‘Limerick’ can continue upward curve
It may not be the same race it was 10 years ago, with the many modifications that have been made and field size reduced to 34 (from 40), but there’s nothing quite like the Aintree Grand National (4.0) to get the pulses racing.
People with not even a passing interest in racing will turn to their television screens today for the world’s most famous steeplechase, and it has the makings of a cracking renewal with the all-conquering Willie Mullins saddling eight runners.
It hasn’t been a bad few days for Mullins in his pursuit of a first British jumps trainers’ crown and with £500,000 (€585,000) up for gr abs for the winner, victory for any of his octet would go a long way towards emulating the great Vincent O’Brien with championship success across the Irish Sea.
Mullins has only won the world’s most famous steeplechase once – 19 years ago with Hedgehunter – but he has assembled a formidable team led by last year’s Irish National winner I Am Maxim us (11 st -6 lbs ).
Paul Townend retains his partnership with the eight-year-old and is alive con tender despite some weight concerns while powerful owner J PM cM an us is also representedby another leading con tender in stablemate Meeting of the waters (10-8).
Danny Mullins renews acquaintances after partnering him to victory in the Paddy Power Chase, while Panda Boy (10-7), runner-up that day, should come into calculations as Martin Brassil bids to land a second win in the showpiece.
The grey, rid den by Irish National her oJ J Slevin, only has one chase success in nine starts, though, so others may be more reliable in the 4m2f showpiece with stamina really set to be put to the test in demanding conditions.
Last year’s winner Corach Rambler (116) ran a cracker when third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last start as Lucinda Russell’s charge bids to match Tiger Roll (2018-’19), the last horse to complete successive Aintree victories.
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Vanillier (10-12) finished like a train in this 12 months ago to chase him home and he is likely to be far more forward this time. Seán Flanagan’s mount is weighted to turn the tide on Corach Rambler and this has been his only goal all season.
He should be bang there if getting luck in-running and he ticks the box with eight of the last 10 winners carrying 10-13 or less.
The grey maybe outdone by a stable mate, though, with Limerick Lace (10-8) potentially a class apart for the Meath trainer.
Also owned by McManus, his retained rider Mark Walsh had no hesitation in opting for her over other leading chances as she bids to become the first mare to walk away with the spoils since 1951.
Noble Yeats, the 2022 winner, became the first seven-year-old since World War II to take the National but she can buck that trend once again having shown all her guts, and no little class, to take the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Ground will be of no concern while stamina shouldn’t either given her second in the Troytown over three miles last November. She travels beautifully and jumps economically and there may be firsts all around for Walsh and Cromwell.
VERNEY’S VERDICT
1. Limerick Lace 2. Vanillier 3. I Am Maximus 4. Corach Rambler 5. Glengouly