Grand National day blog as Tiger Roll wins for Gordon Elliott at Aintree

Grand National result and free video replay

1805: Michael O'Leary and the Grand National haven't always gone hand in hand - it was only last year that he blasted handicapper Phil Smith for the assessment of some of his horses - and yet he's now won the great race twice, following Rule The World's victory a couple of years ago.

The Ryanair boss has been speaking in the press conference where he's praised Gordon Elliott for a "remarkable training feat" and expressed his delight for Davy Russell who has "been one of the best jockeys in Ireland the for the past five to 10 years."

"We've had our differences," he adds, "but he's always come back better and stronger. And this is a fantastic way for him to win his first National. I'm so pleased for him. At 38 years old he's towards the end of his career and he deserves this."

O'Leary adds that he's worried about the excess baggage on the flight home, having won the trophy for the Ryanair Hurdle earlier in the day as well, but Elliott says he's on the boat.

"You're all welcome to come over tomorrow where we'll parade the horse. And there'll be a lot of drinking of course."

1750: A head, 11 lengths and a neck the winning distances, while 12 horses finished. Among those to check out early was Blaklion, who came down at the first.

Tiger Roll is now Sky Bet's 16/1 favourite for next year's race.

Meanwhile, Saint Are is returning to the racecourse stables for further assessment after taking a heavy fall and jockey Charlie Deutsch is is being assessed, with the other 37 jockeys all safely back in the weighing room.

1745: Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell have been reacting to Tiger Roll's epic victory.

The winning jockey told ITV Racing: "I was afraid he wouldn't take to it as he's very economical with his jumping. They've done a marvellous job with this horse.

"This one is for Pat Smullen. I was speaking to him the other morning and he's as tough as nails.

"I really don't know what to say."

Elliott added: "It's unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite. It's great for the yard, for Gigginstown (House Stud, owners), for everyone."

1740: Elliott also responsible for the third, Bless the Wings, and amazingly it's a 1-2-3-4 clean sweep for Ireland with Gold Cup third Anibale Fly running a belter under a big weight.

Milansbar was best of the Brits in fifth under Bryony Frost, with Road To Riches sixth.

So close to a Donn McClean dream having suggested Irish horses could end up filling the first six places.

1732: The remarkable Tiger Roll wins the Grand National for Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell and Gigginstown House Stud.

Winner at the last three Cheltenham Festivals, in the Triumph Hurdle, the National Hunt Chase and last month's Cross Country Chase, Tiger Roll adds the Grand National to his amazing CV and gives Elliott his second National success after Silver Birch's win in 2007.

The photo was required as Pleasant Company was baring down on the winner in the dying strides, but he never quite had enough momentum to get by the toughest of horses.

TIGER ROLL WINS THE GRAND NATIONAL!

1st TIGER ROLL (10/1)

2nd Pleasant Company (25/1)

3rd Bless The Wings (40/1)

4th Anibale Fly (10/1)

5th Milansbar (25/1)

6th Road To Riches (33/1)

1715: Late, late cash for The Last Samuri, who is into 22/1, while Total Recall is into 7/1 favourite on course.

I hope this doesn't sound pathetic but I wish you all luck.

Stand by for the result of the 2018 Randox Health Grand National.

1710: Total Recall is your 8/1 favourite as things stand. As the national anthem rings around this famous racecourse, others for late money include Tiger Roll, Gas Line Boy, I Just Know and Shantou Flyer.

I think it's fair to suggest if you're not on already, you've missed every last shred of value. It's also fair to say that we will be a few minutes behind schedule.

1700: Hard to put a figure on how much money changes hands in the next 15 minutes but it's a considerable sum.

Having said that, this is the only race in which most of the stakes go down long before 'the show', with the majority of you already settled down in front of the TV slips in hand.

There's always time for a lightning-quick spin through the field, though.

1656: It's possibly the only race in the world in which you can say a horse will be 'ridden for a place' but you can see why can't you.

