The Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse racing events, is set to take place at Aintree in 2024.
A total of 34 runners and riders are vying for a place in history alongside legendary horses like Red Rum and Silver Birch.
Last year's champion, Corach Rambler, is returning to defend his title, but he'll face tough competition from I Am Maximus and Vanillier, who are strong second and third favourites, respectively.
As the Grand National is a day when many people enjoy betting on horses, the team at the ECHO has come together to share our top picks and horse racing tips for this year's event.
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Chris Wright - Vanillier
Vanillier can become the first horse to finish runner-up and win the Randox Grand National the following year since Red Rum in 1977. The way he finished fast and late – too late as it turned out – last year suggests he has all the attributes of what a Grand National winner needs. Yes, he is 4lb higher in the handicap and the ground is likely to be softer than 12 months ago, but Gavin Cromwell's grey will hopefully be ridden closer to the pace and be able to deliver that finishing kick at the right time to triumph this year.
Fellow Irish raider Mahler Mission, last year's winner Corach Rambler as well as Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus, Panda Boy – from the Martin Brassil stable, and last year's Scottish Grand National hero Kitty's Light should all go close to victory. But I'm siding with Vanillier to be cream of the crop this time.
Lottie Gibbons - I Am Maximus
When it comes to picking a horse for the Grand National, both luck and research are crucial factors. That's why I have chosen I Am Maximus as the winner of Aintree's showcase race.
Vanillier, on paper, seems like a smart choice with his age of nine and weight of 10st 8lbs. But his disappointing performance this season, including the Bobbyjo Chase in Fairyhouse in February, where I Am Maximus left him trailing behind by 14 lengths, makes me lean towards the eight-year-old.
I Am Maximus has proven his stamina by winning the 2023 Irish Grand National on soft to heavy ground, indicating that he should perform well in muddy conditions at Aintree. Adding to the confidence is jockey Paul Townend, who won the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup at last month's Cheltenham Festival. He will be riding I Am Maximus on Saturday.
Richard Cusack - Vanillier
I can't look past Vanillier. Watching him storm home and almost collar Derek Fox and Corach Rambler on the line last year, leaving favourite backers sweating, still lives long in the memory.
In eighth place, after they jumped the last, Sean Flanagan rallied his mount and went after the idling Corach and nearly timed it to perfection. If he is in contention sooner, then I think this year will be his and the 9/1 on offer generally is value in a weak market with 2023 Grand National winner Corach the 9/2 favourite despite a gruelling Cheltenham Gold Cup only last month in which he finished a brilliant third behind Galopin Des Champs and Gerri Colombe.
Vanillier has only been seen four times since and, fresh from a second to 7/1 National chance I Am Maximus at Fairyhouse in February, can go one better this time.
Connor O'Neill - Corach Rambler
It is easy to see why Vanillier is being backed to win this weekend’s 2024 Grand National. Vanillier warmed up for the Liverpool visit by chasing home Willie Mullins trainee I Am Maximus in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.
However, I love a good story in sport and that is why I am backing Corach Rambler to win this weekend’s big race. Victory in last year’s race came just weeks after he successfully defended his Ultima Handicap Chase crown at the Cheltenham Festival and took his record over fences to five wins from 10 starts.
The two-time Ultima Handicap Chase victor at the Cheltenham Festival finished third in this year’s Gold Cup in a very impressive run at the Cotswolds venue. And although he is 13lb heavier than 12 months ago, this is a class horse who has excellent Aintree racecourse experience.
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