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Grand National News
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We now have a Grand National Blog where all the latest news and views on the great race are aired.
All the up to date news on runners and riders, weights and prices on the 2008 Grand National can be found at our:
Grand National Blog
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We will keep you updated with the latest news, non runners, the jockey bookings and anything else we hear about which may help you find the value Grand National odds.
2007 GRAND NATIONAL RESULT
1 Silver Birch 33/1
2 Mckelvey 12/1
3 Slim Pickings 33/1
4 Philson Run 100/1
The 2007 National provided a thrilling contest with only 2 lengths seperating the first three horses home. Winning trainer Gordon Elliott maintained Ireland's great run in the race as the raiders have now won four of the last five Nationals. Mckelvey was the gallant runner up, who, depsite picking up an injury on the run in, very nearly pulled of an inspired gamble.
Twelve of the forty horses that set out successfully completed the course.
13/04/07 Point Barrow in good form before National bid Point Barrow's trainer Pat Hughes has reported that his charge has handled the journey over from Ireland well. He said earlier;
"He's eaten up and never turned a hair. A drop of water would be good - as well as a bit of luck.
Everything has gone well since his last race, so we are just hoping for the best."
Point Barrow's jocket Philip Carberry will be having his first ride in the race and said of his mount;
"He is a very safe jumper so far so I hope he won't have many problems and I'm looking forward to it."
12/04/07 Mullins changes mind over Homer Wells Willie Mullins has changed his mind and decided to run Homer Wells in the National after all. He said today;
"They tell me Aintree are watering well, so we have decided to let Homer Wells have a go," said Mullins. "He won his bumper on good ground, so I don't think the going will be a problem."
Mullins also confirmed that Ruby Walsh would be riding Hedgehunter, David Condon would be aboard Homer Wells, David Casey on Bothar Na and Davy Russell on Livingstonebramble.
12/04/07 Final Grand National runners announced The names of the 40 horses set to line up in this year's Grand National have been announced.
Fota Island, Armaturk and Iris Royal will not be competing.
The current cut-off point is at Le Duc, with Risk Accessor, Dunbrody Millar, Undeniable and Lou De Moulin Mas the four reserves, in that order. Check out our runners/horses page for the full list of Staurday's runners.
11/04/07 Hedgehunter team pleased with ground ahead of Saturday's big race
Martin Meagher, racing manager to owner Trevor Hemmings expressed himself happy with the ground ahead of the National
Meagher said: "It’s good ground and exactly as described - they’ve done a great job with the watering and it’s good, safe ground.
As the ground stands, it will be perfect for Hedgehunter. Last year we felt the rain on Friday and the weight caught him out.
Billyvoddan will be fine on the ground. Idle Talk is the one of the three who would prefer a bit more cut, but he should be OK."
10/04/07 Aintree officals happy with ground for National Clerk of the Course at Aintree Andrew Tulloch has delcared himself perfectly happy with the ground at Aintree reporting that;
"The Grand National course has lovely jumping ground and, according to the going stick, is slightly easier at the moment than the Mildmay course."
Aintree have been watering the course extensively for the last two weeks and a continuation of the recent good weather could still see conditions favouring those horses with a liking for fast ground. Check out our predictor to see which horses might be best suited to the possible ground conditions.
10/04/07 Dobbin in race against time to be fit Tony Dobbin faces an anxious few days to see if an arm injury he picked up yeterday in a fall at Fairyhouse will prevent him from riding Longshanks in the Grand National. Dobbin, who won the National in 1997 on Lord Gyllene, will have to wear a cast for the next two days and then be seen by a racecourse doctor before any decision can be made but his agent was hopeful that he would be ok for the big day.
09/04/07 Latest Entries Released The field for the Grand National was cut to 68 today and the final forty horses that will contest Saturday's race are to be announced on Thursday.
The following 13 horses were withdrawn at 9 April stage: Forget The Past, State Of Play, Bold Bishop, Innox, Ground Ball, Ossmoses, Garvivonnian, A New Story, GVA Ireland, Ransboro, Dublin Hunter, Solarius, Dauphin Des Carres.
No huge shocks at this late stage as the withdrawals of State of Play and Innox had been expected but supporters of Garvivonnian will be disappointed at his late removal from the race.
