We are getting to the business end of the National Hunt Season now, and as always all roads lead to the Grand National at Aintree in April. The weights for the biggest steeplechase in the world were released at a swanky dinner in London on Tuesday night and there was plenty to talk about. We pick out the five biggest takeaways from the evening...
The Outlander Hokey Cokey
No sooner was he in, than he was out.
The prestigious position at the top of the weights for the 2017 Grand National was awarded to Outlander but within seconds of the announcement being made, trainer Gordon Elliott ruled him out of Aintree. The Lexus Chase winner has improved leaps and bounds this season but with the Gold Cup his main target, Elliott and had a glint in his eye as he confirmed that he wouldn't be lumping round top weight in the National.
More Success For Ireland In 2017?
Rule The World gave Ireland their first Grand National success since 2007 last year, but could we be in for a period of domination from the Emerald Isle?
The weights certainly point to that with the top five in the list all trained by Irish trainers, whilst Gordon Elliott on his own accounts for 11 of the top 40 entries at this stage. Add to that the entries from Willie Mullins, Henry De Bromhead, Noel Meade and Mouse Morris and there is no doubt that Ireland will be confident of the win.
No Chance For Popular Alvarado
Alvarado has a terrific record in the Grand National with two 4th place finishes to his name but for the second year on the bounce, he has next to know chance of adding to that tally.
Gone are the days when past National form would get you into the race with the quality of the field much higher these days and with the 12YO struggling of late, Fergal O'Brien can make alternative plans for one of his stable favourites.
Plenty Fancying Ucello Conti
The aforementioned Gordon Elliott has a whole host of runners but Ucello Conti would well turn out to be his main hope, especially if the reaction on social media is anything to go by.
The 9YO ran a massive race when 6th in the race last season and having improved with every run this term, his supporters were delighted to see him awarded 10st 7lbs for this years renewal and on those terms, he has to go close once again.
Highest Quality Field Ever?
The quality of the Grand National field has been rising steadily for the past few years and on paper, this year's contest could be the best yet. The field is packed with Grade 1 winners and some top class animals still need horses to get a run.
Former Gold cup winner Lord Windermere needs eight to come out, whilst former RSA Chase winner O'Faolains Boy needs four to drop out to get a run for Rebecca Curtis. The top of the weights is littered with top class animals with the likes of Don Poli, Minella Rocco, More Of That and Blaklion all recent Cheltenham Festival winners set to take their chance.
Full 2017 Grand National Weights List
11st 10lb Outlander
11-9 Champagne West
11-8 Empire Of Dirt
11-7 Don Poli
11-6 Carlingford Lough
11-5 The Last Samuri
11-4 Alary
11-3 Alelchi Inois
11-2 Minella Rocco
11-1 Devils Bride
11-1 More Of That
11-0 Lord Scoundrel
11-0 Perfect Candidate
11-0 Saphir Du Rheu
11-0 Shantou Flyer
10-13 Road To Riches
10-13 Sausalito Sunrise
10-12 Carole’s Destrier
10-12 Clarcam
10-12 Foxrock
10-12 Roi Des Francs
10-11 Wonderful Charm
10-11 Wounded Warrior
10-10 Blaklion
10-10 Drop Out Joe
10-10 Tenor Nivernais
10-10 Tiger Roll
10-9 A Toi Phil
10-9 Le Mercurey
10-9 The Game Changer
10-8 Cause Of Causes
10-8 Maggio
10-8 Regal Encore
10-8 The Young Master
10-7 Definitly Red
10-7 Double Shuffle
10-7 Houblon Des Obeaux
10-7 Pleasant Company
10-7 Ucello Conti
10-7 Vieux Lion Rouge
10-6 Ballynagour
10-6 Highland Lodge
10-6 Junction Fourteen
10-6 O’Faolains Boy
10-6 One For Arthur
10-6 Vivaldi Collonges
10-5 Bishops Road
10-5 Lord Windermere
10-5 Saint Are
10-5 Vicente
10-5 Vics Canvas
10-5 Ziga Boy
10-4 Just A Par
10-4 Measureofmydreams
10-4 Raz De Maree
10-4 Stellar Notion
10-3 As De Mee
10-3 Cocktails At Dawn
10-3 Pendra
10-3 Rogue Angel
10-3 Seventh Sky
10-3 Shutthefrontdoor
10-2 Gas Line Boy
10-2 Goodtoknow
10-2 The Romford Pele
10-2 Thunder And Roses
10-2 Triolo D’Alene
10-2 Vieux Morvan
10-1 Doctor Harper
10-1 Gallant Oscar
10-1 La Vaticane
10-0 Bless The Wings
10-0 Tour Des Champs
9-13 Knock House
9-12 Hadrian’s Approach
9-11 Benbens
9-11 Potters Cross
9-11 Sambremont
9-11 Straidnahanna
9-11 Viva Steve
9-10 Cloudy Too
9-10 Lamb Or Cod
9-10 Milansbar
9-10 Polidam
9-9 Dromnea
9-9 Streets Of Promise
9-9 Vyta Du Roc
9-8 Beeves
9-8 Royale Knight
9-7 Alfie Spinner
9-7 Emperor’s Choice
9-7 Goulanes
9-7 Lessons In Milan
9-7 Mountain King
9-7 Out Sam
9-7 Sizing Coal
9-6 Dare To Endeavour
9-6 Father Edward
9-6 Samingarry
9-6 Silver Man
9-5 Alvarado
9-5 Milborough
9-4 The Crafty Butcher
9-4 Waldorf Salad
9-3 Katenko
9-2 Federici
9-1 Gone Too Far
9-1 Racing Pulse
9-0 Killer Crow
