2009 Grand National Runners

Handicaps for the Grand National are established in late February, and the odds quoted below are subject to change. For all the latest Grand National odds visit William Hill.

Offshore Account: Offshore account is something of an unknown quantity in the Grand National having been entered into the race after just six trips over fences. His record during his short steeplechase career is impressive with four wins and a place from six starts. The 2009 Grand National will be a step up for him in terms of both quality of opposition and the distance he's travelled in previous races. His recent record is also a bit patchy, given that he last won a race in 2007.

Irish Invader: The aptly named Irish invader hails from the stables of Willie Mullins, Ireland's champion trainer. He comes into the 2009 Grand National with a good strike rate over fences, having placed in over 60% of his races to date. He also has the versatility to adapt to a variety of ground conditions and a recent win in the Cashel Chase is testament to his form. However, at 8 years of age his youth counts against him, as does his lack of experience over distances greater than 3 miles.

Cloudy Lane: Defections from the Grand National have done last year's antepost favourite few favours as he attempts to win the McCain racing dynasty another Grand National. Given the fact that he failed to complete last year's race there's little to suggest that he'll emulate the great Red Rum and win the Grand National at top weight. Recent form isn't terribly encouraging either with a fall in his last outing not boding well for a trip over the unforgiving Aintree fences.

AINTREE, ENGLAND - APRIL 9: Hedgehunter ridden by Ruby Walsh wins the John Smith's Grand National Steeple Chase race at Aintree Racecourse on April 9, 2005 in Aintree, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Himalayan Trail: The 2008 Midlands Grand National winner has been aimed at the ultimate handicap prize by trainer JJ Mangan. Arguably one of the most promising outsiders in the 2009 Grand National, Himalayan Trail is proven over distances greater than 4 miles, is not over-weighted for the Grand National and has the ability to perform in virtually any ground conditions. Recent form raises some questions as he finished in the middle of the field in his most recent race – a humble hurdle handicap.

Silver Birch: Silver Birch's entry into the Grand National is proof positive that optimism is alive and well in national hunt racing. Gordon Elliothas entered the 2007 Grand National winner into the latest edition of the race despite every indication that the 12 year old is well past his best. Along with his age Silver Birch will be handicapped with a weight over 11st, and its hard to fancy his chances of becoming the first racehorse since Red Rum to recover the Grand National title.