The World's Most Famous Horse Race

Features | 12th April 2023

Who will put their name in the history books alongside the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll?

The Most Iconic Race

The world’s most famous horse race dominates this week’s action as millions of people from around the world prepare to be thrilled by the 175th Randox Grand National. A field of 40 will battle it out over the iconic Aintree fences to claim a place in history. Last year’s winner Noble Yeats will attempt to emulate Tiger Roll and Red Rum in landing back-to-back Nationals. He spearheads a strong Irish challenge. Cheltenham Festival Cross Country Chase hero Delta Work, last year’s runner-up Any Second Now and mercurial Mr Incredible will also be aiming to take the coveted prize back to Ireland for the fifth successive time. 

Corach Rambler is the great hope of Scotland. He won the Ultima Chase at last month’s Cheltenham Festival for the second year running. His trainer Lucinda Russell is looking to win her second Grand National after One For Arthur’s success six years ago. Corach Rambler is ridden out most days by her partner Peter Scudamore. Despite being crowned champion jumps jockey eight times, he never rode the winner of the great Aintree race. 

Our Power will fly the flag for Wales, while England’s big hopes are lead by Coral Gold Cup winner Le Milos. 

Superstars On Show

Saturday’s race is the culmination of three superb days of racing at the Randox Grand National meeting. It is packed with star quality and starts on Thursday with the biggest of bangs. The three-day meeting kicks off with four Grade 1 contests. Superstar Constitution Hill will put his unbeaten record on the line in the William Hill Aintree Hurdle. Incredibly, his nine-length Champion Hurdle success came by the smallest winning margin of his six hurdles victories to date. Jonbon, Shishkin and Bravemansgame are other possible runners on the opening day, while the amateurs will race over the National fences in the Randox Foxhunters’ Chase. There’s no let up on Friday with another four Grade 1 races. Three of them are for novices, so there will be plenty of future stars on show. The feature is the Marsh Chase where Fakir D’Oudairies is likely to aim for a third successive win the 2m4f contest. 

The Return Of Trueshan

On Saturday, the eyes of the world will be on the runners and riders for the Randox Grand National, but there are three Grade 1 supporting races. It’s going to a fantastic three days at the Liverpool course, but Flat racing fans do not miss out on all the fun this week. Star stayer Trueshan is on course to make his return to action in the Listed Barry Hills Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham. He might not have it all his own way in his attempt to defend the trophy he lifted last year as 2021 Cesarewitch hero Buzz and St Leger runner-up Mojo Star are among the opposition. It’s all shaping up to be a truly Grand week of top-class racing action.