Grand National track expected to become more forgiving on Tuesday before drying out prior to race day.

The ground on the National course is described as soft and heavy in places, and it is taking more rain as a band of wet weather moves across Merseyside. The weather is not forecast to clear until Tuesday. The forecast predicts drier conditions before the meeting starts on Thursday, but conditions on the heavy part of the course are “pretty deep,” according to clerk of the course Sulekha Varma. The track has already received 24mm of rain in the last week with the possibility of showers during all three days of the meeting.

A heavier spell of rain is forecast on Thursday night into Friday. Varma mentioned that heavy rain was expected on Monday evening and possibly on Tuesday as well, with slightly drier conditions forecasted. Periods of sunshine and scattered showers are expected on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. She also expressed hope for improvement in the ground later in the week, but noted that the heavy ground, from Foinavon to Canal Turn and up to fences 11 and 12, is pretty deep and will take time to dry out.

The track had dried out over the weekend due to windy weather and sunshine, but a 6mm of rain set it back. The ground on the Mildmay course is also soft, and the meeting commences with the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase on Thursday. Racing Post has the best offers for the event.