If you are working through the Grand National runners and trying to narrow things down, Grangeclare West is one that makes a lot of sense on paper.
He finished third in the race last year, has already won one of the key trials this season, and sits near the top of the betting at around 11/1. Put those pieces together, and it is not hard to see why he is getting attention.
Why the Mullins Yard Carries Weight
It is difficult to look at the Grand National in recent years without focusing on Willie Mullins.
His runners have shaped the race. I Am Maximus won in 2024, followed by Nick Rockett in 2025. In that 2025 renewal, Mullins trained the first three home in a 34-runner field.
That is not a coincidence. It reflects how well his horses have been prepared for the demands of Aintree.
Grangeclare West, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, has been campaigned with these types of races in mind. He is not an outsider stepping up in class, he has been aimed at races like this from early on.
Already Proven at Aintree
One of the main unknowns with any Grand National runner is how they will handle the fences and the trip.
Grangeclare West does not come with that question mark.
In 2025, he lined up at 33/1 and produced a solid round of jumping for most of the race. He made a mistake at the final fence, which cost him momentum, but he still stayed on well to finish third.
That run matters. It shows he can cope with the course and see out the distance, which is not something every runner can guarantee.
The Importance of the Bobbyjo Chase
The Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse Racecourse has become a useful guide in recent years.
The last two winners of that race have gone on to win the Grand National, I Am Maximus in 2024 and Nick Rockett in 2025. This year, Grangeclare West added his name to that list.
Ridden by Paul Townend, he was held up before making steady progress. There was a slight error at the last, but once over it he pulled clear to win by five and a half lengths.
The performance led to his odds being cut from 20/1 to 10/1 overnight, and he now sits at around 11/1 in the market.
What Needs to Fall Into Place
No Grand National runner is without risk, and Grangeclare West is no different.
He carries 11st 10lb, which puts him towards the higher end of the weights. His best form has tended to come on decent ground, so conditions on the day will matter.
Even so, his overall profile is solid. He is ten years old, which is within the usual range for winners. His jumping is generally reliable, and he already has experience over these fences.
At the top of the betting, I Am Maximus holds favouritism, while Panic Attack will have support too.
Grangeclare West sits just behind them, but with a case that is easy to follow.
Last year’s run showed he could handle the race, even with a late mistake. If he puts in a similar round this time without that error, he should be competitive again.
Whether that is enough to win is another matter, but everything about his profile suggests he will be involved when it matters.
Narrowing The Field
Trends can help narrow the field, even in a race as unpredictable as the Grand National.
Most recent winners have been aged between eight and nine, and arrived in solid form rather than off a long break.
Experience over fences, and ideally over longer distance than three miles. Irish-trained runners have dominated in recent years, particularly those from leading yards.
At the same time, horses coming through recognised trials like the Bobbyjo Chase have a strong record. No trend is foolproof, but taken together they offer a useful guide when working through the field.