After the withdrawals it looks increasingly likely that Joe's Edge will make the race as he now only needs two runners above him in the handicap to drop out to be assured of a run. Consequently he came in for solid support yesterday from 16/1 and is now challenging for favourtism.
09/04/07 Nicholls confirms jockeys for his runners Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls has confirmed jockey plans for his likely runners in Saturday's big race. Eurotrek will be ridden by Liam Heard unless Ruby Walsh becomes available and does not ride Hedgehunter. Thistathandtother will be ridden by Sam Thomas and Le Duc (if he makes the race) will be ridden by Dominic Elsworth. Nicholls had earlier declared that Joe Tizzard would be aboard Royal Auclair.
02/04/07 Ossmoses out of National
Don Foster's leading fancy for the Aintree Grand National has been ruled out of the race with less than a fortnight to go before the big day. The ten year old gelding has a tendon injury and could be out of action until the second half of next season.
"We are pretty gutted here as you can imagine" said Foster.
Bookmakers chose not to react to heavily to the withdrawl of the well supported 16/1 chance.
Point Barrow and Dun Doire continue to battle for favouritism.
02/04/07 Hedgehunter ready for Aintree2005 National winner completed his preparation for Aintree with a run over hurdles over the weekend at Limerick. Connections were satisfied with the 11 year-old with Willie Mullins stating "We were happy enough with the way he ran, it was the only race for him that week. He'll be back out working again on Tuesday."
Ruby Walsh confirmed that if the gelding runs in the National then he would definitely be in the saddle.
27/03/07 81 Horses Left In National At 27th March Forefeit Stage25 horses with withdrawn from the field at the latest forfeit stage. Some leading fancies such as Exotic Dancer, Turpin Green, Inca Trail and Lacdoudal were amongst those removed from the race. The full list of horses withdrawn was;
EXOTIC DANCER (FR), LOUPING D'AINAY (FR), CROZAN (FR), LACDOUDAL (FR), OUR BEN, SIR REMBRANDT (IRE), CORNISH REBEL (IRE), LADALKO (FR), TURPIN GREEN (IRE), TAKE THE STAND (IRE), NED KELLY (IRE), LITTLE BRICK (FR), FAR FROM TROUBLE (IRE), LORD OF ILLUSION (IRE), NIRVANA DU BOURG (FR), URSUMMAN (IRE), NIL DESPERANDUM (IRE), MAURICE (FR), INCA TRAIL (IRE), KYMANDJEN (IRE), PATRICKSNINETEENTH (IRE), WITHOUT A DOUBT, DIX VILLEZ (FR), ROSS COMM, COLJON (IRE).
The bookmakers reacted to the withdrawls by slightly trimming the prices of the most fancied horses.Point Barrow's odds are now
26/03/07 Far From Trouble Out Of The NationalTrainer Christy Roche has had to give up hopes of running the JP McManus' owned gelding in the Grand National. A leg infection has ruled out the former Galway Plate winner from this race and the Irish National. AP McCoy was due to ride far From Trouble and the Champion jockey is now swapping over to Francois Doumen's L'Ami.
26/03/07 National Prep Runs For Point and McKelveyStrong Irish fancy Point Barrow completed his preparation for the National with an eye catching run over hurdles when finishing third at Navan on the 24th. Trainer Pat Hughes confirmed that thoughts of the Irish National have finally been dismissed and the Grand National is definitely the target.
Also impressing over the weekend was the Peter Bowen trained McKelvey. The 8yo stayed on strongly to win a handicap hurdle at Bangor and that looks to have put him spot on for the big race at Aintree. Bookmakers were also impressed and cut his odds from 40/1.
23/03/07 Ossmoses Subject Of Strong SupportDonald Foster's pride and joy Ossmoses had his National prep run over hurdles at Ayr today and very nearly provided the trainer with a surprising victory.
Running over an inadequate trip, the ten year old grey gamely responded to pressure but failed by just a neck to peg back improving Irish raider Amstecos. The bookies were suitably impressed and cut the odds available from 33/1 to 25/1.
23/03/07 Far From Trouble Faces A Race Against TimeNews was released this week that joint third favourite Far From Trouble participation is still in some doubt. J P McManus' Galway Plate winner was withdrawn from all his intended engagements at Cheltenham due to a setback and is still receiving treatment. McManus' Racing Manager Frank Berry said that the intention was still for Far From Trouble to run but there was some doubt as to if he would make the line up.