1650: One player remains in contention for today's ITV7 competition, with a cool £100,000 going to that player if Alpha Des Obeaux wins it under Rachael Blackmore. Wow.

1642: Contrary to earlier reports, Richard Johnson has gone home. Ciaran Gethings comes in for the ride on Saint Are.

1640: Time to recap a few things as while I’ve been sitting here for the past eight and a half hours, I appreciate that's unlikely to be the case with all of you.

I’ve backed loads – namely Ucello Conti, I Just Know, Carlingford Lough and Virgilio. If the latter wins I’ll be on the next helicopter home.

The real people who know – I’m talking Donn McClean, Lydia Hislop et al – are sweet on Anibale Fly.

Chase The Spud has been one of the best backed at bigger prices, while the Willie Mullins factor looks like ensuring Total Recall – winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury earlier in the season – will go off as the favourite.

There’s a lot to digest, admittedly, but it’s worth it isn’t it.

If you're still bamboozled then here's our horse-by-horse guide, penned by David Ord.

1632: A turn-up in the race before the National as Identity Thief defies odds of 14/1 to take Grade One honours back to Ireland.

After Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown operation won the Ryanair Chase for the first time at Cheltenham last month, they're at it again at Aintree as Henry De Bromhead's charge wears down the plucky Wholestone.

Winning rider Sean Flanagan takes the ride on Road To Riches in the National

RESULT 4.20 Ryanair Stayers Hurdle (Grade One)

1st IDENTITY THIEF (14/1)

2nd Wholestone

3rd Sam Spinner

Click here for full result and free video replay

1620: They're off in the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle.

1615: Jockey switch confirmation - Ciaran Gethings in for Adrian Heskin on Saint Are in the Grand National.

1610: The National market has taken a bit more shape in the past half hour or so, with Total Recall emerging as the most likely SP favourite. That could all change of course as we build towards 5.15 and some mad things to happen on National day when it comes to betting momentum, but Willie Mullins' runner is massively popular.

You'd have to imagine the 'who will go off favourite' contest would be done and dusted by now were Ruby Walsh fit to take the ride.

Here's a reminder of the most popular selections from our team of tipsters. You can click on the image to open Sky Bet's live National betting in a new window. Total Recall is their 10/1 fav as I type.

1604: Paddy Brennan in for the ride on The Worlds End in our next race, so not looking good for Heskin.

1602: Paul Nicholls reaction on the Maghull winner Diego Du Charmil: "He would have bolted in at Ascot the other day if he hadn't fallen as he was doing a half-speed. He is just a progressive horse that is fresh. The ground was a big worry, but he is getting stronger.

"He was a progressive horse in the autumn before he had a near fatal injury. He was a millimetre away from having a fatal injury. He got over that and then we had to wait. We've only minded him because of the ground. We were thinking of going for the Grand Annual but the ground went soft, then today was the plan."

This could sound like absolute madness, but I've still completely ruled out this horse developing into Queen Mother Champion Chase contender. At six, he's still got time on his side.

1558: For all the ground is clearly testing, it's not like the horses are coming home in instalments strung out like washing. Which is a good sign. It could obviously be different over four and a quarter miles, but I'm feeling positive over the number of finishers in this year's national.

1550: The remarkable run of form being enjoyed by trainer Tom Lacey continues as favourite Thomas Patrick gallops to victory under champion jockey Richard Johnson, who perhaps a little surprisingly doesn't have a ride in the Grand National. He didn't have a ride in the National last year, either.

Most National rides without winning it? 20 - Richard Johnson from 1997-2016.

Maybe he's just had enough.

Maybe he'll step in to ride Saint Are if Adrian Heskin isn't fine after his fall from Rocklander in the last race.

RESULT 3.40 Betway Handicap Chase

1st THOMAS PATRICK (3/1 favourite)

2nd On Tour

3rd Paper Lantern

4th Oldgrangewood

Click here for full result and free video replay

1540: A lot less flesh on show out there today, thankfully. Sometimes, you can have enough of tattooed thighs.

