Irish Grand National field shaken up as Aintree winner among 29 taken out of the race

The Irish Grand National is fast approaching, and the latest round of confirmations has truly shaken up the field ahead of Monday’s race at Punchestown. The race attracted 78 entries previously, but the field was cut to 49 earlier this week, with several big names opting to head elsewhere.

Last year’s winner Intense Raffles was given an entry into the race, but following his disappointing effort at Aintree, connections have opted against sending the seven-year-old to Fairyhouse.

Grand National winner Nick Rockett was also taken out on Wednesday, as well as the four horses who chased him home at Aintree – I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West, Iroko and Meetingofthewaters. The withdrawals have left Cheltenham Festival winner Haiti Couleurs to head the ante-post market following the eight-year-old’s impressive victory in the National Hunt Chase.

Now Is The Hour looked set to challenge the eventual winner before falling at the second-last fence, and Gavin Cromwell’s stable star is among the market principles if connections look to bid for redemption in Ireland.

Trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed success in the National at both Aintree and Ayr, and he will be hoping to complete an impressive hat-trick with High Class Hero. Quai De Bourbon and Sa Majeste are also among the 49 remaining entries in the field.

Thirty runners will go to post on Monday, with Gordon Elliott’s Better Days Ahead now heading the weights after the latest round of confirmations.

All 30 horses in the Irish Grand National field

1 Better Days Ahead

2 Monbeg Park

3 High Class Hero

4 Quai De Bourbon

5 Johnnywho

6 Bioluminescence

7 Harry Des Ongrais

8 Duffle Coat

9 Favori De Champdou

10 Search For Glory

11 Sequestered

12 Desertmore House

13 Malina Girl

14 Panda Bay

15 Yeah Man

16 Haiti Couleurs

17 Now Is The Hour

18 Shecouldbeanything

19 Sa Majeste

20 Any Second Now

21 Lord Lariat

22 Stuzzikini

23 Tullybeg

24 Daily Present

25 Mint Boy

26 Dunboyne

27 Final Orders

28 Kinturk Kalanisi

29 Bushmans Pass

30 Moonovercloon

Those who are not guaranteed a run but have an entry: Another Choice, Hasthing, Noble Birth, Val Dancer, Will Do, Macs Charm, Canal End, Cleatus Poolaw, Fortunedefortunata, History Of Fashion, Outside The Door, Jumping Jet, Union Station, Klarc Kent, Prince Palace, Aworkinprogress, Inis Oirr, Brandt, The Gradual Slope.