Grand National field takes clearer shape after six horses removed from contention
The field for Saturday’s Randox Grand National began to take clearer shape after six horses were absent from the confirmation stage on Monday.
L’Homme Presse, Capodanno, Velvet Elvis and Minella Drama (all of whom had previously been guaranteed a run) as well as two horses not within the 34-horse cut line – Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave – were not confirmed at the five-day entry stage.
Having previously straddled the cut line together on a weight of 10st 6lb, Monbeg Genius, Vanillier, Horantzau D’Airy, Hyland and Celebre D’Allen are all now guaranteed a run. Three Card Brag and Twig have also made the cut, but the 34th spot on the list remains undecided.
Duffle Coat, Shakem Up’Arry and Roi Mage are all due to carry 10st 4lb having been awarded the same handicap rating when the Grand National weights were announced in February.
If needed, the final spot will be determined by which of these three has the highest current handicap mark at the time of elimination, but should two or more horses have the same rating the place will be determined by a random ballot.
Concentration of power in fewer hands – a stark lesson from the Grand National confirmations