1535: I'm not flagging here, honest. I just can't find a bet to be had in this difficult-looking three mile handicap chase. Look, I'm sorry. Viconte Du Noyer was my idea of a potential play but he's out.

Alright, I'll have two quid on Clondaw Cian. You've bullied me into it.

1518: Can't help but think Petit Mouchoir has run his race prior to the tapes going up, but fair do's to Diego who tanked his way to the front and pulled out a whopper of a jump at the last.

Harry Cobden is one cool customer in the saddle, isn't he?

He rides... The Dutchman, who just keeps getting mentioned all around me. Can I really back another? No, must not back another.

1515: Paul Nicholls-related Grand National Fact of the Day: The ten-time champion trainer won the race in 2012 with Neptune Collognes but he's had 73 other starters, of which only two have made the frame. He relies on Warrior's Tale to improve that record this afternoon.

1512: Bingo. We're back in the game. Diego Du Charmil gives trainer Paul Nicholls his seventh Maghull win and second Grade One winner in two days after Politologue's Melling heroics yesterday.

RESULT 3.00 Doom Bar Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade One)

1st DIEGO DU CHARMIL (5/1)

2nd Petit Mouchoir

Click here for full result and free video replay

1500: Petit Mouchoir has played up a bit on the way to post but Davy Russell now seems to have him under control.

1458: Three more to go before the Randox Health Grand National at 5.15. How's your stamina? It is the name of the game today, after all.

The Maghull Novices' Chase is our next event due off at 3.00 and I'm quite happy to back Diego Du Charmil who represents the winning-most trainer in this race, Paul Nicholls.

The horse fell inexplicably at Ascot last time when going really well and while this is a step up in class, he's a horse they've always thought a lot of. Quick spring ground may have been ideal, but he's handled cut in the past. I'll take him at 13/2 over Arkle tearaway Petit Mouchoir who is around 4/6 at the top of the market.

Disagree entirely? Sky Bet have enhanced the odds on the jolly to win by six lengths or more. That's now 3/1 if you follow this link.

1455: Favourite On The Blind Side checked out quite quickly after turning for home in the second race and the following Stewards' notice doesn't reveal a great deal by way of excuses.

It reads: "Following the race, Nico de Boinville reported that ON THE BLIND SIDE (IRE), placed sixth, weakened quickly from the second last hurdle and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities."

Winning rider Noel Fehily reflects on the victory: "He's a tough horse. I was in front far sooner than I wanted to be and he was really tough on the run-in to battle back.

"His run at Cheltenham was fantastic against Samcro. We all know what a great horse Samcro is and he ran a great race to finish second to him. He deserved to win a big one."

1450: Lot of reaction filtering through regarding the going, with plenty of "soft" and a fair share of "dead" reported by various jockeys.

I'm drawn to the comments of Harry Skelton, rider of Virgilio, as he's said: "It's holding - on the cusp of drying out."

Why oh why couldn't this weather have arrived a day earlier.

1440: Tizzard runs The Dutchman in the Grand National and he's a proven stayer having won the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on heavy ground before reportedly bursting a blood vessel last time out. If he's all patched up, then he looks sure to go well for the team who provided the one-two in yesterday's Topham.

1435: Tom George goes back-to-back with his Grade One winners - Ballymore runner-up Black Op his first winner since Summerville Boy in the Sky Bet Supreme.

And he's had to do it the hard way too, knuckling down to just outstay Lostintraslation after the Tizzard horse appeared to just nose ahead.

Tizzard's horses have been running above themselves all week and the Supreme seventh has followed suit.

RESULT 2.25 Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade One)

1st BLACK OP (3/1)

2nd Lostintraslation

3rd Momella

Click here for full result and free video replay

1415: The big danger here is Black Op, whose form is extremely good, not just his second to Samcro at the Cheltenham Festival, but also his earlier narrow defeat to yesterday's Grade One winner Santini.

