Ireland’s Leading Charges In The 2024 Grand National

As the 2024 Grand National draws near, the spotlight falls once again on Ireland’s formidable contenders — poised to reclaim their dominance in this historic race.

With a staggering four wins in the last five renewals, the Emerald Isle’s prowess in the Grand National is undeniable — a testament to their unrivalled skill and expertise in jump racing.

While Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell briefly interrupted Ireland’s reign with Corach Rambler’s victory last year, the Irish contingent is determined to regain the crown and assert their supremacy once more.

With a lineup boasting exceptional talent and unyielding determination, Ireland presents a formidable challenge to any who dare stand in their path.

That said, let’s assess the Irish contingent in pursuit of Grand National glory this year…

I Am Maximus – 10/1

I Am Maximus is Ireland’s joint-leading hope, as the Willie Mullins-trained horse is currently priced at 10/1 in the Grand National 2024 betting.

Mullins is one of the greatest trainers of all time, but he hasn’t won the Grand National since his sole victory with Hedgehunter in 2005.

It’s about time the Closutton handler ended his almost 20-year wait for a second victory in the Aintree showpiece, and I Am Maximus should have a great chance.

The eight-year-old started the season with a Grade 1 win at Fairyhouse, and after a couple more admirable performances at the top level, returned to the winner’s circle following the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase.

Vanillier – 10/1

At the fore of the market with I Am Maximus is Vanillier, who’s trained by County Meath-based handler, Gavin Cromwell.

Cromwell’s stock is rising in National Hunt racing, landing his first Cheltenham Festival winner with Flooring Porter in the 2021 Stayers’ Hurdle, and a maiden Grand National success could be on the cards.

The nine-year-old was staying on nicely when finishing second to Corach Rambler in last year’s Grand National and looks nicely weighted to give it a good go again this year.

Vanillier kicked his season off with a win at Cheltenham in October and has been a respectable third in Grade 2 and Grade 1 contests at Punchestown and Leopardstown since.

Mahler Mission – 14/1

Another County Meath-based trainer hoping to win his first Grand National, Mahler Mission comes in as the fourth favourite for John McConnell.

The eight-year-old looked primed to win the National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novice Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival but fell two out when well clear of the rest of the field while keeping on strongly.

Mahler Mission has been second in Listed and Grade 3 company at Carlisle and Newbury so far this season, but the fact he has not raced in 2024 is a cause for concern.

If you’re looking for a horse racing odds, it’s worth noting that no runner has won the Grand National this century without at least one outing on their record in the same year as the race.

2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats, who won the prestigious steeplechase from 50/1, is 14/1 to regain his crown, while Matin Brassil’s Panda Bay (16/1), the Mullins-trained Meetingofthewaters (18/1), and Galvin (20/1) are some of the others worth considering.