THE GRAND NATIONAL
Saturday 15th April, 5:15pm
Ain’t That A Shame @ 8/1
Delta Work @ 9/1
Coach Rambler @ 9/1
Noble Yeats @ 11/1
Gaillard Du Mesnil @ 12/1
Mr Incredible @ 14/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
It’s finally here! The Grand National 2023. It’s certainly the grandest occasion in horse racing and we caught up with our ambassador Cornelius Lysaght to get the lowdown on this year’s big race.
We’ve seen a lot of Irish dominance in recent years, could we see a British winner this year?
The last British winner came in 2017, but it’s worth noting when we quote that, that from Silver Birch in 2007 to Rule the World in 2016, there were no Irish winners.
There has obviously been a lot of Irish success in all of jumps racing, but particularly in the National in recent years. The likelihood is there will be another Irish winner this year – just because of the sheer numbers. But if you look at this race you’ve got Corach Rambler who’s well in with the weights. He’s clearly a big player after that eyecatching Cheltenham success.
The other strong British contenders would be Le Milos for the Skeltons, 10 stone 11 should be doable for him and stamina isn’t an issue. Our Power at 10 stone 2 is well in at the weights, and has won some big handicaps.
Back on the Lash on better ground is in the mix. Fortescue ran a smashing race when finishing fifth in the Grand National trial at Haydock and just got a bit too far behind. But at a big price, he’s not completely out of it.
What do you make of last year’s winner?
Noble Yeats could become the first back to back winner since Tiger Roll. He’s up 19lb in the weights, he’s the right age now. He was pretty much unconsidered in 2022, but he’s not only won the Grand National, he’s put in a pretty astonishing performance to win on the Mildmay course earlier in the season.
His trial at Cheltenham in January was really striking and the run in the Gold Cup was also instructive. He looked hopelessly out of contention before storming home at Cheltenham, he obviously suits this marathon trip.
We know it’s very hard to win for a second time, but they often run well. I expect him to run well, but with the extra weight, I think he’s unlikely to win.
What about last year’s second and third?
Any Second Now is clearly an Aintree pro. He’s earned the accolade of top weight from the handicapper. Having been second last time and finishing third the time before, he has a huge amount of credit in the bank.
Ted Walsh will have concerns about the weight but I’m sure he’ll run well again, I think it’s unlikely he’ll win, but he’s certainly in with a chance – the challenge won’t be a problem.
Delta Work isn’t getting any younger, but he won the Cross Country at Cheltenham and finished third in this race twelve months ago.
He’s never won over this distance though, the slightly shorter distance in the Cross Country suits him. But to me, having looked like he’d be a massive player late on in 2022, he just ran out of juice. He was beaten a long way in third. He’s certainly capable of running a big race, but I’d be surprised if he won.
Could we see Willie Mullins stealing another big British prize?
I think Ruby Walsh was surprised that Paul Townend has gone for Gaillard Du Mesnil, but that’s certainly a plus for anyone backing him.
Carefully Selected, has some positives, he won the Thyestes, which is considered a very good trial.
As for Mr Incredible, we’re just never quite sure what we’re going to get with him.
Capodanno is the one who interests me the most. It’s striking how much Willie has talked this horse up, even as a Gold Cup horse of the future. Plenty of weight, plenty of class and he’s been trained with this race in mind. I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on.
Any outside shouts?
Galvin is a class horse, but at 11-11 it would be quite something. That said, if you like Delta Work – even at the weights – then clearly you must like Galvin as well after his run in the Cross Country.
I’m sure the course won’t be an issue; Davy Russell takes the ride. Whatever Davy goes on to do he’ll be missed. He’s been a massive professional and character in jump racing for many years. Particularly at Aintree, where he will always be remembered for his association with Tiger Roll. It would certainly be fitting if he were to go out with a success on Galvin.
Lifetime Ambition could be an interesting contender. He’s an eight-year-old carrying 11 stone 3 for Jessica Harrington. The horse has got some solid form against good horses, Galopin Des Champs being one, this is quite a lot further which should suit. He’s got a lot of class and I’m anticipating that he’ll deliver a good run.
Lastly, who are your five to thrive over the National fences?
Lifetime Ambition is definitely in there for me. Noble Yeats too, I think Noble Yeats will finish in the top five. I love Our Power and Le Milos as well.
I think something is going to be in there at a big price, so I’d go with Fortescue there.
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