Major Grand National changes confirmed as famous owner’s £80,000 horse among swathe of runners scratched from race

9 months ago 56

THE Grand National field has been radically altered yet again with a famous owner’s £80,000 horse among a swathe of runners scratched.

Michelle Mone’s Monbeg Genius, who was among the favourites for the £1million Aintree race just a few weeks ago, has been withdrawn by trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

Michelle Mone’s £80,000 horse Monbeg Genius has been withdrawn from the Grand National[/caption]

Some 17 horses have been officially scratched from the Grand National[/caption]

It was originally thought the bra tycoon’s horse could be barred from running in the world’s most famous race as a result of a freezing order imposed on her and husband Doug Barrowman’s assets amid a probe into an alleged £200million PPE fraud.

The couple deny any wrongdoing.

There was uproar when the BHA confirmed the horse could race – but now any chance he had is over after his trainer pulled the plug.

It means the number of potential British-trained horses continues to fall, especially after Paul Nicholls scratched his sole remaining runner.

The Ditcheat boss wants to aim Threeunderthrufive at the Jumps Season finale at Sandown later in April rather than the Aintree on April 13.

While Nicky Henderson also used the latest National scratchings stage to remove last year’s runner Mister Coffey.

Owned by billionaire Lady Bamford, he was only headed at the final flight and finished a valiant eighth, good enough to secure a cheque for £15,000.

Willie Mullins was also busy on Tuesday morning, pulling Asterion Forlonge and James Du Berlais.

While Gordon Elliott scratched Diol Ker, Dunboyne and Gevrey.

Gavin Cromwell, who looks set to saddle last year’s runner-up Vanillier for another go, pulled Letsbeclearaboutit.

While Martin Brassil, whose Panda Boy has been smashed in the betting, scratched Longhouse Poet, who was sent off 20-1 for last year’s race.

Other horses officially ruled out include former top weight and King George winner Hewick.

Joseph O’Brien’s Busselton is out while fellow Irish trainers Colm Murphy and Seamus Mullins pulled Macs Charm and Moroder respectively.

Fiddlerontheroof and Revels Hill are also out, while former hope Highland Hunter sadly died at Cheltenham Festival.

This year’s National will look very different to previous years after bosses brought in a number of changes.

The race will now be run at the earlier time of 4pm and the field slashed from 40 runners to just 34.

All in all, with the latest scratchings, it means Gordon Elliott’s Conflated leads the line as the top weight.

The 2022 winner Noble Yeats is next on 11st 8lb, while Welsh Grand National hero Nassalam is the highest-rated home hope, on 11st 4lb alongside Elliott’s Coko Beach and Mullins’ Capodanno.

Defending champ Corach Rambler looks to be well-in after his Gold Cup third.

He will carry 11st 2lb, the same as former Irish Grand National winner I Am Maximus, ex-Gold Cup champ Minella Indo, plus Janidil and Ash Tree Meadow.

Grand National odds via Coral

5-1 Corach Rambler

10-1 I Am Maximus, Vanillier

12-1 Panda Boy

14-1 Mahler Mission, Meetingofthewaters

16-1 Kitty’s Light, Noble Yeats

20-1 Capodanno, Galvin, Minella Indo, Mr Incredible

25-1 Bar