He may well be gunning for his third victory in the Randox Health Grand National, and Gordon Elliott has given himself every possible chance as he confirmed his 12 jockeys for Saturday’s main event. It beats the previous record by two selections set by Martin Pipe in 2001, and Elliott will be hopeful he can secure back-to-back wins.
Last year, Elliot saw Tiger Roll pip Pleasant Company in a photo finish to give him his second win in the National after Silver Birch provided the first in 2007. All of the Grand National runners are now available to bet on with last year’s winner the current favourite at 7/2.
Codd set for Mala Beach
There was some doubt as to whether Mala Beach was going to run in the National on Saturday owing to the suitability of the ground, but Elliot will take a chance with Jamie Codd in the saddle. The top amateur jockey rode two winners at the Cheltenham Festival last month and he’ll be entrusted with Mala Beach, hoping to enhance his glowing reputation further.
Elliot explained: “There was a doubt about Mala Beach running but we’ve decided to let him take his chance and Jamie is booked to ride him.”
Mullins will saddle Don Poli
He might not have anything to celebrate so far this season, but Don Poli will be aiming to make a strong impression come 17:15 on Saturday afternoon. The 10-year-old will be led by amateur champion jockey Patrick Mullins, and is currently way out at 66/1.
Mullins is one of the most decorated amateur jockeys of all-time and has over 550 winners to his name; but none will be more memorable than this if he can pull off a small miracle at Aintree Racecourse.
Tiger Roll and Davey Russell
The bookies are thinking it, racing fans are likely predicating it and Elliott will be dreaming about it. If Tiger Roll makes it successive wins at the National, it’ll be the first time since a certain Red Rum completed the amazing feat in 1974.
It’s hard to look past another win for Tiger Roll and Davey Russell but the competition will be fierce, and the National often throws up a surprise, so they’ll need to be at their very best to win once more.
Grand National debuts
Two of Elliott’s jockeys are newbies to the Grand National, with Luke Dempsey and Andrew Ring confirmed to be riding Folsom Blue and Blow By Blow respectively. Dempsey has enjoyed moderate success during his career so far, and his last winner was with Caravation at Navan in March.
Ring has less wins overall than Dempsey but Elliott will be keen to see them both impress and finish the race.
Elliott’s confirmed jockeys in full
Tiger Roll (Davy Russell)
Outlander (Keith Donoghue)
Don Poli (Patrick Mullins)
Mala Beach (Jamie Codd)
Dounikos (Jack Kennedy)
A Toi Phil (Denis O’Regan)
Jury Duty (Robbie Power)
Noble Endeavor (Mark Enright)
Monbeg Notorious (Sean Bowen)
Blow By Blow (Andrew Ring)
General Principle (J J Slevin)
Folsom Blue (Luke Dempsey)
