourite for the £1 million Aintree Grand National which takes place on Saturday 13th April.

Corach Rambler is bidding to win the race back-to-back and give Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell a third victory in the historic contest in the last six renewals, so it is unsurprising that bet365 quote the 10-year-old as their 5/1 favourite.

Russell’s charge had the perfect prep race for Aintree when staying on for third place behind Galopin Des Champs in last week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and with form of that calibre it will require a big performance from any of his rivals to prevent a repeat victory in the Grand National.

That said, dangers abound and the vast majority of them are Irish-trained. Last year’s runner-up, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Vanillier, was 2 1/2 lengths behind Corach Rambler at Aintree twelve months ago, but is considerably better off at the weights this time. In 2023 Vanillier gave 1lb to Corach Rambler, this year he will receive 8lbs from his old rival.

Vanillier is 12/1 with bet365 who are non-runner no bet and 1/5 odds 1-2-3-4-5 places on the Grand National.

I Am Maximus, trained by the all conquering Willie Mullins, is 10/1 with bet365 to add an English Grand National to his CV which already boasts a victory in the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse last season. I Am Maximus is not always the most straightforward of individuals, but may relish the unique test at Aintree and arrives off the back of a victory over Vanillier in February.

Willie Mullins has another leading contender in the shape of Meetingofthewaters who was recently purchased by JP McManus. Meetingofthewaters finished third in the Ultima Chase at Cheltenham, the same race Corach Rambler won prior to his Aintree success last season. Meetingofthewaters is 14/1 with bet365 for the Grand National.

The 2022 Grand National winner, Noble Yeats, is a Price Boost with bet365 at odds of 18/1. He is also trained in Ireland by Emmet Mullins. Noble Yeats proved his 2022 victory was no fluke when finishing a gallant fourth in the race last year and must have strong claims of making the frame once again.

Other Irish-trained horses towards the head of the betting market with bet365 for the 2024 Randox Aintree Grand National include Martin Brassil’s Panda Boy 12/1, John McConnell’s Mahler Mission 16/1,Gavin Cromwell’s recent Cheltenham scorer Limerick Lace 20/1, Gordon Elliott’s Galvin 20/1 and Willie Mullins’ Uttoxeter Midlands Grand National runner-up Mr Incredible 20/1.

The favourite Corach Rambler and the Cristian Williams’ trained Kitty’s Light (16/1) are the only two British-trained horses priced at odds lower than 33/1 in the bet365 market for the Grand National which is dominated by Irish contenders.

Irish-trained horses have won five of the last seven renewals of the race and the betting market suggests that it is more likely than not that another Irish runner will be added to role of honour in three week’s time.