Grand National: Trainers react to publication of weights

Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliott and others in the training ranks have their say on the weights assigned to their Grand National entries on Tuesday afternoon.

Trainer Willie Mullins – I Am Maximus (11st 12lb), Grangeclare West (11st 8lb), Nick Rockett (11st 8lb), Appreciate It (11st 2lb), Capodanno (11st 2lb), Minella Cocooner (11st 2lb), Meetingofthewaters (10st 7lb), Horantzau d’Airy (10st 6lb), Macdermott (10st 2lb), Spanish Harlem (9st 11lb)

"It’s top weight for I Am Maximus and it’s tough but we had an idea that it would be tough. He’ll probably run in the Bobbyjo and we’ll see how he is.

"I was very pleased with Grangeclare West’s run in the Irish Gold Cup and if he can put in a performance like that (he must have a chance). However, he paid the penalty by being raised in the weights so it’s going to be tougher, but he might take his chance in the National.

"I thought Nick Rockett was very good winning the Thyestes and that’s always a very good pointer towards the National, so hopefully he’ll take up the engagement.

"Appreciate It showed a nice change of form on nice ground in Thurles to win. Aintree ground is usually lovely so he has his chance and plenty of 11-year-olds have won in the recent past.

"Capodanno was running a good race last year (finished 16th). The handicapper’s given him a chance and he jumps those fences no problem so I’m happy enough.

"Minella Cocooner jumps well. He won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown last year. It’s going to be a tough assignment to win another big handicap within the calendar year but he’ll take his chance.

"I think Meetingofthewaters has a lovely weight. He ran very well last year (finished seventh) and I think my eye was drawn to him when I saw his weight. He’s one