The latest stage of scratchings for the Grand National has seen ten horses removed from contention, leaving a field of 34 for the upcoming event at Aintree. Horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the historic £1 million National race, scheduled less than a month away. The challenging four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong race features top staying chasers navigating 30 fences.
Since 2024, the field size for the National has been capped at 34 horses, down from the previous 40. The recent list of scratchings provides a glimpse of the potential lineup for the event on April 11, with a total of ten horses no longer in the running.
Among the recent withdrawals before the Tuesday deadline are notable horses such as Grey Dawning, Resplendent Grey, and Gentlemansgame. Additionally, seven more horses have been pulled out, including charges from trainers Gordon Elliott, Ben Pauling, and Anthony Honeyball.
The final field of 34 contenders is led by the duo of I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West, winners in previous editions. As the race approaches, further changes to the lineup are expected, with some horses likely opting to compete in the Irish National on April 6.
One of the prominent British hopefuls is Haiti Couleurs, a winner at the Welsh and Irish Nationals. Trainer Rebecca Curtis is eyeing the Aintree challenge for the gelding, who recently raced at Cheltenham. Curtis expressed excitement about the upcoming race, highlighting the suitability of National-type events for Haiti Couleurs.
The trainer emphasized the importance of the horse’s fitness and well-being in the weeks leading up to the race, noting the similarities to the previous year’s preparation for the Irish National. With optimism about the horse’s prospects, Curtis is looking forward to the Aintree race and the opportunity for Haiti Couleurs to shine on the big stage.