The Grand National’s latest scratchings phase has seen ten horses removed from the competition, leaving 34 contenders vying for victory at the upcoming Aintree showdown. Horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the historic £1 million National event, which is less than a month away. This challenging four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong race will test the skills of the top staying chasers as they tackle 30 fences.
Since 2024, the field size for the National has been capped at 34 horses, down from 40. The list of potential runners for the April 11 race is taking shape, with ten horses eliminated in the recent scratching stage.
Leading up to the event, three horses were withdrawn from the competition, including Grey Dawning, Resplendent Grey, and Gentlemansgame. Subsequently, seven more horses have been taken out, including Western Fold, Croke Park, Better Days Ahead, Search For Glory, Handstands, Pic Roc, and Leave of Absence.
The final field of 34 contenders is now set, with the Willie Mullins duo of I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West leading the pack. Notably, Grangeclare West finished third in the previous year’s race.
As the race approaches, it is possible that more horses from the current field of 34 may opt to compete in the Irish National on April 6. British hopeful Haiti Couleurs, a winner of the Welsh and Irish Nationals, is among the top contenders. Trainer Rebecca Curtis is optimistic about his performance and plans to enter him in the Aintree race if all goes well.
Curtis expressed her excitement, stating that Haiti Couleurs excels in National-type races and performed well at Cheltenham. She emphasized that if the horse remains fit and healthy in the coming weeks, there is no reason not to compete. Many horses transition from Cheltenham to Aintree, and Curtis sees this as a viable plan for Haiti Couleurs.
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