Who will your money be on for the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National? Last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winners are among 98 potential Grand National runners being aimed at this year’s Aintree showpiece.
Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere heads the entries for the 2015 Grand National, which is held on Saturday 11 April and worth £1m.
He could bid to become the first horse since L’Escargot — and only the third ever — to win both the Gold Cup and Grand National, after L’Escargot (Cheltenham 1970 and 1971, Aintree 1975) and Golden Miller (both in 1934).
Lord Windermere is trained in Ireland by Jim Culloty, who won the race as a jockey in 2002 on Bindaree.
Last year’s Grand National winner, Pineau De Re, also has an entry for the 2015 renewal.
The 12-year-old gave trainer Dr Richard Newland his first runner, and first winner, in the race last year.
The 2014 runner-up Balthazar King — who was ridden by H&H columnist Richard Johnson — also has an entry, as does Hennessy Gold Cup winner Many Clouds.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has seven contenders including Rocky Creek and Sam Winner. Jonjo O’Neill has four intended runners including Shutthefrontdoor and Merry King as does Willie Mullins, whose entries include Back In Focus and Boston Bob.
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Scottish Grand National winner Godsmejudge has been entered by Alan King, Robert Waley-Cohen’s Aintree specialist Oscar Time is also on the list, as is Mouse Morris’ First Lieuteneant.
Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude and last year’s favourite Teaforthree (Rebecca Curtis) are also eye-catchers.
“It is another bumper entry with many great stories lying in wait. A Gold Cup winner and this season’s Hennessy winner, plus last year’s Grand National hero and this season’s Becher Chase winner are all engaged and so it goes on,” said John Baker of The Jockey Club North West.
“The leading jump trainers are well-represented, which is terrific and, as ever, there is plenty of support from Ireland. We all now eagerly await Phil Smith’s [British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping] verdict on 17 February when the weights are revealed.”
A maximum of 40 horses will line-up at Aintree on Saturday 11 April.
For more information visit: www.aintree.co.uk
Betfred odds on possible 2015 Grand National runners
25/1 Alvarado, Back In Focus, Balthazar King, Godsmejudge, Many Clouds, Merry King, Pineau de Re, Shutthefrontdoor, Spring Heeled, Teaforthree, Unioniste.
33/1 Across The Bay, Benvolio, Boston Bob, Dolatulo, First Lieutenant, Home Farm, Living Next Door, Lord Windermere, Monbeg Dude, Rebel Rebellion, Rocky Creek, Saint Are, Sam Winner, Sunnyhillboy.
40/1 Al Co, Ballycasey, Buddy Bolero, Carlingford Lough, Cause Of Causes, Chance du Roy, Corrin Wood, Court By Surprise, Gallant Oscar, Goonyella, Guess Again, Hadrian’s Approach, Katenko, Kruzhlinin, Portrait King, Prince de Beauchene, Roi du Mee, Rolling Aces, Royale Knight, Shotgun Paddy, Super Duty, The Druids Nephew, Theatrical Star, Wyck Hill.
50/1 Alderwood, Any Currency, Baileys Concerto, Broadway Buffalo, Burton Port, Cappa Bleu, Carlito Brigante, Cedre Bleu, Double Ross, Duke Of Lucca, Green Flag, Make A Track, Mon Parrain, Mountainous, My Murphy, Night In Milan, Oscar Time, Owega Star, Rajdhani Express, Raz de Maree, Renard, Rubi Light, Standing Ovation, The Package, Vintage Star.
66/1 Alpha Victor, Bob Ford, Gas Line Boy, Lackamon, Loch Ba, Poole Master, Rigadin de Beauchene, Rose Of The Moon, Soll, Sydney Paget, Tales Of Milan, The Rainbow Hunter, Tranquil Sea.
100/1 American Spin, Ballyoliver, Ely Brown, Glenquest, Harry The Viking, Ikorodu Road, Maggio, Mart Lane, Neptune Equester, River Choice.
200/1 Qulinton.
