The Grand National is the one race in National Hunt racing that every jockey, trainer and owner dreams about winning. Run at Aintree in Merseyside, it is the most famous steeplechase anywhere in the world.

A maximum field of 40 horses will line up in April and, as ever, there will be a number of Irish runners who will be taking on their counterparts from the UK for the first prize. Here is a look at three Irish horses who look to have a great chance of winning the race this year.


Tiger Roll

Tiger Roll has the opportunity to add his name to the history books of the Grand National this year by becoming the first horse since Red Rum in 1974 to win the 4 miles 3 ½ furlongs contest in back-to-back-years. Gordon Elliott’s runner hit the front of the field after the third last fence in 2018.

He had a six length lead at one point in the run-in to the finish line and he just held on by a head to deny the strong-finishing Pleasant Company. The former Cheltenham Festival winner will be trained to peak once again at Aintree but he will have to carry much more weight on his back this time.

Elliott’s horse loves a strong stamina test though and given how well he jumps, he is sure to be in the mix once again where he is 20/1 with the bookmakers to retain his crown.


Bellshill

Irish Champion Trainer Mullins won the Grand National back in 2005 with Hedgehunter but despite dominating many of the big races either side of the Irish Sea since then, he has been unable to win the race at Aintree again.

This season may be the year that Mullins ends his wait for a second National success as Bellshill appears to have a fantastic chance. The nine-year-old proved his class last April when he won the Punchestown Gold Cup. The son of King’s Theatre had a lot of success over hurdles and now looks a real threat over fences in the leading staying races.

He is 25/1 in the betting for the Grand National and if you are looking to back the Irish horse, don’t miss out on a number of free bets on the race which Oddschecker have listed and highlighted the best of the bunch.


General Principle

General Principle won the biggest race of his career last season when he landed the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

In what was on heavy ground at the Irish track, the nine-year-old proved his stamina to get up in the final stride ahead of Isleofhopendreams. Connections of General Principle will be hoping for rain in the build-up to this year’s Grand National which will improve their horse’s chances.

If the ground does come up heavy on the day at Aintree, he is going to have a fantastic chance, therefore, the 33/1 available on Elliott’s runner could look a huge price.

Keep an eye on all the action over the next few months in the UK and Ireland as there are a number of Grand National trials set to take place which will affect the betting for the big race in April.