Noble Yeats Will Return to Liverpool’s Showcase Horse Race
Trainer Emmet Mullins has confirmed that Noble Yeats will return to Liverpool this year in a bid to win the Grand National in back-to-back renewals of the race. The Irish horse made headlines around the world in 2022 when he scored with amateur rider Sam Whaley-Cohen on his back.
The marathon contest at Aintree is always a big boost to the local economy in Liverpool. The news that Noble Yeats is returning will delight the Merseyside Racecourse bosses, as he is now one of the biggest names in the sport.
Defending Champion Tops Betting to Prevail
Noble Yeats is the 8/1 favourite in the horse racing odds to win the Grand National again this year. That’s a feat that many horses have failed to achieve. Since 1973, only two have managed it, Red Rum and Tiger Roll, two horses who are considered Grand National legends.
Noble Yeats and @swaleycohen win the 2022 Grand National! pic.twitter.com/Bm1y9qcV54
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 9, 2022
When he prevailed in 2022, Noble Yeats did so with 10 stone and 10 pounds on his back. That was one of the lowest weight allocations in the 40-runner race, as his official rating was just 147. This time around he will need to carry 11 stone and 11 pounds, which makes the challenge far tougher.
Mullins’ runner has operated at the highest level in the 2022/23 season. He won the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree back in December, one of the leading races in his division. His performances have been enough to convince his connections to take their chance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.
Noble Yeats will be partnered at Aintree by Sean Bowen this year. Whaley-Cohen retired from the sport straight after his triumph on Merseyside. It was the perfect way for him the bow out of the sport.
New Challengers to Noble Yeats This Year
Noble Yeats was seven years old when he prevailed in the world’s most famous steeplechase last April. He had little experience over fences, but it did not stop him from scoring in the biggest race of the campaign.
Gaillard Du Mesnil and Mr Incredible are two seven-year-olds who have entries in the Grand National this year. They are both trained by Irish Champion Trainer Willie Mullins, and they have a similar profile to the 2022 champion.
Exciting prospect – Gaillard Du Mesnil saunters to success and looks another nice one for Willie Mullins and @PTownend at @LeopardstownRC #LRCChristmas pic.twitter.com/JpFEu4D6lo
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 28, 2020
Grade One winner Gaillard Du Mesnil is still considered a novice chaser, but his victory in a top-class field at Leopardstown back in December proved he is a horse that has a lot of ability. His stamina should be suited to the marathon contest at Aintree.
Naas winner Mr Incredible travelled across to the UK for the Warwick Classic earlier this year. That race took place over three miles and five furlongs, and he kept well at the end of the contest to finish second, which is a good sign for his connections ahead of the Grand National.
A crowd of 75,000 are expected to arrive at Aintree Racecourse for their biggest day of the year in April. Those attending will be hoping to see another thrilling renewal of the great steeplechase.