Tiger Roll was victorious in the 2018 Randox Health Grand National, giving trainer Gordon Elliott his second winner in the world-famous steeplechase. The diminutive stayer looks set to return to the track this year in a bid to defend his crown. He represents a very strong Irish charge in this year’s renewal, with 47 of the initial 112 entries currently trained in Ireland. The aforementioned Elliott is responsible for 22 of those runners whilst Willie Mullins is weighing up the possibility of sending nine runners to Merseyside at the beginning of April.
Whilst the field was always likely to be dominated by Ireland’s two most prominent trainers, there are a handful of other handlers who will be trying their luck in the most valuable jumps race in the world. Tony Martin’s Anibale Fly was fourth in the 2018 renewal and will be saddled with the highest weight of any Irish runner. The nine-year-old ran impressively in last year’s contest, especially considering he’d previously run a career-best in the Cheltenham Gold Cup just three weeks earlier.
Many of this year’s entries are likely to follow a similar path, and could also feature in the blue riband event at Prestbury Park. The hugely popular chase rounds off the four-day extravaganza in Gloucestershire and it’s undoubtedly the highlight of the festival. It’s an exciting time of year for National Hunt fans, and many punters are already beginning to finalise their bets ahead of the event, relying on Gold Cup 2019 tips alongside in-depth analysis and build-up to March’s sporting showpiece.
Magic of Light, who was victorious at Ascot in January, will be representing Jessica Harrington, and will be aiming to become the first mare to be victorious in the race since Nickel Coin in 1951. Pat Kelly’s Mall Dini, another Irish representative will be tackling the Aintree fences for the first time, and will be hoping to build on a second-place finish in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
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Ireland have been responsible for two of the last three winners in the race, but there is also likely to be a suitably strong UK challenge in 2019. Bristol de Mai has been given top weight for this year’s contest, and is likely to find it tough as a result. The Nigel Twiston-Davies runner will be shouldered with 11st 10lb due his 168 rating and could be susceptible to a number of rivals who are carrying a much lighter load.
Colin Tizzard’s Elegant Escape displayed terrific staying qualities when securing the Welsh Grand National, and seven-year-old is likely to put in another gutsy and determined performance at the Merseyside track. Lake View Lad is viewed as one of the more progressive runners in the field and will be representing the Nick Alexander yard, whilst Paul Nicholls’ Warriors Tale has previous course form. 2017-winner One For Arthur is likely to return to the scene of its last victory and will be one to keep an eye on.
Irish racing continues to go from strength-to-strength and they will send another strong string to Merseyside at the beginning of April. Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are likely to be heavily involved once again with the former targeting back-to-back triumphs in the race. The stamina-sapping steeplechase is shaping up to be another fascinating contest and as always, plenty of drama and excitement is likely to ensue.