Gordon Elliott to field eight runners in the Grand National, with Delta Work favored by trainer.

Elliott and his decision to let Galvin take his chance at the Grade 1 My Pension Expert Melling Chase at Aintree has been influenced by the prospect of mainly dry days leading up to the event. He discussed the weather forecast with Aintree’s clerk of the course and decided to declare Galvin for the race, with the expectation that the drying conditions might work in the horse’s favor.

With the declaration of Galvin, 2022 winner Noble Yeats will head the field, and Elliott believes that Galvin has a good chance if the conditions continue to dry up. He expressed confidence in Galvin’s form and highlighted his disappointment at the cancellation of the cross-country race at Cheltenham.

Elliott also expressed his optimism about his potential success at the Grand National, as he would join the esteemed company of Ginger McCain, Fred Rimell, and George Dockeray on the roll of honour if one of his eight entries emerges victorious. He nominated Galvin as his best chance but acknowledged that there are other contenders in the field.

Reflecting on his past success at the Grand National, including victories with Silver Birch in 2007 and Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019, Elliott emphasized the importance of luck in the race. While acknowledging that Tiger Roll was a horse of a lifetime, he expressed hope for future wins and mentioned the potential of other entries in this year’s race.