Anticipate Only a Few British-Trained Grand National Starters, Says Handicapper

Irish Domination at Aintree. 

Anticipation is high as the prestigious Randox Grand National at Aintree approaches, with Irish runners poised to take centre stage. According to British Horseracing Authority handicapper Martin Greenwood, the home representation is expected to be minimal, possibly limited to just a single-figure count. Of the 87 entries, a significant 56 are trained in Ireland. The stringent safety limit of 34 has set a bar at a minimum rating of 149 for UK runners, leaving just seven candidates meeting the criteria at present.

Greenwood foresees a modest showing from the British contingent, with last year's 13 British-trained starters serving as a reference point. Despite the potential for adjustments closer to the event, the handicapper remains cautious about a strong British presence. Reflecting on previous years, Greenwood highlighted the strategic tweaks made to encourage participation from top horses, leveraging what has been termed 'the Aintree factor'.

The spotlight falls on top-weight contender Hewick, currently rated at 169 after his King George VI Chase triumph. Greenwood is confident in this assessment, considering it as a solid foundation for the upcoming handicap. The absence of any weight compression this year marks a departure from past practices, indicating a more straightforward approach to the handicapping process.

Another notable contender, Corach Rambler, enters the fray with a considerably higher rating compared to last year. Despite his impressive track record, there remains an air of uncertainty surrounding the true potential of Lucinda Russell's charge. The enigmatic nature of Corach Rambler poses a challenge for handicappers, with his idiosyncratic racing style adding an element of unpredictability to the mix.

Foxy Jacks, trained by Mouse Morris, stands out with a notable rating differential between his official mark and his National weight. This discrepancy can be attributed to differing rating methodologies between the UK and Ireland, with the Irish system overlooking cross-country events. As such, Foxy Jacks finds himself in a unique position heading into the Grand National, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown at Aintree.