But he's been quite weak in the betting ahead of this and Tom George's stable has hardly been firing in winners of late. In fact, his last winner was Summerville Boy in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

But it's On The Blind Side for me, regardless. He ticks all of those imaginary boxes that punters like to refer to.

1355: Victory for connections of Grand National hope Vieux Lion Rouge as Mr Big Shot lands today's opener under Tom Scudamore, whose grandfather rode Oxo to victory in the main race in 1959.

Interesting to see how wide Mr Big Shot was kept early on in the race. It seems the earlier whispers of bad ground on that far side up the straight may be on the money.

For those who followed my advice to back Red Indian each-way with six places on offer - the inevitable has happened. Let's hope that's not a sign of things to come. Seventh.

RESULT Aintree 1.45 Gaskells Handicap Hurdle

1st MR BIG SHOT (7/1 favourite)

2nd Now McGinty

3rd Ah Littleluck

4th Debece

5th The Mighty Don

6th Prime Venture

Click here for full result and free video replay

1345: I'm reliably informed it's potato-planting season so maybe that helps explain the market move for Chase The Spud.

He's among the best backed in the past couple of hours - follow this link for more details.

Meanwhile, the racing is about to get under way with the three mile handicap hurdle, in which Value Bet selection Debece is among the market leaders with Mr Big shot for the David Pipe team.

Both horses are quite lightly raced and may well have something in hand over the likes of Red Indian who has been knocking heads with quality handicappers all season and consequently doesn't get much help from the handicapper. Still, I'm sticking with the Pauling runner who strikes me as a very fair each-way price at 8/1.

This is an infamous First Race Special for Sky Bet, who are offering six places for each-way players.

1340: Here's Clerk of the Course Andrew Tulloch on his sandy soil, fresh ground and more...

"It's a great day's racing. It's that iconic race that everyone watches. People at home are having bets, in their sitting-rooms watching this race - it's magical.

"We've got about five yards of completely fresh ground on the inside of the track (on the Mildmay course), and we have repaired it and put it back (after racing yesterday) to get it as good as we can for the start of the fixture today. It takes a great deal of work by the team.

"This is sandy soil and it will dry up a bit before the Randox Health Grand National. It is up to the jockeys to ride according to the conditions."

1335: Over to Mike 'The Catt' Cattermole with his selection.

He argues: "...with the Grand National ground set to be the most testing since Red Marauder’s mudbath in 2001, I feel that Seeyouatmidnight may be best equipped to excel in the greatest steeplechase in the world and follow One For Arthur as another Scottish-trained winner.

"Sandy Thomson’s stable star ended his novice chase season with an excellent third to Vicente in the 2016 Scottish Grand National over four miles but there is no doubt that Seeyouatmidnight is at his most effective when the mud is flying.

"Following an easy defeat of Bristol De Mai at Carlisle, he started third favourite for the Betfair Chase later that year (behind Cue Card and Coneygree) but was pulled up and we have not seen much of him since.

"Indeed, after a spin over hurdles in March, 2017 (ran well), he was off for a year with various issues before returning to Newbury last month when he performed creditably for a long way over an inadequate two and a half miles. That was his first start since a wind operation. It would have helped sharpen him up and he is handicapped to give Brian Hughes an exciting ride."

1320: You may or may not yet be aware but there are three female jockeys in today's race and they are Bryony Frost, Katie Walsh and Rachael Blackmore.

Blackmore rides Alpha Des Obeaux for Mouse Morris and owners Gigginstown House Stud and I think I saw them having a leg-stretch on the track yesterday morning. Morris certainly had a close on them.

Here's Blackmore on her chances of an historic victory on the former Stayers' Hurdle runner-up: "I had a little canter on him yesterday and he is in great form. I'm really looking forward to the ride and its fingers crossed - it's very exciting to be a part of the Grand National.

"I'll speak to Mouse to see how he wants me to ride the race, but I know you need a lot of luck around here."

Walsh obviously rides the well-backed Baie Des Isles as mentioned earlier, while Bryony Frost gets the leg-up on Milansbar, who won the Classic Chase at Warwick - the same event One For Arthur landed en route to Aintree glory here 12 months ago.

