The Grand National at Aintree is not only the famous steeplechase in the world, but it is the one race on the horse racing calendar that appeals to millions outside of the sport.

Here is a look at some of the big talking points heading into this year’s renewal of the marathon Jumps contest at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

Corach Rambler looking for a repeat success

Scottish-based chaser Corach Rambler won the 175th running of the Grand National in 2023, becoming just the third horse from Scotland to prevail in the race. He is the 9/2 favourite in the horse racing odds to come out on top again at the Liverpool venue.

CORACH RAMBLER WINS THE 2023 GRAND NATIONAL pic.twitter.com/IXDzrs9BK4

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 15, 2023

As the racing results show, Corach Rambler ran an excellent race on his most recent appearance in the 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He finished the Blue Riband event in the sport, finishing strongly to run on for third place behind Galopin Des Champs and Gerri Colombe respectively. He now heads to Aintree with strong claims again.

Female riders involved

History Maker!

Minella Times wins the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase @AintreeRaces for Rachael Blackmore! #ITVRacing #GrandNational pic.twitter.com/tARVJi5Sv9

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 10, 2021

There will be at least two female riders involved in this year’s Grand National. Rachael Blackmore, who made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the race on board Minella Times, will partner former Gold Cup winner Minella Indo for Henry De Bromhead.

Gina Andrews is another female rider who will be involved in the showpiece event at Aintree. She will be on board Latenightpass, who she won the Foxhunters’ Open Chase in 2022. The horse, who is trained by Tom Ellis, has a lot of experience over the bigger fences around the Grand National Course.

Majority of the field trained in Ireland

The majority of this year’s Grand National field will travel across from Ireland for the race. Leading trainers Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott, and De Bromhead all have multiple entries in the contest.

Mullins was the leading trainer at the Cheltenham Festival this year. He is set to saddle I Am Maximus and Mr Incredible at Aintree. The former won the Irish Grand National in 2023, while the latter was second in the Midlands’ Grand National earlier this year.

This year’s race could determine British trainers’ championship

There is very little between the top three trainers in the British Trainers’ Championship this season. Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, and Mullins are all within a chance. The leader, Skelton, will saddle Galia Des Liteaux. If his mare is triumphant at Aintree, she will help him add £500,000 to his total prize money for the campaign.

Mullins, who predominantly runs his horses in Ireland, will close the gap on Skelton and Nicholls in the British Trainers’ Championship with victory in the Grand National. He has put himself in contention for the trophy following seven winners at the Cheltenham Festival.

The 2024 Grand National is scheduled to take place on the third day of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree on the 13th of April. The race will be broadcast on ITV Racing, while just over 70,000 spectators are set to attend the fixture in Liverpool.

The article 2024 Grand National: Talking points ahead of the world’s most famous steeplechase appeared first on Descrier.