Grand National entries declared
Initial entries for the 2019 Randox Health Grand National have been announced and they include two past winners of the world’s greatest steeplechase. There have been 112 entries in total, which include last year’s winner, Tiger Roll, from the Gordon Elliott Yard, and One For Arthur, who won in 2017 for trainer, Lucinda Russell.
Tiger Roll just held on by a head last year to secure the narrowest of victories over Pleasant Company, who has also been entered for this year’s race, which takes place at Aintree racecourse on Saturday 6 April.
Both Tiger Roll and Pleasant Company are part of a record 47 entries who are trained in Ireland, beating the previous highest number of 40 Irish-trained entries in 2018.
Gordon Elliott will send a strong team
Gordon Elliott, who also won the Grand National with Silver Birch in 2007, has supplied the most entries of any trainer, with 22. His 2018 winner, Tiger Roll, will bid to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum, a three-time winner, to win the race more than once.
Elliott’s team also includes last year’s third-placed runner, Bless The Wings, the 2018 Irish Grand National winner, General Principle, Cork Grand National winner, Out Sam, and Grade One Grand National Hurdle winner, Jury Duty.
Other entries of note from Elliott’s yard include Alpha Des Obeaux, Monbeg Notorious, Outlander, and Shattered Love.
The owner of Tiger Roll, Michael O’Leary and his Gigginstown House Stud, who also won the Grand National with Rule The World in 2016, have 14 entries in the race. He will hope he can land a record-equalling third triumph of the world-renowned race.
Willie Mullins aiming for more success
Willie Mullins, who usually enjoys more success at the Cheltenham Festival, sends nine entries, including last year’s runner-up, Pleasant Company. Mullins, who won the Grand National with Hedgehunter in 2005, has high hopes of another success with the likes of Isleofhopendreams, Pairofbrowneyes, and Rathvinden, who won the four-mile Grade Two National Hunt Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.
Others to note from the Mullin’s yard include, Some Neck, Up For Review and Total Recall.
The Grand National is the most heavily bet on race in the world, with bookmakers taking around £250-£300 million worth of wagers.