1305: This is not an official complaint to the betting ring manager, but some of the on course bookmakers appear to be 'maximising their opportunities'. I think I can get away saying with that.

It's like Cartmel on a Bank Holiday Monday out there. Again, not the view of my employer etc...

1255: This is the most challenging juxtaposition since Robert De Niro did that Dirty Grandpa film...

1250: Back to Virgilio briefly. I've been reminded that the Skeltons have been wrong before in regards to ground preferences, Dan admitting that if it had been purely down to him then he probably wouldn't have run Mohayed in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. The rest is history with him.

But there's a glimmer of hope for us Virgilio backers, for all it's hardly a compelling case.

1240: Just nipped out for a breath of air and a stroll before it becomes uncomfortably difficult to move. And it's genuinely pleasant, both weather-wise and in terms of the atmosphere.

Lot of drinking going on already which won't come as much of a shock but the variety of beverages being consumed at this hour caught me by surprise. One guy strolling around with an espresso martini in hand.

Perhaps he needed a pick-me-up after a bad day's punting yesterday. Presumably, Grand Partner finishing fifth instead of fourth let down his Placepot.

Or perhaps he just wants maximum alcohol levels for minimum volume consumption.

Cheers.

1220: So many human stories running through today's big race. So many.

My dream scenario today is brothers Dan and Harry Skelton combining to success with Virgilio, although after a brief chat with Nicola McGeady who looks after the Ladbrokes blog with the trainer, I'm put off his claims slightly on account of the ground.

Gordon Elliott hasn't had many runners here yet this week (just Clarcam so far) but he's got four today, including Bless The Wings, Tiger Roll and Ucello Conti in the big one as he looks to follow last month's Irish Grand National victory with General Principle.

Ucello Conti appeals most from that trio and he's ridden by our columnist Daryl Jacob, who's had a brilliant time of things and had this to say on his National ride:

"He’s trained by a man who knows how to win the National in Gordon Elliott, he’s racked up plenty of experiences over the famous fences and he loves them and he goes in there fresh and well after just two runs this season.

"One of those was when second behind subsequent Gold Cup third Anibale Fly and if things fall his way and he gets into a nice rhythm he could win it. I’ve got a lot of confidence in this horse. It would be amazing to win a second National."

1208: Whichever colours you're pinning to your mast, you don't buy now do you? Do you?! That's like an extra £15 bet on the race isn't it. Although I get the idea of a Many Clouds one.

What a horse Many Clouds was. He won the Grand National three years ago, from an official rating of 160.

To put that into context today, he'd be carrying 11-9 in weight, 1lb below Blaklion.

Is Blaklion in that calibre? I hate to say it but I do have my doubts.

1200: How to fill the wallet before the National. That's the key to today. I'm sure you've already had a dabble but there's nothing like going into the big one with a few bonus reddies to cover some of the extra runners you opted not to back earlier in the day.

So, in brief.

The word for Nicky Henderson's On The Blind Side is strong and significant. He's been backed accordingly in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle at 2.25 but I'm happy with him at 6/4 or bigger. He's unbeaten, he's extremely exciting, and he won here at the start of the year. He also likes soft ground.

Onto the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at 3.00. Oppose Petit Mouchoir. He's far too short. Back Diego Du Charmil and Lady Buttons against him.

Wholestone is as solid as they come in the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at 4.20, but save on the enigma that is Thomas Campbell.

Throw in Red Indian for Ben Pauling in the first (1.45) and the aforementioned Michael's Mount in the Nobody's Watching Handicap Hurdle (6.20), and now we're cooking.

1150: Fine scenes here as Sir Anthony McCoy arrives at the door of the media centre, only to be stopped in his tracks by the lady who demands to see some ID. To be fair to her, he does look a different person since his retirement. I mean, those teeth alone. So, so, sparkly.

1148: 🌞 The sun has come out. Stop the clock, Ernie!

