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MEGAN NICHOLLS RACING TIPS: 2024 GRAND NATIONAL PREVIEW
BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls brings her insightful opinions and first-rate horse racing knowledge exclusively to our website every week.
This time the former jockey, now a celebrated TV pundit, turns her attention to the world’s most famous steeplechase: the Grand National at Aintree.
Remember – for the latest odds, specials and profiles on the 4pm showpiece and beyond visit BetMGM’s dedicated 2024 Grand National page.
In this bumper big race preview, Megan profiles all 34 Grand National runners and riders including favourite and defending champion Corach Rambler, fancied challenger I Am Maximus and possible fairytale winner Latenightpass.
She also outlines her own each-way selections. Enjoy!
2024 Grand National: The Key Details
- When: 4pm, Saturday April 13th 2024
- Where: Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
- Number of horses running: There are 34 entrants for the Grand National, down from 40 last year
- Number of fences: The runners and riders must tackle 16 fences, with 14 of those jumped twice along the 4m 2½ f course
- How to watch: You can catch it right here on BetMGM thanks to our live horse racing streaming service, while the race will also be broadcast on ITV, Racing TV and online via ITVX
- Favourite & latest odds: The current favourite is Corach Rambler (6/1), simply visit our dedicated Grand National page for the full, up-to-date odds list
1. Noble Yeats (20/1)
Jockey: Harry Cobden. Trainer: Emmet Mullins
Noble Yeats is obviously a former winner in this race and has placed as well. He’s had an interesting campaign going hurdling this year, Harry Cobden has got a good tune out of him. I think it’s hard off of top weight. He’ll enjoy himself back at Aintree over some big fences, and a bit of a flop around seems to suit him, but it’s a big ask with a big weight.
2. Nassalam (22/1)
Jockey: Caoilin Quinn. Trainer: Gary Moore
Nassalam is the Welsh National winner, where he absolutely bolted up. He’s got his conditions – it is drying out but it will still be very hard work. He’s got a good each-way chance. Again, it’s not that easy with a big weight on his back but he takes to the fences, he’s tough and I think he could go very well.
Megan's Selection: NAssalam E/W
3. Coko Beach (25/1)
Jockey: Jordan Gainford. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Coko Beach has had a great season. He’s very good in the staying chases – he’s run in a couple of Nationals and led for quite a long way before weakening out of things. It might be that it’s the same story again. He has crept up in the weights due to his successes and this has obviously been the plan once again. Whether he’s better over the normal fences would probably be the question at this trip.
4. Capodanno (33/1)
Jockey: Keith Donoghue. Trainer: W P Mullins
Capodanno is a horse with plenty of ability but I still have reservations over his stamina. He’s coming into it in good form – however I don’t think this horse will stay.
5. I Am Maximus (15/2)
Jockey: Paul Townend. Trainer: W P Mullins
An Irish National winner, I Am Maximus is a horse that will suit the conditions and I think he’s got an each-way chance. He will probably be ridden with a bit of patience and try to sneak into the race. If he can avoid some trouble he could well be challenging when they’re turning in for home.
6. Minella Indo (16/1)
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Minella Indo, Gold Cup winner previously, has taken OK to the cross-country races and ran well at Cheltenham. It just looks as if he’s lost a bit of pace. He was very talented but he never really came back from that Gold Cup to perform anywhere near the same level. He wouldn’t be a selection for me in this race but I can totally see the angle with the class that he has shown being able to win a Gold Cup previously.
7. Corach Rambler (6/1 fav)
Jockey: Derek Fox. Trainer: Lucinda Russell
Defending Grand National champion Corach Rambler will run massive once again – it’s not easy to do the double but it’s doable. He had perfect preparation in the Gold Cup, running an absolutely huge race. He does require luck as he gets ridden with patience so he will have to have a clean passage round but, if he does so, he will definitely be there turning in, I’m sure of it. He would absolutely take the house down if he can manage to win once again.
8. Janidil (80/1)
Jockey: Jody McGarvey. Trainer: W P Mullins
Another where I’m not convinced on stamina. Janidil has mainly seen his best over 2 and a half miles. He placed in the Irish Gold Cup a couple of years ago which is over three, but stamina will be an issue especially on this ground. I’m not convinced he’ll be seeing out the trip.
9. Stattler (40/1)
Jockey: P W Mullins. Trainer: W P Mullins
Stattler won the National Hunt Chase for Willie and Paddy Mullins a couple of years ago. That was his only real attempt at a marathon trip and he saw it out well. He was well behind Coko Beach last time so he’ll have to bounce back from that. He’s one that Willie will hope can outrun his price. That price could be bigger than it should – I wouldn’t be surprised if he can outrun his odds and maybe crack into the top 10.
10. Mahler Mission (14/1)
Jockey: Ben Harvey. Trainer: John C McConnell
This horse has absolutely been aimed for the National. Mahler Mission hasn’t been seen since running in the big handicap at Newbury back at Christmas and he ran a huge race in defeat that day. My only concern – and I think this horse has plenty of ability – is that he might just run a bit fresh and a bit keen. If he does that he’s not going to help himself but he’s definitely got the ability.
