Merle Blakeslee

The 2013 Grand National will take place on Saturday 6th April and we look set to be treated to a fascinating contest on Merseyside.

The bookmakers estimate that over £100 million will be gambled on the world's most famous horse race and punters all over the world will be looking to get their bets on the contest.

The four-mile war is one of the most gruelling contests on the racing calendar and the track can be as unforgiving as the incredible fences that face the leading contenders.

With forty runners and riders tackling fences like Foinavon, Becher's Brook and the Canal Turn, it's sure to be a frenetic race and last year's winner Neptune Collonges will not be returning to defend his Grand National crown.

Last year saw Paul Nicholls' superstar got his head in front in a pulsating finish with Sunnyhillboy and backers of the runner-up were left devastated in a photo finish. It was one of the most enthralling climaxes for years and one that will live long in the memory.

It means that there is room for a new horse to join the National's long roll of honour and Willie Mullins' duo Prince De Beauchene and On His Own look to have a formidable chance on Merseyside. Both have had this race as their target for some time and the Irish handler will be confident that he can continue his success in the UK this April.

Another Irish raider who heads to Aintree with a phenomenal chance of reaching the frame in the four-mile thriller is Seabass who will be primed for his return to Liverpool. Ted Walsh's ten-year-old finished third in the race twelve months ago and Miss Katie Walsh is being backed to partner the mount to glory in 2013.

Elsewhere, last year's fourth Cappa Bleu will be looking to leap into the winner's enclosure in the world famous race, while Paul Nicholls will be looking for his second successive National victory with Join Together.

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