Following their recent success at the Cheltenham Festival, Henry de Bromhead and team Knockeen are now setting their sights on the Aintree Grand National Festival in Liverpool.
Three enthralling days of racing get underway this afternoon, with the most famous steeplechase in the world providing the perfect finish on Saturday.
de Bromhead has just one runner on Thursday – as The Folkes Tiara ridden by Rachael Blackmore is among the contenders in the Red Rum Handicap Chase (13:40).
Blackmore is in the hot seat again tomorrow in the Topham Chase (16:05) as she rides Amirite, while Darragh O’Keeffe takes the reins aboard Shantreusse.
The Knockeen trainer has six runners on Grand National Day – including two live chances in the showpiece itself.
Koktail Divin is among the favourites for the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (13:55) while Hiddenvalley Lake gave Cheltenham a miss and will be among the fresher contenders for the Liverpool Hurdle (15:05).
The Randox Grand National (16:00) sees a field of 34 take to the field over four and a quarter miles and de Bromhead is doubly represented.
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is now 12-years-old, but ran a fantastic race to finish third in last year’s renewal and will be looking to become the first horse to win both the Gold Cup and Grand National since L’Escargot.
Senior Chief also runs in the British equivalent for the first time, having competed in last year’s Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.
Thurles winner Special Cadeau runs in the Grade 1 Rosconn Group Maghull Novices’ Chase (17:00) while the week will be rounded out by a Grade 2 bumper at 17:35 where Naas victor Scope To Improve is among the 33-strong pre-declarations field.
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