11. Delta Work (18/1)
Jockey: Jack Kennedy. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Delta Work missed this year’s Cheltenham Festival in order to be fresh for the Grand National. He won the Cross-Country onto the National finishing third a couple of years ago and that was a really good effort. Coming into this race fresh is a massive plus – Gordon Elliott is pretty sweet on his chances. I think he’s probably the leading chance of Gordon’s bunch and, providing he gets into a nice rhythm, he’s got a big chance. He’s also nicely weighted.
12. Foxy Jacks (40/1)
Jockey: Gavin Brouder. Trainer: M F Morris
Foxy Jacks won a cross-country at Cheltenham back in November and did it quite nicely. It was a good performance but he went up in the weights because of it and he’s on a pretty tough mark now. He was a beaten favourite on his preparation run prior to the Grand National and I’m not convinced he wants the ground totally bottomless – it drying out would help his chances. I think the rise in the weights is the toughest thing he has to overcome.
13. Galvin (28/1)
Jockey: Sam Ewing. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
As he unseated right at the first in this race last year, we don’t really know if Galvin will take to the National or not – but he definitely has so much ability. He’s my pick of the Gordon Elliott horses. It’s hard to split him and Delta Work – we saw that in the cross-country at Cheltenham last year – but I’m going to choose Galvin. If he can get into a rhythm and take to it he’s got a massive chance at a nice each-way price. When the weights were released he was one my eye was drawn to, so I’m putting him forward as an each-way shout.
14. Farouk d’Alene (80/1)
Jockey: Donagh Meyler. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Farouk d’Alene is a horse that’s had a pretty interrupted career. He’s had a few troubles and a few breaks and there was a mammoth one before returning this year. He’s been in and out on his return runs this season and it will be a massive ask for him to win the National just because he showed plenty of ability as a novice chaser.
15. Eldorado Allen (80/1)
Jockey: Brendan Powell. Trainer: Joe Tizzard
I’m not sure Eldorado Allen wants the ground that testing. He started the season well, then was a bit disappointing. He had a wind operation and wasn’t at his best on his return, which was last time out. The stats are good for a second run after a wind op but I just think this ground is going to catch him out.
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16. Ain’t That A Shame (50/1)
Jockey: David Maxwell. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Ain’t That A Shame won his national trial at Gowran Park in January. He was purchased by David Maxwell after that and I think he might just be a bit keen. He’s a strong travelling horse and could just do too much in the early part of the race. It’s going to be a challenging enough ride for David and he has been kept fresh specifically for this race on the back of that Gowran win. However, the early stages of the race are the most important for him. He’s going to have to relax and that’s the concern.
17. Vanillier (9/1)
Jockey: Sean Flanagan. Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Second in this last year and has had the exact same prep run, Vanillier comes into this in good shape. He was held up last year and crept into the race and I imagine the same sort of tactic will be applied. If he can get into a nice rhythm once again, I’m sure we will see him running on quite strongly. We might just see him sit a little bit closer so they are in a slightly more challenging position turning in. But this horse has got another big chance of going close. A bit shorter in the prices but he’s worth a look.
18. Mr Incredible (12/1)
Jockey: Brian Hayes. Trainer: W P Mullins
This is a horse that I would really fancy – the start is going to be the thing for him. We have seen Mr Incredible refuse to race before. He’s quite quirky. He’s got loads of ability and I liked his prep run in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. He stays, his saddle slipped last year when he was running a very big race and he deserves another try in this. With the new starting procedure we don’t know whether that will really be in his favour. If he jumps off, I think he runs a massive race. I suppose it’s a bit risky if you are looking to back him because you don’t know whether he will start or not.
19. Run Wild Fred (50/1)
Jockey: T Hamilton. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Run Wild Fred hasn’t really been firing of late – he’s got a bit of a patchy and risky record this season so is probably not the most trustworthy. He did fall in this race a couple of seasons ago and hasn’t returned to Aintree since. Hopefully a couple of runs has brought his confidence back up but he hasn’t had the most straightforward preparation. He would be one I would be looking away from. His form is just not strong enough at the moment.
20. Latenightpass (28/1)
Jockey: Gina Andrews. Trainer: T Ellis
Latenightpass has been an incredible story. It’s a real family affair with trainer Tom Ellis and wife Gina Andrews on board. Fourth in the Foxhunters around Aintree last year, he’s obviously done well in the country races having won at Cheltenham back over the Christmas and New Year period too. He’s not very big but has the heart of a lion – it would be an absolutely incredible story if they could win the Grand National. He’s had a nice preparation and, between him and Corach Rambler, they would be my favourite victories just because the stories would be amazing. He’s not without a chance but needs to get into a rhythm early doors.
21. Minella Crooner (80/1)
Jockey: Kevin Sexton. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Minella Crooner is another that I would have concerns over stamina. He’s pulled up a couple of times when running over three-and-a-half miles. The extra distance would cast even more doubt in my mind. I wouldn’t be convinced he is a strong enough stayer for the conditions in this year’s National.
