Thread: The Grand National 2018

​Sixty-three are still in contention for the 2018 Grand National, with runners and riders to be confirmed on Thursday for the big race.
Minella Rocco remains at the head of the weights, but among those taken out at the five-day confirmation stage were the Willie Mullins-trained trio of Bellshill, Acapella Bourgeois and Rathvinden as well as Jonjo O'Neill's Go Conquer.
A maximum of 40 horses will line up in the four-and-a-quarter-mile feature, with Nigel Twiston-Davies' Double Ross currently occupying the final slot in the race.
If there are any withdrawals from the final 40 between declaration time on Thursday and 1pm on Friday, one of four reserves will step up in the order they are selected.
Twiston-Davies also has leading hope Blaklion in the mix, while all the other major candidates such as Tiger Roll for Gordon Elliott and the Mullins-trained Total Recall were left in.
Raz De Maree, Baie Des Iles and Anibale Fly also feature in a very strong Irish raiding party.

One who will be lining up for a third attempt is Vieux Lion Rouge, having finished seventh and sixth in the last two renewals.
"He usually lights up for the big occasion," trainer David Pipe told At The Races.

"He's run well in the last two Nationals and he won't mind what the ground is. It's just the first half of the season hasn't really gone to plan.
"We've beaten Blaklion and he's beaten us, but because of the first half of the season we've come down a few pounds in the weights."
Others of note to stand their ground include last year's fifth Gas Line Boy and Seeyouatmidnight, who will now run in the colours of David and Patricia Thompson, successful with Party Politics in 1992.
Telegraph Fantasy Racing: pick a free stable for the Grand National Festival. £3k to be won >
Grand National 2018 runners and riders (long list will be cut to 40 in week of race)

HORSE/AGE/WEIGHT/RATING/TRAINER
1) MINELLA ROCCO (IRE), 8, 11-10, Jonjo O'Neill
Top weight for the Randox Health Grand National, Minella Rocco has a second place in last year’s Gold Cup to his name having missed this year’s. He underwent wind surgery in February.
2) BLAKLION, 9, 11-09, Nigel Twiston-Davies
Won Becher Chase from Last Samuri. Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle for father Nigel. Fourth in last year’s National.
3) ANIBALE FLY (FR), 8, 11-07, Tony Martin IRE
One of four runners for owner JP McManus, Anibale Fly is yet to race at Aintree. A faller in the Irish Gold Cup, he placed third in Cheltenham’s Gold Cup.

4) THE LAST SAMURI (IRE), 10, 11-07, Kim Bailey
A horse with pedigree over the National fences. Second in this year’s Becher compliments 16th and 2nd in the last two Grand Nationals.
5) VALSEUR LIDO (FR), 9, 11-06, Henry de Bromhead IRE
Though he placed 5th in the Irish Gold Cup this season, Valseur Lido is yet to race at Aintree.

Total Recall in action CREDIT: PA

6) TOTAL RECALL (IRE), 9, 11-04, Willie Mullins IRE
Has raced four times for trainer Willie Mullins, winning the first three times before falling in the Gold Cup.
7) ALPHA DES OBEAUX (FR), 8, 11-03, Mouse Morris IRE
Has raced twice at Aintree, though never over the National fences. 6th last time out in the Irish Gold Cup.
8) GOLD PRESENT (IRE), 8, 11-03, Nicky Henderson
Won twice on the bounce before being pulled up in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham. Fell in last year’s Topham.
9) PERFECT CANDIDATE (IRE), 11, 11-02, Fergal O'Brien
Pulled up four from home in last year’s National, but ‘can stay all day’ according to trainer Fergal O’Brien.
10) SHANTOU FLYER (IRE), 8, 11-01, Richard Hobson
Pulled up with four to jump last year; second in the Ultima Handicap on his last outing. Will be ridden by 17-year-old James Bowen in his National debut.

