Races
Grand National 2021: The Entries – Numbers 1-10
The top end of the Grand National weights are broken down by our team
With only 11 days remaining until the world’s greatest steeplechase, the number of entries into the Grand National is beginning to slim down.
Several big names were scratched from the card last week, including the 2020 Cross Country winner Easysland.
Is the winner of this year’s contest hiding in the top end of the weights? Here are the first 10 in the Grand National entries.
Santini – 11st 10lb – 50/1
Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old makes his debut over the Aintree fences as joint top-weight, after a disappointing run in the Gold Cup at this season’s Cheltenham Festival.
Bristol De Mai – 11st 10lb – 33/1
A loyal servant to trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and owners Simon Munir and Isaac Soude, Bristol De Mai faces a tough task as joint top-weight in this year’s contest.
A triple winner of the Betfair Chase, the grey gelding will be hoping to transition his Haydock form to the other Merseyside racecourse.
The Storyteller – 11st 8lb – 25/1
Arguably the most versatile horse in training, The Storyteller makes the switch back to fences to tackle the Grand National for the first time.
The-10-year-old has produced his most impressive campaign to date, placing in the top two in seven of his nine runs this season.
Chris’s Dream – 11st 7lb – 40/1
After a poor performance in the Ryanair Chase, Chris’s Dream will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the biggest race of them all.
A lover of the mud, Henry De Bromhead’s chaser will be hoping for plenty of rain in the coming week should he make the trip across the Irish Sea.
Yala Enki – 11st 3lb – 40/1
A serial placer in the Welsh Grand National, Yala Enki could well make his first start in the National Hunt showpiece.
Describe as a brave jumper by Bryony Frost, Paul Nicholls’ gelding could have the heart to battle his way to victory here.
Ballyoptic – 11st 1lb – 100/1
A former Grade 1 winner, Ballyoptic could make his second appearance in the Grand National for Nigel Twiston-Davies after falling at the 26th fence in 2019.
Definitly Red – 11st 1lb – 66/1
Brian Ellison’s veteran returns to Aintree for a second crack at the Grand National fences, after failing to finish in the 2017 edition.
Lake View Lad – 11st – 40/1
The 2020 Many Clouds Chase winner will don the famous Trever Hemmings silks in his second attempt in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
His only start in the Grand National came back in 2019 when he was pulled up at the 27th fence.
Burrows Saints – 10st 13lb – 12/1
The leader of Willie Mullins’ five Grand National entries, Burrows Saint will make only his second start on English soil.
The 2019 Irish Grand National winner has been handed his toughest assignment yet, but he should go well on his maiden Aintree start.
Magic Of Light – 10st 13lb – 20/1
Jessica Harrington’s brave talent became the first mare to claim second in the Grand National in 63 years, finishing behind Tiger Roll in 2019.
The 10-year-old has experienced mixed fortunes this season, but she should appreciate the step back up in trip.
