Grand National 2024

The final field of 34 runners for the 2024 Grand National at Aintree on Saturday has now been declared. Architect Tips looks at all 34 runners and riders. 

You can follow all our betting tips for the Grand National Meeting here.

Grand National 2024 Runners & Riders Guide 

Noble Yeats

2022 winner. This battle-hardened stayer, who has reserves of stamina in the locker, provided Sam Waley-Cohen with a perfect send-off when successful in this race two years ago. 

Despite being winless in five starts last year, he has turned in some smashing efforts in defeat, particularly when staying on from an impossible position to finish fourth in the race last year. 

His performance deserves serious recognition given that he was conceding 11Ib and upwards to the first three home. Not only that, but he ran a tremendous race to finish fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year too. 

Having won the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January, he recently ran well when seventh in the Stayers’ Hurdle. With Harry Cobden retained to ride, he’s an each-way player. 

Nassalam

The Welsh Grand National winner. The seven-year-old has taken his form to new heights by winning at Chepstow in the Welsh Grand National Trial on heavy ground over three miles prior to landing the feature race by a wide margin under similar conditions. 

That performance confirmed that stamina is very much his forte, but he disappointed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when pulled up, and he unfairly has to concede weight to last year’s winner, Corach Rambler, given his lofty mark. 

He ran well on his first go over these fences when fourth in the Becher Chase in November and any further rain would aid his chase, but it remains to be seen as to whether that latest flop has knocked his confidence. He has work to do.

Coko Beach

The grey is in the form of his life. He won the Troytown Chase before finishing second in the Becher Chase. He then adapted to a new scenario when tackling the cross-country course at Punchestown and clearly thrived on the task ahead, as he returned a comfortable six-length winner. 

It is difficult to begrudge a horse who could hardly be in better form, but his two previous runs in this race resulted in an eighth-place finish two years ago before being pulled up last year. He’ll be up there for at least three-quarters of the way, but I assume the petrol will again flicker late on.

Capodanno

He was pulled in this race last year, but his jumping was poor, and this season he has proved he’s in a lot better form. He won the Grade Two Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham before finding a staying-on fourth in the Ryanair Chase. 

He still needs to confirm his stamina, but perhaps he will do better this time around. He was only just behind Gerri Colombe when third in the Savills Chase as well, so he does bring a touch of class to the race and cannot be completely ruled out. 

I Am Maximus

Last year’s Irish Grand National winner. Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, this eight-year-old has really found a new lease in life since joining Willie Mullins. He won the Irish Grand National in good style last year and followed that up with a victory at the highest level in the Drinmore Novice Chase. 

He was no match for stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup, but was last seen beating last year’s Grand National runner-up by 14 lengths in the Bobbyjo Chase when giving the runner-up 12Ib. That form reads well ahead of his biggest assignment to date.

Although the extra yardage asks more of his metal, particularly in the stamina department, he’s respected in his quest to potentially emulate Numbersixvalverde, who was the last horse to complete the double. Owner JP McManus has won the race twice in the past. 

Minella Indo

The former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner isn’t the force of old, but he’s proved this season that there’s still life left in his legs. He won the Gold Cup back in 2021 and was runner-up in the race a year later. 

He subsequently shaped with a good deal of promise when he finished fourth on his cross-country debut at Cheltenham in December, and his assured jumping will stand him in good stead over these fences. 

Despite his rising years, he remains a force, and he’s undoubtedly one of the classiest horses in the field. His trainer and jockey won this back in 2021 with Minella Times, and this veteran is a more quality horse, so if he does take to the new surroundings and stays, then he’s a player. 

Should he do so, he would become only the third horse (after Golden Miller and L’Escargot) in 100 years of the Gold Cup to win that race and the Grand National. He is one for the shortlist. 

Corach Rambler

Last year’s winner and well backed again. Not many horses come back and win it for a second time. 

This two-time winner of the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival needed his comeback run at Kelso, but he shaped very well when third to Royal Pagaille in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. 

Last month, he performed with extreme credit to finish third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and that is a quality piece of form. I fully respect his chances, but my main worry with him is if the ground does become a slog, as those conditions ultimately won’t see him to his best effect and he had a hard race last month.

Still, he cannot be ruled out, and he should make a bold bid to defend his crown.

Janidil

Another representative for team Mullins. This former winner at the highest level also made the frame in the Ryanair Chase and the Irish Gold Cup. He warmed up for this race with a spin in the Stayers’ Hurdle, and although the ground won’t inconvenience him, I’m just not convinced he will stay the distance. 

