Four-time Champion Jockey names Grand National winner to rival favourite Corach Rambler

Four-time Champion Jockey Richard Johnson believes Grand National favourite Corach Rambler will struggle to make it back-to-back triumphs - as he tipped Vanillier to win the fence-jumping showpiece.

The Scottish-trained horse became the third to win from the region after eclipsing the competition in an action-packed race last year. Corach Rambler finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and is carrying 13 more pounds than in 2023.

This year, the Lucinda Russell-trained horse is heavily backed as the favourite in the race after Russell became the first British trainer since One For Arthur's win in 2017. There is change ahead of the fiercely-anticipated race as the number of horses has been reduced to 34 and starts at the earlier time of 4pm.

While Corach Rambler is the "obvious choice", Johnson highlighted the worry for the reigning champion, and this year's favourite. He told Genting Casino: "Corach Rambler won the race last year and is the obvious choice to win but there’s a slight worry that he’s higher in the handicap this year and will be carrying 13 pounds more.

"Richard Scudamore told me years ago that he loves this horse and that he is a horse that enjoys better ground.

"I think he should be favourite after he ran really well in the Gold Cup and showed he’s in great form. The yard are doing well, Ahoy Senor ran really well. If I could ride one, he’s be the top of the list as he ticks a lot of boxes."

But the four-time Champion Jockey has named a 9/1 shot to pick the famous prize, he added: "Vanillier is only three pounds higher than last year and 10 off Corach Rambler. He’s been trained for this race and hasn’t run since February, so I think this horse has had a better preparation. He’s a better bet than Corach