Six horses could start as Grand National favourite as fresh batch are removed and BANNED from £1million Aintree race

SIX horses are in line to go off as Grand National favourite – as bookies admitted: “We can't split them.”

Gavin Cromwell's Cheltenham Festival hero Stumptown has been absolutely hammered by punters.

And he heads the market at 7-1 alongside long-time ante-post favourite and reigning Irish Grand National king Intense Raffles.

But it is absolutely chockablock close behind them with home hope Iroko the best of the Brits at 8-1.

Willie Mullins – who pulled a ‘tremendous' former Cheltenham winner out today – sees his defending champ I Am Maximus at 9-1 with Coral.

While the bookies also think 10-1 Hewick, the pint-sized former King George hero who loves a pint of Guinness, and Vanillier could yet go off fav too.

The field was whittled down more today with a fresh batch of runners removed or banned from running, ahead of the final declarations at 10am on Thursday.

In addition to Mullins' Capodanno being pulled, Venetia Williams confirmed L'Homme Presse would miss out.

While Cromwell and Donald McCain didn't confirm Velvet Elvis and Minella Drama respectively.

Williams pulled two more of her runners in the shape of longshots Fontaine Collanges and Quick Wave.

While trainer Sandy Thomson saw his horse Mr Incredible banned from running because officials fear he will ‘disrupt the start‘.

Coral's David Stevens said: “With all the principals standing their ground, the market for this year's Randox Grand National remains wide open.

“While we currently cannot split Intense Raffles and Stumptown at the head of the betting, that pair are just two of half a dozen runners who could yet start favourite on Saturday.”

There is also fierce competition for the last spot in the race.

Harry Redknapp's Shakem Up'Arry is vying for the 34th and final position alongside Gordon Elliott's Duffle Coat and Patrick Griffin's Roi Mage.

Although with Duffle Coat having the best rating of the three it looks like he will be last in.

Grand National 2025 confirmed runners (final decs 10am Thursday)

I Am Maximus
Royale Pagaille
Nick Rockett
Grangeclare West
Hewick
Minella Indo
Appreciate It
Minella Cocooner
Conflated
Stumptown
Hitman
Beauport
Bravemansgame
Chantry House
Threeunderthrufive
Perceval Legallois
Kandoo Kid
Iroko
Intense Raffles
Senior Chief
Idas Boy
Fil Dor
Broadway Boy
Coko Beach
Stay Away Fay
Meetingofthewaters
Monbeg Genius
Vanillier
Horantzau D'Airy
Hyland
Celebre D'Allen
Three Card Brag
Twig
Duffle Coat

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