Berry suggested that L'Ami could prove to be the pick of the leading Irish owner's entries.
23/03/07 Runners Round-UpAs well as doubts surrounding Far From Trouble, a number of other horses were either confirmed as non runners or outlined as likely to contest other races.
Trevor Hemmings' racing manager Michael Meagher outlined plans for the former winning owner's string stating that Our Ben and Nirvana Du Bourg definitely wouldn't be going to the National.
Also, out of the race following a set back is French raider Louping D'Ainay.
Turpin Green, Lacdoudal and Exotic Dancer have all also been reported as likely to take up alternative engagements at Aintree or Sandown.
23/03/07 Jockey NoticesKim Bailey has recruited the services of Tony Dobbin for his Aintree hope, Longshanks. Jason Maguire rode the gelding in his victory at Newbury this season but he has elected to ride Idle Talk for Donald McCain.
13/02/07 Exotic Dancer and Hedgehunter Given Top WeightThe weights for the 2007 Grand National were announced today with Exotic Dancer paying for his recent good form and Hedgehunter, winner in 2005 and runner up in 2006, being allotted the maximum 11st 12lb.
Last years winner, Numbersixvalverde was given 11st3lb, 11lb more than he carried to victory in 2006.
Clan Royal, third last year and runner up in 2004 seems to have a nice weight of 10st9lb.
Follow this link to check out all the Grand National Weights
01/02/07 2007 Grand National Entries Announced!The quality level of the Grand National has been rising in recent years and 2007 looks to be no exception to this rule as the entries were released today.
119 horses were left in the race at this stage including State Of Play, Exotic Dancer and Forget The Past, all of whom will be also looking to take a hand in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
33 Entries are Irish Trained and 7 French Trained.
The winners of the last two Nationals, Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde are also set to take their chance and are just part of a potentially huge raiding party from Ireland. The Irish have 33 of the entries as they seek their fourth win in the race in five years.
L’ami looks to be the lead challenger from a nine runner strong hand for powerful Irish owner J P Mcmanus as he seeks to land one of the few races to have eluded him. When the entries were annnounced, L'Ami was available at 33/1 with Coral
Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls also has a strong hand with eight possible entries. Undoubtedly the most interesting of his entries is former Cheltenham Festival winner, Thisthatandtother.
Also well represented is top Irish trainer Willie Mullins. As well as the previously mentioned Hedgehunter, he has entered former Hunter Chaser Bothar Na and the classy Our Ben amongst others. Bothar Na odds were 33/1 with SkyBet after the entries were revealed.
2007 Grand National Weights to be announced in FebruaryThe weights for the 2007 Grand National are due to be announced around the middle of February, with this years race being scheduled for Saturday 14 April. We'll bring you all the details as soon as they are avialable.
2007 Grand National DeclarationsThis years declarations close at midday on Jan 31st. They will be released shortly after this time. We'll let you know all those declared for the big race as soon as we get the news.
10/01/07 Hedgehunter Tops Grand National Odds at Start of 2007Its little surprise that the popular and talented Hedgehunter tops the betting at the start of the year at 12/1 with Betfred. Last years winner, Numbersixvalverde is next at 14/1 with Stan James with last years third Clan Royal at 28/1 with Stan James. Dun Doire who was many peoples fancy for last years race but didnt make the final 40 can be backed at 14/1 with Coral.
2006 GRAND NATIONAL RESULT
1 Numbersixvalverde 11/1
2 Hedgehunter 5/1
3 Clan Royal 5/1
4 Nil Despernadum 33/1
It was a high class Grand National and very competitive with all 40 runners in the handicap proper. The rain the previous day had turned the going to good to soft but some argued it was slower. This played into the hands of those with huge stamina reserves and it was the winner of last years Irish National who came out on top by a comfortable 6 lengths. The first four home were a distance clear of 5th place Risk Acessor who was followed by Puntal, Joes Edge, Inca trail and Forest Gunner as just 9 completed the course.
6/4 Money Still Coming for Clan Royal Clan Royal looks set to start the 2006 Grand National as the punters favourite as the cash continues to pour on. Tony McCoy's mount, who has been unfortunate in the last two runnings, is as short as 9/2 with Coral.