He’s never won over three miles, let alone four miles or more. He hasn’t always been the most reliable of jumpers either, given that he’s fallen three times in his career. Don’t get me wrong; he is a good horse on his day, but this might be all too much for him. He has enough on his plate, and his odds reflect his chances. 

Stattler

An ultra-tough stayer. He hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but his penultimate second behind stablemate Allaho is decent. Once upon a time, he was fourth in an Albert Bartlett behind Vanillier and landed the National Hunt Chase a year later. He pushed Minella Indo close on his return last year before chasing home Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup. 

He couldn’t go the early tempo of the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year when pulled up and was well held in his first go in the cross-country last time out, but he could easily exceed market expectations if he can get himself into a rhythm. If he’s thereabouts at the business end, he’ll be staying on. There are far worse outsiders in the field. 

Mahler Mission

There’s lots to like about this eight-year-old’s chances. John McConnell’s charge was bowling along in front when four lengths clear and going strongly until he unfortunately fell at the second last fence in last year’s National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. 

That form worked out well, as the eventual winner, Gaillard Du Mesnil, finished third in this race on his next start. He reappeared with a fine second place in the Colin Parker at Carlisle in November, prior to filling the same spot when he was runner-up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. 

Considering he lost both front shoes, he did well to only be beaten by around three lengths. He essentially only went up 4Ib, and this old-fashioned-looking chaser, who is a unit of a horse, looks pretty much tailor-made for this course. Good each-way chance. 

Delta Work

This multiple winner at the highest level won an Irish Gold Cup and was fifth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup once upon a time. Over the last few years, he has developed into a cross-country specialist, though, and is fondly remembered for his memorable defeat of two-time Grand National winner Tiger Roll at Cheltenham when the latter was having his final career start. 

He was third in this race two years ago and wasn’t out of contention when he unseated his rider at the 21st fence 12 months ago. It would come as no surprise to see him run well, but I suspect his chance of winning this was last year. 

Foxy Jacks

Tough as nails. He fell in the Topham two years ago in his only previous start over these fences, but is a better horse now; he was in great form last year, and his game performance when he beat Latenightpass in Cheltenham’s Cross-Country in November was exceptional. 

The form was franked when the runner-up went back and won the December version, and the ground won’t be any bother to him. He’s not been seen so far this season, but his trainer knows what it takes to win this, having won it with Rule The World back in 2016, so he could run better than his odds suggest. 

Galvin

The winner of the 2021 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He is just short of top-class, but he won the Grade One Savills Chase the following season and was fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

His intended target was the Cross Country at Cheltenham, a race he was second in back in 2023, but it was abandoned due to conditions. 

He’s very well handicapped; stamina is his forte, and he could pose a threat. 

Farouk D'Alene

He isn’t the most natural of jumpers, but he’s a good horse on his day and was looking like the likely winner of the Brown Advisory before he fell at the second last fence. 

He seemingly lost his confidence when he fell on his next start in the Troytown, but took a major step forward when second at Leopardstown in his penultimate start before sulking when pulled up in the Pertemps Final last month. 

Any further rain would favour him, but his jumping issues and unproven stamina do make him a risky proposition. Nevertheless, he has the class to outrun his odds. 

Eldorado Allen

This horse won’t be missed in the race, given his gorgeous looks. He is very good when he puts it all together, but it’s been over two years since he beat Royale Pagaille in the Denman Chase at Newbury, and he ran poorly in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month. 

He was, however, a good fourth in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in December and is a good jumper, but I can’t see him having the stamina for this race. Expect him to be jumping well, but when the race starts to warm up, I’ll be surprised if he’s able to hold his pitch. 

Ain't That A Shame

He is an old-fashioned chaser with a love for heavy ground, as proven when he won the Thyestes Chase last time out. All of his wins have been on ground that is described as soft or worse, and conditions are likely to be in his favour this weekend. 

However, he was well beaten in this race last year when he was only 17th, and it’s hard to see how he can drastically improve on that display. David Maxwell interestingly rides him, but a clear round would probably make connections satisfied. He can be passed over. 

Vanillier

Last year’s runner-up. Gavin Cromwell’s grey was given plenty to do but made up lots of ground to only be beaten two and a quarter lengths. Perhaps if he were ridden closer to the pace, he might well have won. 

