The Weights Underline Ireland’s Strong 2022 Grand National Hand
If Randox Grand National winner Minella Times is to successfully emulate Red Rum and Tiger Roll – in taking the famous steeplechase in back-to-back years – he will have to do so carrying at least a stone more than he did in last year’s race.
Last year Rachael Backmore, aboard Minella Times, became the first female jockey to win the Grand National. ©GettyImages
Rachael Blackmore famously steered the JP McManus-owned horse to glory under 10-stone three-pounds in 2021. But this time, the handicapper has allocated the Irish-trained horse 11-stone four-pounds.
107 horses are entered in the four-mile two-furlong marathon. Only 15 of those have been allotted 11-stone or more. Conflated and Galvin, both trained in Ireland, are the joint top-weights. They will be asked to shoulder 11-stone 10-pounds. Of this elite 15, a dozen are Irish-trained. Chantry House, Easysland and Lostintranslation are the exceptions.
Interestingly, none of the 15 horses that completed last year’s Grand National carried more than 10-stone 13-pounds across the line. Burrows Saint – the fourth-place finisher – was the horse saddled with 10-stone 13-pounds. He is set to carry the same weight in 2022.
Limited Weight Change for Some Returning Contenders
52 horses have been given a weight between 10 and 11 stone. Amongst those is last year’s disappointing favorite, Cloth Cap. He was pulled-up under 10-stone five-pounds. This time he is set to carry a pound less. Last year’s fifth, Farclas has been allocated 10-stone nine-pounds, six-pound more than his 2021 weight.
At face value, Blaklion has fared well in the handicap. Sixth last year – making him the best of the British trained finishers – he is unpenalized and has been assigned 10-stone two-pounds for a second time. Now aged 13, he will do well to better last year’s result, and the veteran was pulled-up in Haydock’s Grand National Trial on his latest outing.
Ireland Strong Favorites For a Fourth Consecutive National Victory
With the 2020 Grand National canceled due to Covid-19 and 2017 winner One For Arthur hailing from Scotland, 2015 was the last time an English-trained horse won the Aintree showpiece.
William Hill sportsbook does not believe the trend will be bucked in 2022. The company quotes an Irish-trained winner at 4/9 and an Irish-trained 1-2-3 at just 2/1. A repeat of an Irish-trained 1-2-3-4 finish can be backed at 4/1.
At 16/1, the remarkable Snow Leopardess – set to carry 10-stone three-pounds in the big race – is the shortest-priced of all the British runners.
Can the Leopardess Pounce for Her Fan Club
Snow Leopardess, a 10-year-old mare, has been a brilliant servant for trainer Charlie Longsdon. She has won races in Ireland, Wales, England and France. In December, the nine-time winner scored over the Grand National obstacles in the Unibet Becher Handicap Chase.
Currently on a winning sequence of three, this amazing horse also produced a foal by Derby winner Sir Percy during a spell of temporary retirement in 2018.
Grand National success would give her legendary status as it is 51 years since a mare, Nickel Coin, last won the world’s most famous race. Snow Leopardess is also grey. Historically, only three greys have won the Grand National, but they are always immensely popular with punters.