11) TENOR NIVERNAIS (FR), 11, 11-00, Venetia Williams

Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies riding Vicente winner of the Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase in 2016 CREDIT: PA

12) CARLINGFORD LOUGH (IRE), 12, 11-00, John Kiely IRE
Though initially top weight for last year’s National, he was withdrawn. Twice an Irish Gold Cup winner.
13) VICENTE (FR), 9, 10-13, Paul Nicholls
Will be run by Paul Nicholls if the ground dries up. The two-time Scottish Grand National winner will aim to improve on last year where he fell at the first.
14) TIGER ROLL (IRE), 8, 10-12, Gordon Elliott IRE
A winner last time out at Cheltenham, but like so many is yet to tackle the spruce.
15) REGAL ENCORE (IRE), 10, 10-12, Anthony Honeyball
A runner-up last time out and 8th in last year’ showpiece, Richie McLernon will look to steer him to victory.
16) VIEUX LION ROUGE (FR), 9, 10-12, David Pipe
Pedigree over the National fences to rival the best of them: 6th and 7th in the last two Nationals, and the winner of 2016’s Becher.

Tiger Roll wins at Cheltenham last month CREDIT: SPORTSFILE VIA GETTY IMAGES

17) CHASE THE SPUD, 10, 10-11, Fergal O'Brien
Another for Fergal O’Brien; yet to run at Aintree. Pulled-up in the Welsh Grand National.
18) WARRIORS TALE, 9, 10-11, Paul Nicholls
Sean Bowen will ride the Great Yorkshire Chase’s Runner-up for Paul Nicholls.

19) SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT, 10, 10-11, Sandy Thomson
Underwent wind surgery in November. Placed third in the 2016 Scottish National.
20) AS DE MEE (FR), 8, 10-11, Paul Nicholls
21) GAS LINE BOY (IRE), 12 10-10, Ian Williams
Tasted victory over the National fences in December’s Sefton Handicap following fifth place in the main event last year. Fell at the first in 2015.
22) THE DUTCHMAN (IRE), 8, 10-10, Colin Tizzard
The Dutchman raced to victory in the Peter Marsh Chase by 13 lengths at Haydock in January but is yet to tackle the big ones down the road.
23) PLEASANT COMPANY (IRE), 10, 10-10, Willie Mullins IRE
Though he placed ninth last year, since then Pleasant Company has had only two disappointing outings.
24) UCELLO CONTI (FR), 10, 10-09, Gordon Elliott IRE
Placed sixth two years ago before unseating his rider at Becher’s last year. Beaten into second by Anibale Fly at Leopardstown in December’s Paddy Power Chase.

25) SAINT ARE (FR), 12, 10-09, Tom George
Has raced seven times over the National fences including a third place last year, and a second in 2015.
26) BEEVES (IRE), 11, 10-09, Jennie Candlish
A withdrawal from last year’s race, Beeves placed eighth in the 2016 Becher.

27) RAZ DE MAREE (FR), 13, 10-08, Gavin Cromwell IRE
The Welsh Grand National winner, Raz de Maree has been run twice over the National fences, placing eighth in 2014.
28) I JUST KNOW (IRE), 8, 10-07, Sue Smith
Trained by 2013 winner Sue Smith, the North Yorkshire National winner is yet to attempt the National fences.
29) VIRGILIO (FR), 9, 10-07, Dan Skelton
Though he is but another National fence debutant, Virgilio has appeared six times at Aintree.
30) BAIE DES ILES (FR), 7, 10-07, Ross O'Sullivan IRE
Katie Walsh will take to the saddle for Ross O’Sullivan. Secured a third in the Irish Grand National Trial last time out.
31) MAGGIO (FR), 13, 10-07, Patrick Griffin IRE
An unused reserve in 2016, Maggio previously placed 10th in 2015’s Topham.

Davy Russell on Lord Windermere (R) winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2014 CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

32) PENDRA (IRE), 10, 10-07, Charlie Longsdon
Pendra finished an admirable thirteenth in the 2016 National, but has only been run twice in the past twelve months.
33) BUYWISE (IRE), 11, 10-07, Evan Williams
In his only trip round Aintree’s toughest test back in 2016, Buywise placed twelfth.
34) CHILDRENS LIST (IRE), 8, 10-07, Willie Mullins IRE
This eight-year-old has raced once at Aintree in 2016. He is also entered for the Topham.

