A total of 75 horses have been entered for the 2017 Coral Welsh Grand National, with the sponsors making Harry Fry’s top weight, American, the ante-post favourite at 10/1.
A successful novice chase campaign last year saw American win three times, beating Philip Hobbs’ Rock the Kasbah last time out at Uttoxeter.
Other notable entries include Perfect Candidate, a winner at Cheltenham’s November Meeting last week, along with Carole’s Destrier, beaten only half a length by subsequent Coral Welsh Grand National winner Native River in the 2016 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup winner, Splash Of Ginge, is entered by Nigel Twiston Davies whilst Noel Meade’s Monksland is the highest rated of eight entries from Ireland.
2016 Coral Welsh Grand National winning trainer Colin Tizzard is responsible for five entries in total, including the ultra-consistent Theatre Guide along with Royal Vacation, who both run in the famous colours of Mrs Jean Bishop.
The same number of entries come from local trainers Evan Williams and Kerry Lee, with Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls entering four along with Nicky Henderson, Michael Scudamore and Fergal O’Brien.
The full entries for the 2017 Coral Welsh Grand National, along with early prices from the sponsors are included below.
“The opening show for this year’s Coral Welsh Grand National has American as our 10-1 favourite. Harry Fry’s charge is a leading fancy for the Ladbrokes Trophy and so could be bidding to complete the same Newbury/Chepstow double that Native River achieved last season,“ said Coral’s David Stevens.
Executive Director of Chepstow Racecourse, Phil Bell said, “We are delighted with a strong set of entries for the Coral Welsh Grand National. Last year’s renewal attracted a modern-day record attendance and we are looking to build on that and ensure the biggest race in Wales goes from strength to strength.“
Chepstow Racecourse will be proud to welcome soprano Rebecca Evans along with Shân Cothi to sing the Welsh National Anthem along with the regiment of the Welsh Guards to accompany the Coral Welsh Grand National trophy to the winner’s podium.
For more information on the Coral Welsh Grand National meeting at Chepstow Racecourse and to purchase tickets, please visit Chepstow's website.