This former winner of the Albert Bartlett hasn’t been at his best so far this term, but this is his time of year, and his whole campaign has been built around this race. 

His trainer has enjoyed great success in Britain, and a quieter preparation than last year could see him run another huge race. If he’s a touch closer to the pace this year, he should be thereabouts. 

Mr Incredible

A massive player for the Willie Mullins team, in my opinion. His whole profile fits the mould of a potential winner of this year’s renewal. He ran in this race last year; he took very well to the fences, and he is fancied for redemption.

He was just making his move through the field while still travelling sweetly before his saddle unfortunately slipped at the canal turn on the second circuit, which sent jockey Brian Hayes crashing to the floor. 

Since then, the lightly-raced eight-year-old has only been seen once, when he caught the eye at Uttoxeter in the Midlands National, in which he finished a staying-on second. 

His effort can be markedly upgraded, given that he was carrying top-weight of 12st on deep ground over the four-mile and two-furlong distance and was hitting the line strongest of all.

As a result of that cracking effort, he has been raised by the handicapper, but he’s on a nice weight, he will love the ground and the distance, and he must have every chance of making amends for his unlucky mishap last year. I like him a lot. 

Run Wild Fred

A likeable chaser who was second in a Grade One race in 2022 before finishing runner-up in the National Hunt Chase. He was well fancied for this race a month later when sent off just 8/1, but he fell at the canal turn and then fell in the Irish equivalent 10 days later. 

His handicap mark is now 11Ib lower than when he ran this course two years ago, but his latest form is hardly inspiring, and he will need a massive revival if he’s to even complete the course. He also falls down the pecking order based on jockey bookings for his handler. 

Latenightpass

An interesting runner. The 11-year-old has won four of his eight chase starts and won over Cheltenham's Cross-Country course in December. 

He has bundles of experience with the National Course, having competed in the last three editions of that race at this meeting, which have resulted in a win and two placed efforts. 

He is a good jumper, should stay, and won’t mind the ground. He warmed up for this with a spin over hurdles last time out, and another personal best could well be on the cards. 

Minella Crooner

Made a winning comeback at Wexford on testing ground, but was very disappointing in the Ultima Chase when last spotted. 

That wouldn’t be the first time he’s run poorly at the Cheltenham Festival, though, as he was pulled up in last year’s National Hunt Chase. 

It’s quite transparent that he doesn’t stay extreme distances judged on his two attempts at longer trips, so he’s comfortably dismissed.

Adamantly Chosen

Not the most consistent, but Willie Mullins’ charge bounced back to form with a decisive win at Down Royal last month. This seven-year-old is unexposed, particularly over staying distances, and has more to offer. He is also weighted to finish a lot closer to Meetingofthewaters on Paddy Power Chase form.

However, the two times he’s competed outside of Ireland, he has been well beaten. He wouldn’t be the most obvious candidate, but he’s on a handy weight and could give his supporters a good spin if he takes to the unique obstacles. 

Mac Tottie

An Aintree specialist. He has won three of his four starts at this track and is unbeaten in all completed starts over these fences, having won the Grand Sefton as well as the Topham Chase. I know he’s not proven over a trip as far as this, but his record here makes him of interest. 

He handles most ground, and despite being an 11-year-old, he could be one to run better than his odds suggest with plenty in his favour, including carrying a low weight having sneaked in here near the foot of the weights. He has undoubtedly been prepared for the race. 

Chemical Energy

The ground might have gone against him, as his best form has been on good ground. However, we have yet to see the best of him, and he finished runner-up in last season’s National Hunt Chase behind Gaillard Du Mesnil after being left in front at the second last fence. His two runs since have been underwhelming, so while he could improve for the trip, he has enough on his plate. 

Limerick Lace

An improving mare. She was last seen winning the Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival over two and a half miles. The only previous time she’s contested three miles saw her finish a staying-on second in the Troytown Chase, and there’s a good chance she will improve for this greater emphasis on stamina. 

However, her jumping hasn’t always been fluent, and no mare has won this since 1951. Just that alone makes her task extremely difficult, but she’s entitled to take her chance and could run well with conditions holding no fears either. 

Meetingofthewaters

The seven-year-old is already a better chaser than a hurdler and returned as an impressive winner of the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown back in December. 

He unseated his rider at the Dublin Racing Festival through no fault of his own and bounced back with an eye-catching third in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month. 

