Willie Mullins

I Am Maximus (11st 12lb - 167)

It was huge to win it last year for the second time. I felt very spoilt winning a second Grand National. It’s top weight and it’s tough but we had an idea that it would be tough. He’ll probably run in the Bobbyjo and we’ll see how he is.

He likes the track (Aintree). Sometimes when horses go back a second time they don’t like it and we’ve got all that to take into account. Horses go round it once and the second time it can be different, but he had a good experience last year and I’m hoping that it won’t be a problem.

Grangeclare West (11st 8lb - 163)

I was very pleased with his run (when second in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup on February 1st) and if he can put in a performance like that … however, he paid the penalty by being raised in the weights so it’s going to be tougher, but he might take his chance (in the Randox Grand National). I’m not sure he’ll run before (the Grand National) but I’ll think about that.

Nick Rockett (11st 8lb - 163)

I thought he was very good winning the Thyestes and that’s always a very good pointer towards the National, so hopefully he’ll take up the engagement.

Appreciate It (11st 2lb - 157)

He’s shown a nice change of form on nice ground in Thurles to win (in January). Aintree ground is usually lovely so he has his chance and plenty of 11-year-olds have won in the recent past.

Capodanno (11st 2lb - 157)

Capodanno was running a good race last year. The handicapper’s given him a chance and he jumps those fences no problem so I’m happy enough.

Minella Cocooner (11st 2lb - 157)

He jumps well. He won the Whitbread (bet365 Gold Cup) at Sandown last year. It’s going to be a tough assignment to win another big handicap within the calendar year but he’ll take his chance.

Meetingofthewaters (10st 7lb - 148)

I think Meetingofthewaters has a lovely weight. He ran very well last year and I think my eye was drawn to him when I saw his weight. He’s one I like.

Gavin Cromwell

Inothewayurthinkin (11st 5lb - 160)

I wouldn’t say he is a certain runner at this stage and we will look at other options for him, including the Bowl at Aintree. He will also get an entry in the Irish National as well.

Limerick Lace (10st 10lb - 151)

She was running a good race last year before she made a mistake, which effectively ended her chance. She has just been entered for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham again (which she won in 2024) and there is a chance she could go there and on to Aintree again. I am hoping that she is a spring horse as her two runs this season have not seen her at her best.

Perceval Legallois (10st 12lb)

I would say is a likely runner and I think we’ll be missing Cheltenham with him. He won the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and then a listed handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival so is in good form.

Stumptown (11st 2lb - 157) and Vanillier (10st 6lb - 147)

Both could go to the Cross Country at Cheltenham and then we can see about the National, but both horses could go for both races.

Henry de Bromhead

Minella Indo (11st 3lb - 158)

Ran really well last year. It was brilliant. He’s come out of Navan okay. He ran well and Rachael (Blackmore, jockey) was happy. He might have got a bit tired in the ground but he ran well.

He’s got a great attitude. He’s an amazing horse, he’s been brilliant over the years and he’s a great man. We’re delighted with him. He certainly enjoyed it last year. Rachael was brilliant on him and gave him a great spin. We’ve opted to go this way and hopefully he’ll run well.

Senior Chief (10st 10lb - 151)

He ran great at Cheltenham (when winning there in October). We were a bit disappointed with him in the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup at Newbury) but he seems in good form again now, so we’ll definitely aim him at the National.”

Tom Gibney

Intense Raffles (10st 10lb - 151)

That’s fair enough. He was 151 over here so why should he be any different over there? I’d be quite happy with that. We’re hoping to get serious now as we get a bit closer. He’ll have another run – all being well he’ll run again, not this weekend but the next weekend at Fairyhouse.