Action to return over Grand National fences with Gordon Elliott’s Riann among potential Irish runners

Flat racing’s top events for 2025 are mostly in the rear-view mirror and the switch of focus to the jumps is underlined on Saturday when action resumes over Aintree’s famed Grand National fences. The world-renowned obstacles will be used for the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase in what will be just over a circuit of the National course. A total of 21 entries remain after Monday’s latest acceptance stage, topped by last year’s winner King Turgeon who will bid to become the first horse to win the race twice. Despite Irish dominance in the National over recent years – including Nick Rockett’s memorable victory in April – no Irish-based horse has landed the Sefton since it returned in its present...