1140: Right, definitely time for some more National tips. So over to the popular Simon Holt with his take on the £1m bonanza. Spoiler alter: He tips Raz De Maree.

If you stepped onto a plane and heard this voice as your captain for the journey ahead you would feel pretty comforted wouldn't you?

1130: Oh Derek, you ain't seen nothing yet.

My driver (gosh, that's even made me cringe) this morning said he reckoned they might try and cram something close to 100,000 through the gates today. Having seen the aftermath of just over 50,000 on Ladies' Day, I dread to imagine the scenes as I attempt to scamper back to the Polo tonight.

1120: Now here's a name that's captured the imagination - Captain Redbeard was a 100/1 shot three weeks ago. His odds have contracted significantly in the past seven days and we're now talking about a genuine 25/1 chance. He's even shorter with certain firms.

But is it just the name? I suspect not. Whereas elsewhere in the field you've got a bunch of out of form previous Grade One horses, here is a thriving nine-year-old who looks right at the peak of his powers.

He's not a cast iron stayer but very few are and he's a real mud lover. He's also had a nice prep over hurdles, which is also the case with I Just Know.

1105: Racing UK are currently providing a brilliant trip down memory lane with footage of some of Nationals gone by.

Could we be in for an Amberleigh House-esque finish, or a Red Marauder slog?

Auroras Encore winning in 2013 seems a long time ago for some reason but the same connections have interesting candidates this time around.

Firstly, the owners are represented by Aintree specialist Maggio, who is a 100/1 tip in today's Value Bet column.

While Auroras trainer Sue Smith runs I Just Know and Delusionofgrandeur.

Smith has been comparing I Just Know to her previous winner and whereas back in 2013 there was a lot of snow in the build-up to the race and she wasn't actually sure they'd got enough work into him, I Just Know is reported to be in flying form. He's also a "much bigger horse than Auroras" and a "wonderful jumper", according to the trainer.

As touched upon earlier, he's in my staking plan and the more I look the more I like I Just Know.

I wish I did know.

1100: No messing about over security when it comes to today's most coveted prize.

1055: There was a lot of National chat over dinner last night but one of the hottest topics was 'who will go off favourite?' The other big one was 'what price will the favourite be?'. One firm were offering 8/11 for the National favourite to be 8/1 or bigger and as things stand it's 14/1 the field.

But odd things can happen on this weird old day in the betting world and I'm not ruling out something really catching fire late doors.

When that happens, it's often a J P McManus horse that is at the crux of it and if pushed I'm going for Anibale Fly to go off 8/1 favourite.

Here's our very own David Ord with his National one-to-six, and if you wait right until the end you'll see Ben 'Value Bet' Linfoot looking his most manic.

1045: Here's a snippet from Irish shrewdie Donn McClean, who runs through six of the best Irish Grand National contenders in his preview of the big race:

"Irish-trained horses could hardly fill the first six places, could they? Hardly, but there are 16 of them in the race now. Also, Irish-trained horses finished first, second and fourth in 2006, and they finished first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth in 2016."

1025: Another interesting line from Sky Bet's PR Racing Manager is that the wonderfully-named Chase The Spud is by far the worst loser for the Leeds-based firm, as things stand. He was 66/1 earlier in the week and is now 25/1.

The Dutchman has also attracted some of the 'right faces', if that's still a thing these days.

1015: Some significant snippets from regular Aintree course-walker Michael Shinners this morning.

Our man in the field reports the following:

Baie Des Isles looked well out having a pick of grass on the track;

There are some serious divots at the landing side of several of the National fences;

The stands rail appears much the best ground up the straight on the hurdles track;

Thank you, Michael.

0955: And now for something completely different.

I've identified some of the ways people make their Grand National selection and what it means about them as a punter... starting with Familiar faces.

1. Familiar faces

Unusually, there are no previous Grand National winners in this year’s line-up, but three of the class of 2018 have been placed in the great race before, while Pleasant Company, who went off among the favourites last April and is a much-bigger 33/1 this time, became etched into a few shrewd notebooks with an unfortunate ninth. They aren’t the only ones with National experience under their belt, but they look the most likely candidates of those returning for another bite at the cherry.

