2009 Grand National Entries Named

The legendary Denman leads the field of 123 runners entered for the 2009 John Smith’s Grand National which will be run at Aintree on April 4. Denman is one of nine runners from the Irish stable of Paul Nicholls who is anxious for a first win at this, the most prestigious of all of the jump races. Horse racing betting fans with an eye for the history of the sport will know that, should Denman be successful, the horse would become only the third mount to have won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in company with Golden Miller (1934) and L’Escargot (1970/71).

First though, prior to his participation in the National, Denman faces a rematch with Kauto Star, also trained by Nicholls, at the Cheltenham Festival, where the latter horse will be keen to turn the tables after being unexpectedly beaten by Denman in last year’s Gold Cup. Another Nicholls horse, Neptune Collognes, came in third. It’s a rare thing for a horse to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and, if Denman manages this feat, he will join the ranks of Arkle, Golden Miller and Best Mate – all multiple winners of this celebrated race.

Comply Or Die, winner of last year’s Grand National, is another top entry alongside 2007 winner, Silver Birch and War Of Attrition which won the Gold Cup in 2006. Main Irish entries include the Irish National winner, Hear The Echo and King Johns Castle, second to Comply Or Die last year.

The 123 entries are assessed by the Handicappers on the basis of performance and experience and will be narrowed down to a filed of forty to be announced in the days before the race takes place. It’s important that Grand National 2009 betting enthusiasts keep an eye on these proceedings to see whether or not their chosen horse makes it through to the start.