Grand National 2024: trainers' reaction to Aintree weights

King George VI Chase hero Hewick has been handed top weight of 11st12lb of the remaining 87 entries in the 2024 £1million Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 13 – and he could bid for an audacious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup-Grand National double.

Meanwhile, last year's Aintree hero, the Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler, will carry 11st2lb in his bid to become the 10th dual winner of the world's greatest steeplechase in just over seven weeks time.

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The weights – framed again for a fifth year by the British Horseracing Authority’s senior Jumps handicapper, Martin Greenwood – were revealed at the traditional lunch at St George’s Hall in Liverpool city centre today were trainers, owners, racing personalities and some of Merseyside’s most well-known faces gathered. The likes of former Liverpool FC stars Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and John Barnes, ex-Everton midfielder Leon Osman, two-weight world champion boxer Natasha Jonas and Royle Family actress Sue Johnston joined the racing fraternity at the lavish lunch as the weights were revealed for the 176th running of the Grand National which takes place this year on Saturday, April 13 with a new start time of 4pm.

And here is the reaction to the weights from some of the trainers:

Willie Mullins – Capodanno (11st4lb), I Am Maximus (11st2lb), Janidil (11st2lb), Asterion Forlonge (11st1lb), Stattler (11st1lb), Classic Getaway (11st), James Du Berlais (10st9lb), Bronn (10st8lb), Mr Incredible (10st7lb), Adamantly Chosen (10st5lb), Meetingofthewaters (10st4lb), Glengouly (10st3lb) and Ontheropes (10st)

"Once we get a look at the weights in more detail then we'll be firming up plans for the National. There are some very