Who to back: Blaklion, The Last Samuri, Saint Are, Pleasant Company

What it says about you: You vaguely recall your dad’s mate telling you that horses having their second, or even third, crack at the big race have a brilliant record. You’re not too bothered if the assumption matches the recent evidence (it doesn’t), but you remember the intense rush you felt 12 months ago when Blaklion strode clear under a confident Noel Fehily five fences from the finish, and you want another hit. You suspect Sam Twiston-Davies is a step down from Fehily, though you’re not willing to air those views publicly. You bet big, and often.

For more of the same, click on the image below.

0945: Where is the early money going?

It may be all about the one race today as far as the wider public is concerned but there are five races here before the biggie and also one afterwards. You've got to feel for the Pinsent Masons Handicap Hurdle at 6.20 haven't you?

In the After The Lord Mayor's Show Handicap Hurdle I'm told by one of the shrewdest characters in the press room that Michael's Mount is exceedingly well handicapped. Ah - the lucky last. Be lucky.

Anyway, today's movers...

Aintree

2.25 - On The Blind Side 9/4 into 7/4

3.40 - Bells Of Ailsworth 14/1 into 11/1

5.15 GRAND NATIONAL - Seeyouatmidnight 16/1 into 12/1, Chase The Spud 40/1 into 25/1

6.20 - Solatenif 28/1 into 18/1

Sky Bet will also be Price Boosting a different Grand National horse every hour between 1000 and 1600, so click on the image below and have that window open too to keep tabs on the latest odds and offers.

0925: There's a frankly quite daunting amount of previews and features to plug across the website and you wouldn't expect anything less.

But I'm at the helm so I get to push some of my - for want of a better word - favourites.

Over to Lydia Hislop with her preview on the great race which features "a mad one - because you've got to have a mad one in the National."

Given the state of the weather over the past few months, that is a phenomenal lawn.

0900: With the ground riding exceptionally soft for the time of year, I'm pressed to dig out some key information that Ben Linfoot unearthed a couple of weeks ago and here it is.

Big Softies

Horses that have won over fences on Soft or worse ground:

• Blaklion (Soft x1, Heavy x2)
• The Last Samuri (Soft x2)
• Total Recall (Soft x1, Soft/Heavy x1)
• Alpha Des Obeaux (Soft/Heavy x1)
• Perfect Candidate (Soft x3, Heavy x1)
• Shantou Flyer (Soft x1, Soft/Heavy x1)
• Tenor Nivernais (Soft x4)
• Carlingford Lough (Soft x1, Heavy x1)
• Tiger Roll (Soft x1)
• Vieux Lion Rouge (Soft x1)
• Chase The Spud (Soft x2, Heavy x2)
• Warriors Tale (Soft x1)
• Seeyouatmidnight (Heavy x2)
• Gas Line Boy (Soft x1, Heavy x1)
• The Dutchman (Heavy x1)
• Pleasant Company (Heavy x2)
• Ucello Conti (Very Soft x2)
• Raz De Maree (Soft x2, Soft/Heavy x1, Heavy x1)
• I Just Know (Soft x3)
• Baie Des Iles (Soft, Heavy x2)
• Maggio (Soft x1)
• Pendra (Heavy x1)
• Buywise (Heavy x4)
• Childrens List (Soft x1)
• Lord Windermere (Soft x1)
• Captain Redbeard (Heavy x1)
• Houblon Des Obeaux (Soft x2)
• Bless The Wings (Soft/Heavy x1)
• Milansbar (Soft x2)
• Final Nudge (Soft x2, Heavy)
• Double Ross (Soft x1)
• Road To Riches (Soft/Heavy x2)
• Delusionofgrandeur (Soft x1)
• Thunder And Roses (Soft x1, Soft/Heavy x1)

"As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of mud lovers in the line-up. Perhaps, then, it's more useful to mention the horses that aren't there.

