Anticipation mounts as the horse racing world eagerly awaits the pinnacle event of steeplechase racing — the 2024 Grand National.
With its rich history and thrilling unpredictability, this legendary race at the iconic Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside captures the hearts of millions worldwide.
In this article, we delve into the contenders who stand as the favourites, their form, and the factors shaping their odds as they strive to etch their names into racing history.
Corach Rambler – 6/1
Defending your Grand National crown is no mean feat, with Tiger Roll the latest horse to win successive renewals of the prestigious race when he landed two in a row in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
However, he was the first horse to achieve that since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s. Nonetheless, Corach Rambler will give it a good go this year and he’s priced at 6/1 to follow up on his commanding win from 12 months ago.
Corach Rambler’s early season form was similar to how he started last campaign, with two finishes further back in the field, but he rose to the fore last Spring and did so again this year with a respectable third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
I Am Maximus – 10/1
I Am Maximus is currently the joint-second favourite in the Grand National 2024 odds, slashed from as far out as 33/1 to as short as 10/1 to win the gruelling contest.
The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old has been consistent this season, winning the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase in December before finishing fourth and third in successive top-level races at Leopardstown.
I Am Maximus returned to winning ways when dropped in class for the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last month, and all roads now lead to Aintree.
What’s interesting is that Willie Mullins has not won the Grand National since his maiden success with Hedgehunter in 2005, so all eyes will be on I Am Maximus to see if he can end that drought.
Vanillier – 10/1
Irish trainer Gavin Cromwell, perhaps best known for dual Stayers’ Hurdle victor Flooring Porter, is a rising force in National Hunt racing.
He came agonisingly close to winning his first Grand National last year, as Vanillier was within three lengths of the winner, Corach Rambler, in second.
The nine-year-old ran to expectations in his first three races of the season, going off at 50/1 either side of 20/1, but he recorded a respectable second to I Am Maximus last time out.
Vanillier has also been well-backed with those placing a horse race bet, as he’s into 10/1 from 16/1, and he gets a bit in hand from the market leader in the weights.
Mahler Mission, who has finished second in Listed and Grade 3 contests this season, is next in line for Irish trainer John McConnell, while 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats (14/1) could attempt to regain his crown from Corach Rambler after finishing fourth last year.
As the 2024 renewal of the Grand National approaches, the spotlight is firmly on these frontrunners. However, this prestigious steeplechase is never straightforward and it would be no surprise to see a horse win from left of field.
