Just 5 days on from the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, it’s now time to focus attentions on the Grand National at Aintree. Unless there are any late withdrawals a full field of 40 will go to post, over the legendary 4 miles 2 furlong circuit.

Disocrama, trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Bryan Cooper, has placed 3 times at the Cheltenham festival, in 3 different races:

2018: 2^nd in The Martin Pipe

2019: 2^nd in The National Hunt Chase

2020: 3^rd in The Ultima

He also finished 2^nd in a Grade 1 novice chase at the 2019 Punchestown festival.

For those not familiar with the race, the National Hunt chase was then run over 4 miles at the Cheltenham festival, the longest race of the festival. Run in very attritional conditions, Discorama proved his stamina, and therefore the Grand National trip of 4 miles 2 furlongs on better ground should be within his capabilities.

He was given a mark of 149, which means a weight of 10st 6lbs. This would usually be described as a nice racing weight. He has not had a hard season so far by any means, running just twice. Has a great chance.

Daryl Jacob rides Bristol De Mai, trained by Nigel Twiston Davies. A multiple time grade one winner, he has shown in the past a liking for stamina tests. Usually a good jumper, carrying 11st 10lbs will be a big challenge but if he can re-produce his best form he should be competitive.

Sean Flanagan rides Tout Est Permis for Noel Meade. His last win came in January 2019 and has had mixed form since. Rated 157 at his peak, he is rated 151 for the Grand National, so if he can re-produce his best form then he may be well handicapped, but judging by the evidence this season so far he may find this challenge too much.

Jamie Codd rides Milan Native, trained by Denise Foster. He won a handicap chase at the 2020 Cheltenham festival, and was raised 8lbs to a rating of 149. This looks to have been quite a harsh rise, and has since struggled in handicaps this season. A win here would be a surprise, but surprises happen regularly.

Seán O’Keeffe renews his partnership with Willie Mullins and rides the mare Cabaret Queen. She won the 2020 Kerry National in Listowel back in September, and won the 2019 Munster National, so she clearly has some very good form in big handicaps but this is a very different challenge. Will possibly go off at around 100/1, which perhaps tells its own story.

Talkischeap, now trained by Alan King, started his career in Co.Wexford with Donnacha Doyle winning 3 point to points. Won the Sandown Gold Cup over 3miles 5 furlongs in 2019 and was hit with a big ratings rise for that. Has been lightly raced since but has not been competitive. Unlikely to feature at the business end.

We wish all of the Wexford connections the best of luck in the race, and hopefully we will have good news to report tomorrow evening.