Grand National Entries - 150 to choose from!
January 31st, 2008How many entries?
The entries for the 2008 Grand National have been announced and with 150 horses entered at the pre-weights stage we have the second largest entry in history.
Only in 2005 were more horses entered and the BHA Handicapper Phil Smith faces a mammoth task in trying to allocate weights to all the horses before Tuesday when the weights are due to be revealed.
Likely starters and who won’t be taking part?
With the likes of Beef Or Salmon, Turpin Green, Celestial Gold and 2005 winner Hedgehunter all entered at this stage the weights are likely to have quite a classy look to them and horses with a low official rating must have little chance of making the actual race. Last year a rating of the mid 130’s was the cut off point for the race and it may be something similar will be required this year.
A number of horses that were well fancied in ante-post betting have not been given entries: Halcon Generaldais, Miko De Beauchene and Neptune Collonges. Doubts had been voiced about the participation in the Aintree race of all three by connections but all temptation has been removed now that they are not included in the entries. 2006 winner Numbersixvalverde has also not been entered due to injury.
Raiders from overseas
The field is buoyed by numerous entries from Ireland, who have won four out of the last five Grand Nationals and six entries from France, including Kelami, LAmi and Nitrat from the powerful yard of Francois Doumen.
Check back here after the weights have been announced for more news and views.
