The Grand National is the most lucrative National Hunt contest in the world. £1 million in prize money is on offer in the race, ensuring it attracts the best horses, jockeys and trainers.
Here is a look at the renewal in 2022 and who have the best chance of coming out on top at the end of the marathon 4m2½f trip.
Any Second Now
Ted Walsh’s chaser Any Second Now finished third in the Grand National in 2021. He was just over eight lengths behind the winner Minella Times.
The Irish horse recently prevailed in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse where he beat a number of his leading rivals for the Grand National, including Escaria Ten and Burrows Saint.
The 10-year-old is bidding to give his trainer a second success in the world-famous steeplechase. He is the 10/1 favourite in the odds for Grand National at the latest stage of declarations.
Delta Work
A big boost to Delta Work’s Grand National chances came at the Cheltenham Festival. He bounced back to his best with victory in the Cross Country Chase. The Irish runner defeated his stablemate and defending champion Tiger Roll in that race.
Gordon Elliott’s runner will be looking to emulate Tiger Roll by trying to win the Aintree feature. He is one of the highest-rated runners in the field, with an official mark of 160. The way he was staying on at Cheltenham at the back end of his race suggests he will appreciate the stamina test in the Grand National.
Delta Work is expected to be part of a strong team from Elliott’s yard. The Irish trainer is bidding for a fourth victory in the race.
Escaria Ten
With just seven appearances over fences, Escaria Ten is one of the least experienced runners in the Grand National field. He finished third in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, behind Galvin and Next Destination respectively.
The eight-year-old will be fancied to improve on his second-place finish behind Any Second Now in the Grade Three event at Fairyhouse last month. With improvement expected at Aintree, he is a horse who cannot be ruled out from prevailing.
Enjoy D’Allen
One of the horses who are right at the bottom end of the Grand National weights is Enjoy D’Allen. He has been handed an allocation of 10st 10lb.
Enjoy D’Allen finished third in the Irish Grand National last April. He is a horse who has no stamina issues. The eight-year-old has not scored since January 2021, but his form has been consistent since then.
Snow Leopardess
As a winner of the Becher Handicap Chase, Snow Leopardess has shown a liking for the Grand National fences at Aintree. She won that handicap contest last December, boosting her chances of glory in the race over the longer distance.
Mares don’t have a great record in the Grand National. Nickle Coin was the last to win the race in 1951. Snow Leopardess has an excellent record of ending that wait.
This year’s Grand National will be the 174th renewal of the race at Aintree. It should once again attract a huge global television audience, as millions will tune in to see who can win this unique jumps contest.
