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Grand National weights reflect Ireland’s stranglehold on National Hunt
It was a clear reflection of the stranglehold which Ireland have on National Hunt racing when the weights for the Grand national were released earlier this week and their grip has only got stronger following the decision to reduce the size of the field from 40 to 34 runners.
One of our own
In much the same manner in which we widely regarded Andy Murray as one of our own when he triumphed at Wimbledon, the home team fully embraced Scottish-based 2023 Grand National winner Coach Rambler as a win for the home side, however every single one of the next six past the post were trained on the other side of the Irish Sea and the numbers are very much in their favour for the 2024 renewal of the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Major player
Gordon Elliott has a record 26 entries at this stage and the one which stands out most is Chemical Energy, the Irish-based contender giving Gaillard Du Mesnil something of a scare when going off level weights in the National Hunt Chase in last year’s festival. Key to success for this contender is a sound surface, however at number 38 on the current list, he would need some to come out in order to make it to the starting line on 13th April but should he sneak in and get his favoured conditions, he could prove to be a major player in the contest.
Excellent prep run
The home defence is led by Coach Rambler but he will need to overcome a higher burden of 13lb compared to last year and hasn’t as yet discovered his top form this season. He will feature in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham next month but his big day is doubtless the Aintree marathon, Lucinda Russell labelling the blue riband event of jump racing as an excellent prep run for her star inmate.
