The Grand National seeps into the consciousness of Britain and Ireland like no other horse race — and this year is no different.
From Devon Loch's dramatic collapse just yards from certain victory at Aintree in 1956, to the 23rd fence being named Foinavon after the 100/1 winner in 1967avoided chaos and confusion at that obstacle to land the most unlikely of successes, the race has provided moments of triumph and tragedy.
Red Rum's three victories during the 1970s helped to secure the race's future when its existence was under threat, while it's difficult to forget the agony etched into the face of jockey John White who passed the post first on Esha Ness in 1993 only for the race to be declared void after an embarrassing false start.
With last year's winner Tiger Roll heading the market in his attempt to become the first horse to win back-to-back Grand National, since Red Rum in 1974, let's look at some of the leading contenders who could be fighting out the finish at Aintree tomorrow.
Last year's winner is arguably in better form this year as he attempts to defend his crown and could go off the shortest-priced favourite for the Grand National in years. Trainer Gordon Elliott, who is likely to have around ten runners in the race, has made no secret of his aim to win a second National with this horse, who made a pleasing seasonal return when winning the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle in February.
Anibale Fly 10/1
Not many racing fans would begrudge this nine-year-old a big win after he again finished placed in this year's Gold Cup after placing third in last year's race and fourth in the Grand National.
With an iron constitution, he looks certain to again take his chance and is not without hope of improving on last year's finishing position if the ground is on the good side.
Rathvinden 10/1
Another Irish contender, Rathvinden is the shortest price of Willie Mullin's National contenders. Ireland's champion trainer saddled Hedgehunter to victory in this race in 2005 and his Pleasant Company was beaten just a head by Tiger Roll last year. Rathvinden has some high-class form to his name, winning the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last year before finishing fourth in the Grade One Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown.
Vintage Clouds 12/1
Northern challenger Vintage Clouds is trained by Sue Smith, who won this race with Auroras Encore in 2013. Vintage Clouds disappointed when failing to finish the Welsh National on his last start but had previously looked progressive, most notably when third in the Scottish Grand National and the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
Lake View Lad 14/1
A strong stayer, Lake View Lad finished just one place behind Vintage Clouds when third in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He has finished out of the places just once when completing over fences and could be an outsider to give you a run for your money.
Pleasant Company 20/1
Gold Cup-winning trainer Willie Mullins is seeking his second Grand National win and he will be hoping Pleasant Company can go one better than last year after he was agonisingly beaten by just a head.
