There are 115 entries for this year’s Grand National at Aintree.
The world’s most famous steeplechase on April 5 has received a boost to STG1 million ($A1.90 million) and the number of entries is the highest since 2009.
Willie Mullins, successful with Hedgehunter in 2005, has eight possibles including the Graham Wylie-owned trio of On His Own, Prince De Beauchene and Boston Bob.
The other members of his team are Rockyaboya, Up The Beat, Vesper Bell, last season’s Irish Grand National runner-up Away We Go and Quel Esprit.
Fellow Irish trainer Martin Brassil, who struck with Numbersixvalverde in 2006, could be represented in this year’s showpiece by Double Seven.
Only two of the first six home last year have entries this time – the third Teaforthree, trained by Rebecca Curtis, and the sixth, David Pipe’s Swing Bill, owned by Halewood International, parent company of National sponsor Crabbie’s.
With last year’s 66-1 winner Auroras Encore retired through injury, trainer Sue Smith relies on Mr Moonshine and Vintage Star.
Paul Nicholls secured his first National with Neptune Collonges in 2012 and has seven entries this year, headed by the 13-year-old Tidal Bay.
The weights will be revealed in London on February 11.
“We are thrilled with both the quality and quantity of entries for the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National, which with a prize fund of one million pounds is easily the richest jump race ever run outside of Japan,” Andrew Tulloch, Aintree’s director of racing, said:.
“A Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Long Run, and high-class Tidal Bay are the likely top-weights and we are eagerly awaiting the announcement on February 11.”
