Irish horses have won four of the last five Grand Nationals. Willie Mullins has nine runners in Saturday's field. The Irish operation is dominant, deep and specifically prepared for this race. Against that backdrop, Dan Skelton sends Panic Attack with brother Harry in the saddle — one of the most accomplished partnerships in British jump racing — as the most prominent British challenge to continued Irish dominance.
The Skelton Partnership
Dan and Harry Skelton are the most successful trainer-jockey combination in British jump racing. Dan has trained over 200 winners in recent seasons and his record of placing horses in the right race at the right moment is exceptional. Harry is a multiple champion jockey contender whose tactical awareness and finishing power are among the best in the sport. When the Skeltons target a race as significant as the Grand National with a specific horse, it reflects months of planning rather than opportunism.
Panic Attack has been prepared for this race. He arrives at Aintree as the stable's primary Grand National representative and Harry's commitment to the ride — over any other option he might have taken — signals where the Skelton operation's confidence is concentrated.
The Form
Panic Attack has shown consistent ability at the staying end of the chase programme. His profile suits the demands of four miles two and a half furlongs over the Aintree National fences — horses that the Skelton yard targets at the Grand National are typically horses with proven stamina, clean jumping records and racing styles that involve travelling within themselves through the early stages.
He is available at 12/1 — a price that offers genuine each-way value in a race where five places are paid and the field contains 34 runners. A Skelton horse, a champion-level jockey, and a price that reflects competitive but not prohibitive assessment of his chances.
The British Case
Haiti Couleurs won the Irish Grand National for Rebecca Curtis last year — British-trained horses can and do win major staying handicap chases in Ireland and England. Johnnywho, trained by Ben Pauling, was among the favourites for this year's Irish National before connections pointed him at Aintree instead. The British challenge is real and this year it is concentrated most visibly on Panic Attack.
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