35) HOUBLON DES OBEAUX (FR), 11, 10-06, Venetia Williams
Last year’s tenth place finisher will be ridden by Charlie Deutsch. Will wear blinkers for the second time.
36) LORD WINDERMERE (IRE), 12, 10-06, Jim Culloty IRE
The veteran has run once since last year’s seventh-place effort, a fall in the Becher. The Lord may attract attention owing to his 2014 Gold Cup triumph.
37) CAPTAIN REDBEARD (IRE), 9, 10-06, Stuart Coltherd
Captain Redbeard can boast two wins in his last three outings and a sixth place finish in December’s Grand Sefton Chase over the National fences.
38) BLESS THE WINGS (IRE), 13, 10-05, Gordon Elliott IRE
Bless The Wings has finished only once in five races this season; boasts experience over the spruce in the form of a ninth in 2015’s Topham.
39) MILANSBAR (IRE), 11, 10-05, Neil King
Bryony Frost’s mount for the big day, Milansbar placed second in March’s Midlands Grand National.
40) FINAL NUDGE (IRE), 9, 10-05, David Dennis
A third place finish in January’s Welsh Grand National may ensure he does not go unnoticed, but Final Nudge is yet to take on the likes of the Canal Turn and The Chair.
41) DOUBLE ROSS (IRE), 12, 10-05, Nigel Twiston-Davies

Brought to a halt before finishing in 2016, Double Ross has not won since October 2016.
42) ROAD TO RICHES (IRE), 11, 10-04, Noel Meade IRE
Another Aintree virgin, Road To Riches last won in November and was pulled up in February’s trial for the Irish National.
43) DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR (IRE), 8, 10-04, Sue Smith
Aintree is the place for delusions of grandeur. This eight-year-old placed third last time out at Haydock.

Vintage Clouds at Cheltenham this year CREDIT: ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS

44) THUNDER AND ROSES (IRE), 10, 10-04, Mouse Morris IRE
2015’s Irish Grand National winner unseated his mount at the ninth last year. A faller in his past two races, Thunder and Roses will aim to complete the course for the first time having been pulled up in the 2015 Becher.
45) WALK IN THE MILL (FR), 8, 10-03, Robert Walford
Another yet to cross the Melling Road, he was pulled up in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock in January last time out.
46) VINTAGE CLOUDS (IRE), 8, 10-03, Sue Smith
A third place in the Ultima Handicap in most recent outing, the grey Vintage Clouds has also finished fourth in the Welsh National this year.
47) WOUNDED WARRIOR (IRE), 9, 10-01, Noel Meade IRE
Jumped 28 of the 30 fences last year, Wounded Warrior also took second in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap at Gowran Park in January.

48) SPLASH OF GINGE, 10, 10-00, Nigel Twiston-Davies
Pulled up in the 2015 Topham, but is yet to attempt the Aintree marathon. Has never run beyond 3m 2f. Owner John Nield has £1,000 on his horse to win at some point in his career, paying out at 1,000-1. £1 million is at stake for Nield.
49) BONNY KATE (IRE), 8, 10-00, Noel Meade IRE
Either side of being pulled up in two consecutive races, Bonny Kate placed third in the Ladbrokes Troytown Handicap in November and second in March’s Daily Mirror Chase at Down Royal.
50) COGRY, 9, 10-00, Nigel Twiston-Davies
Last year’s Scottish National runner-up, Cogry placed eleventh in the Ultima Handicap last time out. He is again entered in the Scottish National.
51) SIR MANGAN (IRE), 10, 10-00, Dan Skelton
Sir Mangan was pulled-up in the National trial, but has since finished sixth twice. Yet to take on the spruce.
52) MYSTEREE (IRE), 10, 10-00, Michael Scudamore
Finished third in the National trial at Haydock behind Blaklion. Claimed the Eider chase at Newcastle last February.
53) MINELLA DADDY (IRE), 8, 9-13, Peter Bowen
Twice beaten into second by Regal Encore at Ascot, Minella Daddy came home twelfth in the Ultima Handicap last time out.

54) BRAQUEUR D'OR (FR), 7, 9-13, Paul Nicholls
This seven-year-old won the Rowles Fine Art Handicap Chase at Ludlow in October, and finished second in his final warm-up at Doncaster in December.
55) RELENTLESS DREAMER (IRE), 9, 9-13, Rebecca Curtis
Yet to tackle the National fences, Relentless Dreamer finished sixth last time out at Kempton but won the Tanners Champagne Chase at Ludlow in December.
56) THE YOUNG MASTER, 9, 9-11, Neil Mulholland
The Young Master fell at Becher’s first time around last year. Has been run twice in the Becher Chase, finishing sixth in this year’s event with Sam Waley-Cohen aboard.
57) HENRI PARRY MORGAN, 10, 9-09, Peter Bowen
Welsh horse Henri Parry Morgan won last time out at Ffos Las. He also finished ninth in last year’s Scottish National.
58) PHIL'S MAGIC (IRE), 8, 9-09, Tony Martin IRE
Only once has Phil’s Magic run outside of Ireland, but placed third in the Munster National to go with a sixth in December’s Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown, both of which were won by Total Recall.
59) ALFIE SPINNER (IRE), 13, 9-09, Kerry Lee
The Welsh Grand National runner-up, Alfie Spinner also finished fifth in March’s Midlands Grand National. Yet to run in the main event, finished fourth in 2014’s Becher.

