Paul Townend Grand National blog: ‘He has all the ability in the world’

Paul Townend Grand National blog

Jimmy Du Seuil – 1.55 Aintree

He was a good second to Ballyburn at Cheltenham. It wasn’t an easy decision picking between him and Ile Atlantique. On ratings there is only a pound in the difference. I had to do a lot of thinking about it and watch the replays and just wasn’t sure if Ile Atlantique could improve past Jimmy Du Seuil so that is the reason for my choice. However I sill hold Ile Atlantique in very high regards and wouldn’t be at all surprised if he got the better of me. My lad isn’t overly race, he is improving with every run, and I can see him getting in the shake up.

Monkfish – 3.05 Aintree

He was pulled up the last day in the Gold Cup, but he is back in calmer waters here. His winning form before that was excellent. At Gowran he showed plenty of his old ability. I have always liked Monkfish and he deserves his day back in the sun. I wouldn’t put anyone off him making the frame.

I Am Maximus – 4pm Grand National

He carries plenty of weight but he is a classy individual. He beat Vanillier in the Bobbjo Chase which is a good trial. He gave him 12LBS at Fairyhouse that day and beat him by 14l. He showed his ability when Coming well off the pace to win the Irish Grand National last year. We don’t know until we try over these fences. It’s a unique race. I definitely think he has the ability even with the weight. The race is changing and I wouldn’t be afraid of the ones with a lot of weight now. He has a huge chance and it’s a race I would love to win. Corach Rambler had a good form boost with Gerri Colombe winning at Aintree on Thursday.

He was third when Gerri Colombe was second in the Gold Cup. He had a hard race there though so that will be interesting. I think Vanillier deserves a lot of respect. He only carries 10’12 and I think he has a huge chance too. Meetingoftthewaters could also be on the right side of the handicapper. He disappointed at Cheltenham as he looked like he would be a winner for a long time and didn’t quite see it out. Danny Mullins gets on really well with him. Limerick Lace is a Cheltenham Festival winner, and a nice racing weight, and the fact that Mark Walsh has chosen to ride her is a tip in itself. If my horse takes to it, I think I will get a great ride off him and he has all the ability in the world.

I Am Maximus Grand National odds: 8/1

How to watch the 2024 Grand National

UK fans will be able to watch the Grand National this year on ITV, as they’v been able to do since 2017. Prior to that, horse racing fans were able to watch on Channel 4 from 2013, and on the BBC from when the race first started being broadcast in 1960. Of course, Racing TV will also be broadcasting the race.

Ed Chamberlin, known to football fans for his prior work on Sky Sports alongside Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, will be ITV’s host for the Grand National this year, just as he was for Cheltenham Festival last month.

Grand National past winners

Ladbrokes’ 2024 Grand National betting tips

View the latest Grand National odds

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.