Anibale Fly has won on Yielding to Soft at best over the bigger obstacles, while Saint Are hated the last Soft ground National he ran in but bounces off the better spring ground in Liverpool. Virgilio is another that has excelled on much better conditions at this track."

0850: But it's not all doom and gloom - far from it. After hammering a bacon sandwich and a surprisingly good latte here in the massive media centre, I'm positively pumped for what lies ahead. And how couldn't you be?

These are the days some of us live for (do I need to apologise to my wife and children at this point?) and believe it or not there's a spot or two of blue sky trying to bust its way through the greyness that has laid over the place for the past couple of days.

Cutting to the chase, I'm backing four horses in the National today and they are Ucello Conti, I Just Know, Virgilio and Carlingford Lough.

0820: Nothing to do with the ground, but there are also two Grand National non-runners and they are Regal Encore (Vets certificate: Blood analysis not normal) and Walk In The Mill (Lame).

Sadly, the final reserve, namely Vintage Clouds, does not get a run as the cut-off for reserves being allowed into the final field was 1300 yesterday.

It's also a significant blow for Ben Linfoot's Value Bet column. I've already spoken to the great man this morning and he referred to the news as "heartbreaking" after putting so much work into the race through the last few weeks. He's still got Maggio going for him at 100/1, but that is racing.

"Roll on the Chester Cup," he didn't add...

0815: It's truly remarkable to see how quickly they've managed to turn this place around after Aintree racecourse and the surrounding area was littered with stylishly-dressed but soggy and wobbly racegoers come the close of play on Ladies' Day yesterday, but unfortunately even the exceedingly hard-working and cheerful staff couldn't do anything about the weather and a little more rain overnight has seen the ground on the Grand National course stay at Heavy, Soft in places.

0805: Straight talking and the Walsh family go arm in arm and you have to hand it to Katie, who remains the female jockey to have achieved the best placing in the National when third on Seabass in 2012.

She’s on this week’s most significant public gamble Baie Des Isles – who is the only mare in the race, a bright white grey and racing in pink silks. Trained by Walsh's husband Ross O'Sullivan, the mare is what is commonly known as a bookmaker's worst nightmare.

And yet here is Walsh, right at the heart of the matter, and she's saying: “I think it’s just a couple of factors I suppose. Husband and wife, me being female – I hate to say it – and I suppose her being the only mare. And she’s grey. Add all those things together and people like to jump onto that a bit.

"It’s just great to be a part of it."

Katie Walsh’s first ride in the National was actually meant to be Our Monty in 2011, but he had to be ruled out at the eleventh hour with a leg infection. She then finished third at the first attempt the following spring and now she returns with arguably an even better chance.

The race doesn’t have to be won by a female rider, of course it doesn't, but when you consider all of Walsh’s qualities, both in and out of the saddle, it's plain as day that it's simply a matter of time.

0800: I thought long and hard about how to kick off the Grand National day blog.

Absolutely fascinating stories at every turn, the most open betting market we’ve seen for years, the softest ground for the race for a long time, and some of the classiest horses to have competed set to line up.

But it’s Katie Walsh who's been dominating my thoughts after saying the following earlier in the week:

"Whoever wins this National – male or female – it’s a great occasion and it's a great day.

"I can only speak for myself but we (Walsh, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore) don’t look at it like that. And I would hate to think that people are going to say it needs to be won by a woman, as it doesn't.

"It would be great, obviously, if it did happen but for whoever wins it – for all those connections – I hope they absolutely have a ball. Because this is what it’s all about."

Katie Walsh was speaking to Mike Vince and for more Grand National interviews, including a very positive-sounding Sue Smith on one of her candidates, head to this page, or click on the image below to browse in a new window.

Related links

• Sky Bet's racing odds and offers
• Grand National horse by horse
• Grand National trends
• Randox Health Grand National guide
• Free horse racing betting tips
• Latest racecards and video form
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Going updates
• Latest Naps Table
• ABC Guide