It currently appears that Willie Mullins’ leading jockey Paul Townend will take the ride on I Am Maximum, who claimed victory in 2024 and finished second last year. The 7-1 market favourite is one of seven potential runners at the 178th edition of the festival for legendary owner JP McManus.
Last year’s champion Nick Rockett is also among those confirmed to defend his crown. Grade 1 winner Spillane’s Tower, who appears set to be declared, may yet bypass the National to instead contest the Bowl on Thursday. Should that transpire, Gordon Elliott’s Pied Pie would claim the 34th and final berth.
That spot is currently occupied by Ben Pauling’s remarkable 66-1 outsider Twig. Alongside I Am Maximum and Rockett, Mullins also has Grangeclare West, Spanish Harlem, Lecky Watson, Champ Kiely, High Class Hero, Captain Cody and Quai De Bourbon all guaranteed to run, reports the Mirror.
Further confirmed contenders include Monty’s Star and Gorgeous Tom, while the Gavin Cromwell-trained Perceval Legallois and Final Orders also feature in the field. Panic Attack is likewise set to take part, with trainer Dan Skelton eyeing the UK trainers’ championship title for the very first time.
Paul Nicholls — a 14-time British champion trainer — has no entries, while Nicky Henderson looks unlikely to secure the chance to claim a first Grand National victory with his horse Hyland sitting a lowly 41st on the list.
The Nigel and Beauport will carry the colours of Bryan and Philippa Burrough, who tasted Grand National glory back in 1983 with Corbiere, as Jenny Pitman etched her name into the history books as the first female trainer to win the race.
Nigel has secured two victories at the famous Aintree contest, in 1998 and 2022 respectively, with the yard also poised to introduce Top of the Bill into Saturday’s race after Monday’s withdrawals propelled him into the top 34.
The latest confirmed Grand National runners: