It’s Grand National Day and we have 9 runners in Aintree, including 5 in the feature race.

In the opener, the novice chase, we saddle two runners. KING OF KINGSFIELD has won three out of his six starts over fences but may need to find a bit more to feature here today. He’s fresh from a bit of a break and sports first time cheekpieces. Danny Gilligan takes the ride. KALA CONTI beat this years Arkle winner, Kargese, by 16 lengths in a mares contest at Cork back in December before finishing runner up to Sixmilebridge in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown. She gets the benefit of a mares allowance here today and is one for the shortlist with Jack Kennedy booked to ride.

In the Turners Mersey Novice Hurdle we run BALLYFAD. The highest rated horse in the field, he ran better than his finishing position suggested in the Turners Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham and looks to be a major player here under Jack Kennedy.

HONESTY POLICY takes his chances in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle. A Grade 1 winner here last season in the 2m4f novice hurdle, he has proven himself as a stayer this season and could have plenty more to offer as he is still relatively lightly raced and wears a first tine tongue tie today. Mark Walsh takes the ride.

We saddle five runners in the feature race, the Randox Grand National. FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU has really come into himself since going down the cross country route. The 11yo has proven that he still retains plenty of ability despite his age and could run a big race under Danny Gilligan. FIREFOX ran on well to finish 4th in the Irish Gold Cup and 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He’s a sound jumper and has taken to the national style fences well at home. He will be the mount of Keith Donoghue. GERRI COLOMBE is one of the classiest horses in the race. Second in the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup, he’s been showing signs of reigniting that form lately and is the pick of Jack Kennedy. STELLAR STORY has shown signs of having serious stamina although ideally we would be praying that the rain comes for him as he is much more effective on a softer surface. Robbie Dunne has picked up the ride on him. THREE CARD BRAG completes our runners in the field. Runner up in this years Hennessy at Newbury, he was 11th in this contest last year and has been freshened up ready for todays race. Jordan Gainford rides.