TODAY'S five-day confirmation stage sees 87 horses go forward for the £1 million Crabbie's Grand National, run at the new start time of 5.15pm at Aintree on Saturday, April 9th.

The maximum number of runners on Saturday is 40. The final field of 40, plus four reserves, will be known shortly after 10.00am on Thursday, April 7th.

The order of elimination for horses currently 41 and below on the list of confirmations will be known tomorrow.

The nine horses taken out today are: Carlingford Lough, Third Intention, Roi Du Mee, Turban, Living Next Door, Spring Heeled, Katkeau, Golden Chieftain, Godsmejudge.

IRISH-TRAINED RUNNERS

There are 13 Irish-trained runners standing their ground at the latest declaration stage for the Crabbie’s Grand National on Saturday. Final declarations for the field of 40 are at 10pm on Thursday.

Willie Mullins is responsible for four runners - On His Own, Boston Bob in the Wylie colours, Sir Des Champs for Gigginstown Houser and Ballycasey, who was brought down last year, for Rich Ricci. Gigginstown are also represented by two Mouse Morris-trained contenders, as the trainer bids to add to his Irish National win last week, with First Lieutenant and Rule The World. Gold Cup winning trainer Gordon Elliott runs Ucello Conti with Cause Of Causes not likely to get a run.

J.P. McManus has two Irish-trained contenders, Gilgamboa for Enda Bolger and Tony Martin’s Gallant Oscar as well as the Jonjo O’Neill, trained Shutthefrontdoor and Charlie Longsdon’s Pendra.

Morning Assembly for Pat Fahy and Goonyella for Jim Dreaper look two Irish-trained runners likely to be well supported while Vic’s Canvas had a good run over the big fences back in November for Dermot McLoughlin. Home Farm for Chris Jones and Henry de Bromhead completes the Irish challenge.

Last year’s first and second are back again with Many Clouds in the forefront of the betting and Saint Are just makes the line up at horse 38. The 2014 winner Pineau De Re needs three to come out at the final declaration stage to get a run. Nina Carberry’s intended mount Knock House also needs one to be taken out to get into the race and Alvarado, fourth last year, is number 44 this time. Pat Griffin’s Maggio looks likely to miss out as he is number 46.

Paul Nicholls may have six runners as he fights off Willie Mullins for the British trainers’ title - Silviniaco Conti, Rocky Creek, Unioniste, Wonderful Charm, Just a Par and Black Thunder.

LATEST BETTING

8/1 Many Clouds, 10/1 Silviniaco Conti, The Last Samuri, 14/1 Holywell, 16/1 The Druids Nephew, Saint Are, 20/1 Shutthefrontdoor, Goonyella, Kruzhlinin, Gallant Oscar, 25/1 Morning Assembly, Unioniste, Boston Bob, 33/1 First Lieutenant, Ucello Conti, 40/1 Sir Des Champs

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