2015 victor Many Clouds heads field of 40 for Grand National

The National has been transformed since Ginger McCain’s exceptional chaser finished first, first, second, second and then first again in five renewals between 1973 and 1977. More than 600 million people worldwide will stake around £500 million on the race at Aintree today.

However, this is not run over the distinctive National fences, and is more than a mile shorter than the big race, which leaves two big questions unanswered ahead of this year’s contest.

Check back here after the race for the result.

Ever imagined winning a major horse race? In 2015 at odds of 25/1, Many Clouds denied Tony McCoy a fairy tale ending to a glorious career.

The leading jockey, who has not been seen in competitive action since suffering a heavy fall at Uttoxeter on 19 March, will make his comeback at Aintree on Thursday, when his rides include Betfred Bowl outsider Dynaste.

With the Grand National being a handicap, every horse is allotted a certain weight to run with according to their ratings.

“I would think the race is nearly certainly harder to win nowadays”.

He carries only one pound than when successful a year ago, though tomorrow’s renewal looks a better race. That’s got to be a positive.

But you don’t need to know anything about racing to win big – you could just get lucky…

“He beat the favourite Many Clouds at Ascot on the soft ground not so long back, but he has yet to run the distance of the Grand National”.

O’Faolains Boy, victor of the 2014 RSA Chase, was seventh in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

All eyes will be on the Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds.

Police Commander, Superintendent Dave Charnock, said: “Aintree is always a fantastic occasion which attracts visitors from across the world and I am confident this year’s festival will be no exception”.

“The whole season has been built up towards this”.

“Soll loves it round there, but is higher in the weights now, while Vieux Lion Rouge is an improving young horse”.