This improver should appreciate the step-up in trip and ticks a lot of boxes for the race. Not only that, but he jumps well, and with the combination of a good weight and lenient-looking mark, he must have a great chance of providing jockey Mark Walsh with a first win in the race for owner JP McManus. 

The Goffer

This lad ran well in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham for the second year in a row, but I’m not convinced he wants this far. 

His fourth in the Bet365 Gold Cup last year reads decent form, but I think the handicapper has caught up with him, and he’d be a shock winner. He can be ignored.

Roi Mage

This veteran has won his fair share over the years and ran a huge race to finish seventh in this last year, where his jumping was exemplary, before his stamina gave out at the elbow. 

He’s since returned to Compiegne to win the Grand-Steeple Cross Country there in the autumn and should outrun his odds again, despite the likelihood of younger legs having the measure of him at the business end. 

Glengouly

Another to represent Willie Mullins. He is hard to assess, having only raced over two and a half miles twice under rules. His penultimate second in the Thyestes Chase was a good effort, but he failed to back that up in the Plate Handicap at Cheltenham last month and would be a surprise winner. 

Galia Des Liteaux

The second mare in the field. She stayed on strongly to take second in Warwick’s Classic Chase, but she ran woefully at Exeter last time out, and her unpredictability means she cannot be trusted. It is wise to look elsewhere; for all that, she will probably enjoy these fences. 

Panda Bay

Likely to be popular given he’s a grey with a realistic chance of running very well. The eight-year-old is largely consistent, and after finishing a solid fifth in last year’s Irish Grand National, he ran very well to finish second in the Paddy Power Chase on his penultimate start. 

He kept on well to finish fourth in his prep run over hurdles last time out, and he should have more to come. He would prefer the ground to dry out, but he’s still respected given his likeable profile. His trainer sent out Numbersixvalverde to win this back in 2006. 

Eklat De Rire

Looked like he was going to be a useful horse after winning a Grade 3 chase on his second start, but he unseated his rider in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham behind Monkfish. 

Since beating Conflated in a Listed race, he just hasn’t looked the same horse since. He also ran poorly at Cheltenham last month, and he is therefore impossible to fancy. 

Chambard

This 12-year-old returned a dominant 13-length winner of the Becher Handicap Chase over these fences in December, but it’s been 20 years since his age bracket last won this race.

Mon Mome won this race for Venetia Williams at a huge price a number of years ago but there’s little chance of this veteran replicating that performance this year.

Kitty's Light

It’s not been the smoothest of years for his Welsh handler, but this eight-year-old will not lack stamina and is a player having claimed the Eider Chase, Scottish National and Bet365 Gold Cup treble last year.

I think Christian Williams has campaigned this horse brilliantly time and time again, and I can see this extreme test of stamina really suiting him.

He warmed up for this with a spin in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham last month. He scrapes into this race near the bottom of the weights and if he doesn’t get himself too far back and takes to the fences, he could win this. He’s a definite for the shortlist.

Grand National Tips & Predictions

Below is Architect's staking plan for the 2024 Grand National with horses tipped at best prices available at the confirmation stage on Monday.

  • I Am Maximus, 1pt WIN, 8/1
  • Mr Incredible, 1pt E/W, 14/1, 5 places
  • Vanillier, 1pt WIN, 10/1
  • Meetingofthewaters, 1pt E/W, 10/1, 5 places 
  • Adamantly Chosen, 0.5 pts E/W, 40/1, 5 places 

 

Below he explains why I AM MAXIMUS remains his headline selection for the race:

This has the makings of an excellent renewal. Last year’s winner, Corach Rambler, has to be respected, but he had a hard race in the Gold Cup last month, and if the ground is anything near soft or worse, he won’t be seen to the best of effect. His price is too skinny, and he can be taken on this year. 

I Am Maximus has his own way of negotiating fences. despite not being the most naturalist of jumpers, his engine cannot be discouraged and he’s never fallen in his career, which says a lot. 

This eight-year-old relished an extreme test of stamina when successful in the 2023 Irish Grand National under a persistent ride, and that race has predominantly been a good pointer towards the English equivalent a year later. 

The fact that this Grade 1-winning chaser was able to give 12lb and a 14-length beating to Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase was impressive, and he meets last year's Grand National runner-up on 4lb better terms here. 

He will be ridden by Paul Townend, and in my opinion, he has all the materials to win this race. Willie Mullins is very bullish about his chances, and he has more to come, so if he puts in a clear round, I can see him going close.