The Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in the UK is the most famous steeplechase in the world. The marathon contest is also one of the most unique, as those involved must jump bigger obstacles than a standard race over fences.
With the entries now in, here is a look at the leading contender for the race this season.
Noble Yeats
2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats will be bidding to match what only Red Rum and Tiger Roll have achieved in the last 50 years by winning the Aintree feature in back-to-back years.
Emmet Mullinsā runner is likely to be one of the leadingĀ UK racing tipsĀ for the Grand National this year as there is an argument to be made to suggest he is a better horse this year. The Irish chaser, who is now rated at 170 in the official ratings, is the 8/1Ā favorite in the ante-post betting.
Before he lines up on Merseyside, Noble Yeats is set to take on the best 3m+ horses in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. Should he win that race, he will prove he is one of the best chasers of his generation.
Corach Rambler
Last season was an excellent campaign for Corach Rambler. The highlight of his year was his victory in theĀ Ultima Handicap ChaseĀ at the Cheltenham Festival. He won the day one contest by just under three lengths.
Lucinda Russellās chaser is rated at 146 by the official handicapper. His mark is now 6lb higher than when he was successful in the premier handicap contest at the Festival in 2022. With more improvement likely, he could rise even further before the season is over.
With the experience the nine-year-old now has over fences, his connections will be hoping he can put up a good showing in the Grand National. It will be his first attempt around the Grand National Course in Liverpool.
Any Second Now
In what was an excellent performance, Any Second Now chased home Noble Yeats in the Grand National in 2022, finishing second of 40 runners. His connections will be optimistic that their horse will be in the mix over the bigger obstacles again.
The former Bobbyjo Chase winner also finished third in the Grand National in 2021, so he is proving to be a horse that produces his best in this race. At the age of 11, he will be the oldest winner since Pineau De Re in 2014 if victorious this year.
Conflated
Two-time Grade One winner Conflated is set to be one of the highest-rated chasers in the Grand National field. Gordon Elliottās runner landedĀ the Savills ChaseĀ on his latest outing. He won the Grade One contest by five lengths.
The nine-year-old will feature in the Ryanair Chase over the shorter distance of 2m5f before he heads to Aintree. He will be bidding to give his trainer a fourth win in the Grand National later in the campaign.
This yearās Grand National will be the 175th in history and it is scheduled to take place on April 15.
