Gavin Cromwell’s William Hill Blog: Vanillier will need luck in the Grand National

William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell gives his reaction to Vanillier being given 10st 8lbs to carry in the Grand National.

Vanillier

Vanillier has been given a weight of 10st 8lbs for the Grand National and we’re certainly happy enough with that, considering he came second in the race last year, so we have no complaints. However, considering the season he has had so far, he’ll need to improve plenty, and we know it is a bit of a challenge getting him fit.

Hopefully, if he can run well on Saturday in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse – which he did last year – and improves from that, we’ll be happy.

He is a Spring horse, and he now has the experience of last year.

We were thrilled to be second in the 2023 Grand National, but – when you’re coming home well like that – you do think about what could have been.

It was a great moment, though. We had lots of luck last year. He went round on the inside and got all the luck – you need luck in every National.

It’s every trainer’s dream to win the Grand National and we’ll certainly give it a good shot again this year anyway.