Aintree Grand National 2012

The 2012 Aintree Grand National is scheduled to take place on Saturday 14th April 2012. A maximum field of 40 are set to run with 4 reserves in postion should there be an late withdrawls.

The Gold Cup winning horse Synchronised is in the field. Only one horse, the legendary Golden Miller, has achieved the Cheltenham Gold Cup – Aintree Grand National double. With Champion Jockey Tony McCoy in the saddle, Synchronised is likely to be a popular day of the race bet. David Pipe trained Junior , last years winner Ballabriggs, Evan William’s Cappa Bleu and Gordon Elliot’s Chicago Grey all near the top of the market. Ruby Walsh has opted to ride the Thyestes Winner, On His Own. Willie Mullins broke the news on his website announcing “After some pleasing work on the gallops this week, Ruby has decided to ride On His Own in the Grand National.” This cleared the way for sister Katie Walsh to ride Seabass. Ruby writing in his Irish Examiner column explained his choice :

I’m well aware there has been much speculation of late regarding what I will ride in next Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree, but this morning I can reveal it will be Willie Mullins’ On His Own. Willie wanted me to ride for him, Paul Nicholls was anxious I go with Neptune Collonges and, of course, there was also my father’s Seabass to consider. But I had to be very professional about this and just wouldn’t feel comfortable not riding for either Willie Or Paul. I harbour doubts about Seabass getting four and a half miles in any case, but I’m sure he will give my sister, Katie, a terrific spin. Likewise, I’m concerned about On His Own travelling left-handed, because I think his form is better going the other way, but am prepared to take a chance on that. You couldn’t fail to be impressed by the manner in which On His Own won the Thyestes at Gowran Park in January and that race is sometimes a good test for Aintree. Neptune Collonges is probably well handicapped at this stage, but my worry is that he lacks the tactical speed required for such a test.

Other notable bookings saw Wayne Hutchinson booked for West End Rocker on At The Races, and Donald McCain revealed in his betfair column that Weird Al runs and will be ridden by Timmy Murphy. Davy Russell has been booked to ride the Kerry National winner Alfa Beat. He was free to ride this horse as he not ridden at weight below 10st 8lbs in the past twelve months and the remaining Gigginstown stud entry Tharwaat has been allocated 10st 4lbs. Paddy Brennan had originally been booked for Vic Venturi but has now been confirmed for the mud loving market mover Giles Cross.

We have final horses and jockeys for the 2012 Grand National: