100 Grand National Runners left in Contention

Grand National Festival – Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, Britain – April 14, 2018 Tiger Roll ridden by Davy Russell (R) crosses the line as he wins the 17:15 Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs @SCANPIX

During the final week of February, the 2019 Randox Health Grand National entries were reduced from 112 to 100 runners. The first Grand National Scratchings deadline 2 days ago meant twelve horses won’t be heading to Aintree in April.

There are no significant absentees at this first scratching stage, with the 2018 Grand National winner – Tiger Roll – still heading the betting for the 2019 renewal at around 12/1*. He’ll be looking to become the first back-to-back winner of the world’s greatest steeplechase since Red Rum won the race in 1973 and 1974. The first round of scratchings has not significantly impacted the Grand National ante-post betting market with the ratings of most of the withdrawn horses far down the ladder.

Horses Scratched from the 2019 Grand National

The twelve horses withdrawn after the first Grand National Scratchings deadline were:

• Missed Approach
• Allysson Monterg
• Auvergnat
• Acapella Bourgeois
• Calett Mad
• The Dutchman
• Ballyarthur
• Westerner Point
• Rogue Angel
• Skipthecuddles
• Jarob
• Lieutenant Colonel

The 2019 Grand National is the 172nd renewal of the race and with a £1 million prize fund. It is the most valuable steeplechase on the calendar. Only 40 Grand National Runners will be able to run in the race (with 2 reserves). Between now and April, we will see the departure of 60 horses.

This year’s Welsh Grand National winner – Elegant Escape – remains around the 20/1* mark in the betting for the 2019 Grand National, while Rathvinden currently heads nine entries for the powerful Irish handler, Willie Mullins. Rathvinden is around 14/1* in the market at the time of writing.

Of the 100 Grand National runners left in at this stage, 13 are owned by the Gigginstown House Stud. Four are owned by J P McManus, 21 trained by Gordon Elliott and 9 trained by Willie Mullins.

Key Grand National Dates 2019

• Second scratchings deadline March 19th
• Five-day confirmations April 1st
• Final declarations 10am April 4th
• Maximum field of 40, plus four reserves
• Race date, April 6th

*odds at time of writing. Subject to change.

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