Defending champion Corach Rambler still leads British hopes, and now looks virtually certain to go off as favourite after impressing in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, but a look through the list of potential Grand National runners shows that potential British trained winners are few and far between.

Welsh National victor Nassalam and Scottish National winner Kitty’s Light are arguably the only other realistic British winners at Aintree, and even then Kitty’s Light is reliant on more withdrawals if he is to make the final cut.

Retaining his crown

As ever, it’s the in-form Willie Mullins contingent that’ll lead the Irish charge, with 2023’s Irish National winner I Am Maximus his biggest hope based on the latest betting, and Meetingofthewaters and Mr Incredible also featuring amongst the top 10 favourites.

But while Mullins recently celebrated saddling an unprecedented 100 Cheltenham Festival winners, his Grand National record is far more modest, with Hedgehunter’s 2005 triumph his sole triumph to date. And it’s clear Mullins would love to add to his tally.

“It would be an honour to have another winner of the Grand National on our CV, but we’ve already been very lucky to have won it once and been placed a couple of times.

“The Grand National is certainly an option for Capodanno, and Mr Incredible is one who could come back this year. I’m very happy with his work at home.”

“If Meetingofthewaters got in he’d be very interesting.”

Easter Racing Festival

Before then, Mullins has Easter Monday’s Irish National to focus on, and there could be more reason to celebrate if the latest odds are to be believed.

Nick Rockett is proving a popular favourite, as Ladbrokes’ Nicola McGeady explained, “After an incredible week at Cheltenham, it’s no surprise to see punters favouring the Willie Mullins frontrunner. Nick Rockett is already a short price for such a competitive race, but that hasn’t deterred punters.”