Free £10 Bet from Coral
6/4 Hedgehunter and Royal Auclair head the 48 Hour Declartions Last years first and second headed the weights at the 48 hour declaration stage. Sir Rembrandt will miss the race after being found slightly lame and Spot the Difference has been pulled out as well.
Just in Debt gets into the race as number 40 and the four reserves are Lord Atterbury, Knife Edge, Philson Run and Montayral.
Dun Doire misses the race as expected.
5/4 Carl Llewellwyn to ride Baron Windrush Following Ollie Magerns' withdrawal, Carl Llewellwyn has picked up the ride on Baron Windrush whose Grand National odds are 66/1 with William Hill
5/4 Ollie Magern out of Grand National Ollie Magern looks set to contest the Betfair Bowl rather than honour his Grand National entry.
4/4 6/1 No First Fence Faller Those Grand National special bets have started! Bet 365 have quoted just 6/1 that there will be no faller at the first fence. Ladbrokes are trying to tempt Hedgehunter fans with a 40/1 quote that he will match Red Rum and win three Grand Nationals.
Several bookies have priced up the match between Paul and Nina Carberry with VC Bet going 10/11 each of two.
Coral make Nina Carberry 10/1 to finish better than Carrie Fords fifth place last year on board Forest Gunner.
4/4 Dun Doire needs 16 to pull out Despite remaining as short as 12/1 eith Coral Dun Doire needs 16 runners to pull out to make the race. Trainer Tony Martin thinks there is no chance of that and will aim the horse at The Irish National.
3/4 Jockey Bookings The bookings are coming thick and fast. Tommy Treacy looks likely to partner Nil Desperandum, Ritchie McGrath First Gold, Noel Fehily Risk Assessor whilst John Cullen, if he is fit enough, is the hopeful jockey for Colnel Rayburn.
Robert Thornton will ride leading hope Innox who is trading at 14/1 with Coral
Free £10 Bet from Coral
3/4 Aintree Going Update The going on the Grand National course remains good to soft with soft patches ahead of this Saturdays big race. Rain is forecast during the week which makes it difficult to predict the going come 4.15 on Saturday. Somewhere between good to soft and soft looks the most likely at this time.
2/4 Numbersixvalverde well Suported Bookmakers have reported plenty of support for Martin Brassil's runner who confirmed that Slippers Maddden will take the ride. Numbersixvalverde Grand National odds are as low as 10/1 with Totesport although he can still be backed at 12/1 with Betfred
31/3 Nicholls Shows Preference for Royal Auclair With a possible seven runners in the race, the punters were keen to hear which horse carries Paul Nicholls best Natioanl hopes. He opted for last years runner up Royal Auclaire whose Grand National odds are 25/1 with SkyBet
£20 Free Bet! from SkyBet
31/3 Fondmort set to miss National Fondmort looks likely to side step his national engagement and run in either the Betfair Bowl or the Melling Chase, both being run during the Aintree Grand National meeting.
29/3 Nina Carberry secures first Grand National Ride Nina Carberry has been booked to ride Forest Gunner in her debut Grand National. Finishing in fivth place last year for Lady jockey Carrie Ford, Forest Gunner can be backed at 40/1 with SkyBet.
Brother Paul Carberry will ride Sir Oj who trades at 33/1 with Coral
29/3 Another Rum Doubtful Despite trading as though as 40/1 with Betfred, Another Rum may miss out on the Aintree Grand National in preference for the Scottish National. A decison will be made in the next week.
29/3 Tyneandthyneagain for Peter Buchanan Peter Buchanan chose Howard Johnsons runner for his Grand National mount over Richard Fords Forest Ginner. Tyneandthyneagain can be backed at 66/1 with SkyBet
£20 Free Bet! from SkyBet
29/3 Steady Support for Numbersixvalverde Irelands leading hope has been well backed and is now as short as 12/1 with some bookies. Numbersixvalverde is set to be partnered by jockey Niall Madden and can still be backed at 14/1 with Stan James
28/3 Nicholls to Train 2006 Grand National Winner - 9/2 Nicholls who could run up to seven horses in this years race has been given a quote of 9/2 by Ladbrokes to train this years winner. McCain who looks to field three runners received a quote of 20/1 with Ladbrokes to train a fivth Grand National winner.