22. Adamantly Chosen (40/1)
Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe. Trainer: W P Mullins
He bolted up at Down Royal a couple of weeks ago over the extended three miles and you’d be more confident off the back of that. However, prior to that victory his form was just a little bit patchy. A three-time Chase winner, he’s still inexperienced compared to plenty of these in the field. He’s going to have to back that up in order to be really challenging here. I’m probably going to avoid him this time but you can’t help but be impressed with the way he won at Down Royal, the performance in itself was very good. The National is a whole different story though.
23. Mac Tottie (50/1)
Jockey: James Bowen. Trainer: Peter Bowen
Mac Tottie has won the Grand Sefton and the Topham previously but those are over much shorter distances so stamina is definitely a concern with this horse. He absolutely loves it around here though, and I’m sure James Bowen will get a great spin off him up to around the three-mile mark, but then the tank might start to empty a little bit.
24. Chemical Energy (33/1)
Jockey: Danny Gilligan. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
We haven’t seen Chemical Energy since September, which is quite a long time off the track coming into the National. He finished second in 2023’s National Hunt Chase so his stamina should be fine. He only had two starts since then, didn’t jump that well in either so, with plenty of time off the track, he could be a little ring rusty. The first couple of fences are going to be important for him.
25. Limerick Lace (12/1)
Jockey: Mark Walsh. Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
She doesn’t mind the ground at all – but it’s into unknown territory for Limerick Lace here. She won nicely at Cheltenham when outstaying her rivals but that was over two-and-a-half miles. She was second to Coko Beach a couple of starts back over three miles but it is totally unknown territory stepping up to the four-miles-plus here. She’ll be ridden patiently and they’ll try to play their hand fairly late on. The concern is her stamina.
26. Meetingofthewaters (9/1)
Jockey: Danny Mullins. Trainer: W P Mullins
He was purchased after winning a big handicap in Ireland near Christmas time last year, I think very much with the Grand National in mind. Meetingofthewaters ran a nice race in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month and has been well supported, although he must settle better than he did that day. He’s another stepping into unknown territory with a four-mile-plus trip, is inexperienced compared to plenty of the field and hasn’t had that many starts over fences – but he’s been solid in what he has done.
27. The Goffer (66/1)
Jockey: Sean Bowen. Trainer: Gordon Elliott
He was the favourite in the Ultima at Cheltenham last month and finished among the places. I don’t think he quite gets home – he weakens late on and that would be my concern with The Goffer in this one. I imagine he’ll travel quite nicely into the race but turning in for home the fuel gauge might run out a little bit.
28. Roi Mage (50/1)
Jockey: James Reveley. Trainer: Patrick Griffin
Roi Mage was seventh in the Grand National last year and has had only a couple of starts since but has won. Testing ground really suits him and he has an eye-catching jockey booking with James Reveley in the saddle. He’s definitely been aimed at this race given his performance in it last time.
29. Glengouly (66/1)
Jockey: Michael O’Sullivan. Trainer: W P Mullins
Glengouly was disappointing in the Festival Plate at Cheltenham a month ago but that was over two-and-a-half miles – prior to that he claimed second behind Ain’t That A Shame at Gowran Park and that wasn’t a bad effort. Form with Glengouly can be a bit unreliable compared to others here but stepping back up in trip should help.
30. Galia Des Liteaux (25/1)
Jockey: Harry Skelton. Trainer: Dan Skelton
This horse will stay forever. A talented mare, Galia Des Liteaux will not mind conditions at Aintree but a concern could be her jumping – she can get it a little bit wrong. Harry Skelton will have to give her a bit of space and get her into a jumping rhythm. If he can do that I’m sure her stamina will be no problem whatsoever.
31. Panda Boy (11/1)
Jockey: J J Slevin. Trainer: Martin Brassil
Panda Boy is a consistent handicapper who has run over hurdles and fences in his preparation. He’s placed in the Irish National before so stamina is not an issue. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fill in one of the places. He’ll keep going, is consistent and is right in at the bottom of the weights.
32. Eklat De Rire (100/1)
Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe. Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
A lightly-raced horse with a bit of a patchy profile, Eklat De Rire is unexposed and inexperienced – that might just get the better of him.
33. Chambard (66/1)
Jockey: Lucy Turner. Trainer: Venetia Williams
He’s an older boy now but Chambard will love the jumping challenge once again. He was a good winner of the Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree earlier in the season but hasn’t really fired since. That would be the worry with him here, he put everything into that race and it possibly left a mark. He got a hike in the weights because of it as well so he might be one to watch after he’s freshened back up at the start of next season.
34. Kitty’s Light (12/1)
Jockey: Jack Tudor. Trainer: Christian Williams
I’m absolutely delighted this horse has managed to sneak in right at the bottom of the weights. Kitty’s Light has loads of stamina, loves the big fields and was amazing in some of the marathon races last year. He is only small but he’s got a big heart; my worry is if he gets bounced about in the field and a bit intimidated. If he can get a bit of space and get into a good jumping rhythm then stamina won’t be an issue. There won’t be a dry eye in the house if this horse manages to win – he’s just going to have to be so brave in a big field with big fences.
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