A jockey switch has occurred since the morning publications. Kielan Woods remains sidelined after a fall earlier this week, so he will not ride Marble Sands in the Grand National. Tom Bellamy will take his place. The mare Panic Attack has emerged as the new favorite to win. No female horse has triumphed in this event since Nickel Coin in 1951, a race where only three competitors completed the course. Panic Attack demonstrates strong jumping ability and has performed well throughout the season. Early odds for leading contenders are: Panic Attack at 7/1, Jagwar at 8/1, I Am Maximus at 9/1, Grangeclare West at 9/1, Johnnywho at 11/1, Montys Star at 12/1, Oscars Brother at 14/1, and Iroko at 16/1. Several horses have been withdrawn from today’s races. Last year’s Grand National victor, Nick Rockett, is out due to illness. In the 1:55 p.m. Turners Mersey Novice Hurdle, Came From Nowhere is scratched for unsuitable track conditions. For the 2:30 p.m. William Hill Handicap Chase, withdrawals include Imperial Saint and Amirite (both entered the Grand National as reserves), Myretown (veterinary certificate for an abscess), and Stolen Silver (bruised foot). The 3:05 p.m. JET2 Liverpool Hurdle sees Happy Jacky out due to transportation problems. In the 4:00 p.m. Grand National Handicap Chase, non-runners are Nick Rockett (coughing), Spillane’s Tower (not qualified), and Pied Piper (lame). Morning rain fell at Aintree but has since dissipated, leaving the ground with some moisture. The track is routinely irrigated for safety. Conditions are good to soft on the Grand National course, and good to soft with good patches on the Mildmay course for chases and hurdles. Officials reported 2 millimeters of overnight rain, with showers expected to end by mid-morning, leading to partial sunshine, though a brief afternoon shower remains possible. Greetings from Aintree on the day of the Grand National, where a full-capacity audience assembles for one of sport’s most storied and exciting events, featuring 34 horses and jockeys starting at 4 p.m. BST. Initial rain has cleared, with improved weather anticipated later. Betting interest is building, including early support for Jagwar, one of three seven-year-olds competing. Panic Attack, the sole mare entered, draws attention despite the long gap since a female winner in 1951; she leads the market at 8/1, while Jagwar stands at 17/2 maximum, and prior favorite I Am Maximus has shifted to 9/1. Standout entries include Oscars Brother from Irish trainer Connor King’s small stable; Haiti Couleurs, aiming for the first Welsh-trained victory since 1905, under jockey Sean Bowen and trainer Rebecca Curtis, his former caregiver; and Mr Vango, prepared by Sara Bradstock, whose father, the esteemed broadcaster Lord John Oaksey, placed second on Carrickbeg in 1963. Bettors employ various strategies to select winners, and Gorgeous Tom could attract support from those sharing the name, potentially offering solid each-way value. Selections for the Grand National and preceding ITV races are available, along with a complete runner guide. Follow ongoing news, insights, and betting shifts here as the premier race of the year approaches.