28/3 Keith Mercer to ride Haut de Gamme Ferdy Murphy confirmed that stable jockey Keith Mercer will take the ride on Haut de Gamme whose current Grand National odds are 40/1 with SkyBet. Joes Edge was the other option for Mercer but his jockey will now be Davy Russell. Joes Edge remains at 33/1 with SkyBet
£20 Free Bet! from SkyBet
28/3 Brennan confirms ride on Eurotrek Brennan had agreed to ride Inca Trail at 50/1 with Coral for Ginger McCain but had to make a U Turn after realising he was committed to Nicholls runner Eurotrek at 40/1 with . This leaves Ginger McCain in a difficult position, trying to find a jockey for what he hopes will be his fivth Grand National Winner.
27/3 Thornton to ride Innox Robert "Chocalate" Thornton has been confirmed as the rider for Innox. Innox Grand National odds have shortened to 14/1 with Coral
Free £10 Bet from Coral
27/3 First Gold set for National Francois Doumen has confirmed that his 13 yearl old winner of just under £900,000 in prize money is on course for a crack at the 2006 Grand National. First Gold Grand National odds are currently 66/1 with William Hill
23/3 Ginger McCain Acquires Inca Trail in Bid for fivth Grand National In the search for a fairy tale fivth Grand National winner, Red Rums trainer has acquired Grand National entry Inca Trail on behalf of owner John Halewood for 110,000gns.
Inca Trail is a full brother to Best Mate, has won his last two chases and is on a nice Grand National weight of 10st 9lbs. Inca Trail Grand National odds remain at 50/1 with Betfred.
£100 Free Bet from Betfred
23/3 Going at Aintree on the Soft Side Officials at Aintree have reported that the going on the Mildmay course is currently good to soft and good in places. They will aim to keep the ground on the softer side of good and are prepared to water the track if necessary.
23/3 Red Rum Trainer Puts Faith in 23 year old Jockey Ginger McCain has confirmed that conditional jockey Stephen Craine will take the ride on Ebony Light in the Grand National.
Ebony Light, along with Amberleight House, carries McCains hopes of a fivth Grand National in what is thought to be the trainers last year before retirement.
Ebony Light at 33/1 with Totesport pleased his trainer in a work out around the Mildmay course on Tuesday.
Free £25 Bet from Totesport
23/3 Juveignour Could go for Scottish National Its rumoured that trainer Nicky Henderson is trying to persuade Juveignours owner Trevor Hemmings to go for the Scottish National instead of the Aintree spectacle.
Hendersons other runners left in the race include Cheltenham winner Fondmort, Calling Brave, Iris Royal and Liberthine. Check out their latest Grand National odds.
22/3 96 Left in at Second Declaration StageJoaaci, Comply or Die and Iris Bleu were amongst the withdrawals yesterday at the second declaration stage. The leading fancies stood their ground with a total of 96 entries remaining.
Dun Doire needs 27 to pull out but trainer Tony Martin, who has also entered the horse in the Irish Grand National on April 17th, stated that Dun Doire won’t run anywhere unless it's on the dead side of good.
21/3 Dun Doire Run in DoubtWinner of his last six chases, including William Hill Trophy at Cheltenham Dun Doire is many peoples fancy for this years Grand National. But ranked just 87th in the list for the Grand National he will need plenty of withdrawals to make the final 40. Despite this Dun Doire Grand National odds are 20/1 with Blue Square
21/3 Monkerhostin Pulled OutPhillip Hobbs has declared he will take Monkerhostin out of the race along with One Knight who pulled up in the Gold Cup. A Glass in Tyhne who fell at Cheltenham has also been taken out as connections fear he hasnt yet got the experience to run in the big race.
21/3 Irish 1-2-3 Given 50-1 Quote It was a superb Cheltenham festival for Ireland including a remarkable 1-2-3 in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. What odds a repeat in the Grand National? Coral will give you 50/1.
Free £10 Bet from Coral
21/3 Amberleigh House on TrackDespite a 47 lenghth defeat over hurdles, Amberleigh house remains on course for a crack at regaining the Grand National. The 14 year old came home last of the 13 finishers but connections from the Red Rum stable of Ginger McCain were still positive. Amberleigh House Grand National odds are 50/1 with SkyBet |
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Grand National News