60) DANCING SHADOW (IRE), 9, 9-08, Victor Dartnall
A potential Aintree debutant, Dancing Shadow is one of few to have won over 4 miles. A fourth place finisher last time out at Exeter.
61) ROGUE ANGEL (IRE), 10, 9-08, Mouse Morris IRE
Cleared all 30 last year, but was pulled-up before passing the finishing post. Winner of the Irish Grand National two years ago.
62) OUT SAM, 9, 9-06, Gordon Elliott IRE
Out Sam was pulled-up in February’s trial for the Irish National. Also pulled-up in the Eider Chase and Midlands Grand National last year.
63) KRACKATOA KING, 10, 9-03, Kerry Lee
Standing 18 hands, 2 inches tall at least, Krackatoa King is a mighty steed, though he is yet to tackle the National fences.​

As a rule it's 40 riders, so place your bets here!!!

Anyone who posts on this thread will be entered into a sweepstake and the winner takes all....the pies!

I quite like 17-Chase the spud.

Horse racing should be banned. Just my opinion.

Some decent early prices. Minella Rocca at 20 is a steal


The top 15 in the betting as it stands on Wednesday 11 April, are as follows:

1. Total Recall 10/1
2. Anibale Fly 11/1
3. Blaklion 11/1
4. Tiger Roll 12/1
5. Seeyouatmidnight 16/1
6. Baie Des Iles 16/1
7. The Last Samuri 16/1
8. Ucello Conti 20/1
9. Minella Rocco 20/1
10. I Just Know 25/1
11. Gold Present 28/1
12. The Dutchman 28/1
13. Captain Redbeard 28/1
14. Milansbar 33/1
15. Regal Encore 33/1

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

Horse racing should be banned. Just my opinion.

What about greyhounds, whippets and atheletics, don't be a spoilsport!
Anyhow, you've posted ....so you are in the sweepstake

You'll be backing Devon Loch, won't you?

Originally Posted by Chittychangchang

What about greyhounds, whippets and atheletics, don't be a spoilsport!

I don't want to get in a shit fight but all the examples you quoted run because they want to. And to use a whip to make an animal run faster for profit doesn't seem fair to me.

I would strongly suggest that you put your money on the horse that comes first.

Won with my first ever bet on the national.

Gay trip, all those decades ago. Nothing since.

That race is just a lottery. Haven't bet on it since Red Rum.

SPLASH OF GINGE sounds interesting. Is it a filly?

The way the TD sweepstake will work is that the horses will be divided by the posters ie

There is traditionally 40 riders, so divide that by the posters 7 so far.

Poster 1 gets horse 1
Poster 2 gets horse 2
Etc
Then poster 1 would get horse 8
Poster 2 horse 9 and so on...

We'll play it by ear

Ideally 10 posters would get 4 horses each or 20 posters 2 each,....

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

That race is just a lottery. Haven't bet on it since Red Rum.

Red Rum got the treble and has a full size bronze statue at Aintree.

Minella Rocco

Will post a pic of my bet slip soon

Only doing 5 quid though

Anibale fly. Only cause it sounds vaguely like my daughter's name.

That's five horses each so far

Who calls a horse Chase The Spud?


Stick all me bitcoin on Maggio, cheers.

Ucello Conti gets my backing.

Seeyouatmidnight

ROAD TO RICHES for my second horse, please.

Fido picks Lido, I'm amazed it is still allowed and not seen as racist

Blaklion, one house gets 12!

Originally Posted by cyrille

Seeyouatmidnight

Considering the amount of rain we've had here, this nag is worth a punt.
Might put a few pennies on it myself.

On behalf of Plies - he'd like to back Tiger Roll.