98 Left in National after First Withdrawal Stage

There were no high profile contenders missing when the March 3 deadline passed for the first withdrawal stage of the John Smith’s Grand National, writes Elliot Slater.

All the market principals remain in the race and, as none of those removed from the race were prominent in the ante-post betting lists, there have been no significant changes to the odds on offer for the Aintree marathon.

Amongst the better known horses whose trainers have declined the challenge of this year’s big race is Kilcrea Castle, quietly fancied in some quarters prior to a poor effort recently in the Racing Post Chase, after which his trainer Emma Lavelle hinted that the National might be a step too far at this stage.

Willie Mullins has removed his Beroni and Irish Invader from the contest but still has eight horses entered, whilst Dessie Hughes has taken out Leopardstown’s Paddy Power Chase runner-up Siegemaster, a 33/1 shot in some Aintree Grand National Free Bet lists.

Taranis is probably the most high profile horse to miss the race, the gelding having returned from a long lay-off to post a tremendous win in Cheltenham’s Argento Chase last month. Another horse to have been quoted as short as 33/1 with some firms, Taranis has also been withdrawn from an intended engagement in the Cheltenham Gold Cup due to lameness and will be out for the rest of the season. Trainer Paul Nicholls hopes that his talented but fragile chaser will be back on duty next term.

Another quality horse who has been difficult to keep sound is Charlie Egerton’s Darkness, another well known name who was absent from the list of 98 horses going forward to the next stage of the Grand National. The Grade 1 winner has had all manner of training difficulties in recent years but on his day is still a quality handicapper.

Parson’s Legacy, Jayo, Glenfinn Captain and One Cool Cookie are amongst others who have not gone forward to the second declaration stage.