TODAY is the day when many of those who rarely have a bet on a horse race do so.

Oh yes, it’s Grand National day.

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Chappers thinks we could be looking at a replay of last year’s finish in Saturday’s Grand National[/caption]

For purists, the Randox Grand National —live on ITV at 4,00 — is a very different race to the one it once was.

The field is smaller, the fences easier to brush through. The test has changed. It’s much, much easier.

But for the general public that doesn’t really matter.

There aren’t many of the population who have not grown up having a go at trying to find the winner of the Grand National.

You pick your horse, you take your chance. It’s a bit of fun. Families coming together to watch warriors doing battle. Gladiators ready!

So into battle we go.

Just over a year ago I AM MAXIMUS hacked up in the Grand National and looked like a horse who could easily go and win the big race again this year.

Since that day at Aintree, Willie Mullins’ grand gelding has been relatively hopeless, doing nothing in two runs in Grade 1s at Leopardstown.

He’s up to 167 from 159 which means he has to hump 11st 12lb to succeed again but I don’t think 8lb more would have stopped him 12 months ago and I’m happy to keep the faith I Am Maximus will follow up under Paul Townend.

VANILLIER has been here before, finishing second to Corach Rambler in 2023 when rated 147 and 14th last year off 151.

His mark this time is back to the 147 of 2023 which clearly gives him an each-way chance especially after his eye-catching third in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham when he might have won had he not nearly taken the wrong course!

MINELLA COCOONER has been nibbled at in ante-post lists and is the mount of Johnny Burke again for Mullins.

His third to Intense Raffles in the 2024 Irish National makes him interesting and that was on heavy ground.

He seemed to love a better surface when landing the race we all know as the Whitbread at Sandown this time last year and, while 6lb higher here, he might have a squeak.

MINELLA INDO probably needs a miracle at the age of 12 to land this, but he was a fine third last year and, of course, brings in the back class of being a Cheltenham Gold Cup hero.

He hasn’t done much recently but it’s clear trainer Henry De Bromhead has laid out for this and he’s a massive price.

So there you have it. My first four for the Grand National are:

1 I Am Maximus
2 Vanillier
3 Minella Cocooner
4 Minella Indo

People will say it is all about the National today — and they are right but there is a decent supporting cast in the other races at Aintree.

The day gets underway with the 22-runner William Hill Handicap Hurdle over three miles.

PUSH THE BUTTON (1.20) is interesting at 16-1 after a huge run at a massive price at Cheltenham from off the pace.

He eventually finished sixth behind Wodhooh in the Martin Pipe and the step up to this trip is ideal.

I’ll be stunned if LULAMBA (1.55) doesn’t win the Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

The runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle gets 10lb from the older horses and his run at Cheltenham will have taught him a lot.

I’m a HAPPYGOLUCKY (2.30) fella in the William Hill Handicap Chase.

Mel Rowely’s runner won this off a mark of 149 in 2021 and is back rated on 139 after a decent run behind Myretown in the Ultimate at Cheltenham.

STRONG LEADER (3.05) can defend his crown in the Grade 1 Ivy Liverpool Hurdle. Conditions are spot-on for him.

Olly Murphy’s big gun has been disappointing since winning in a very tough Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury back in December — but decent ground and a Flat track are what he likes.

It’s the big ‘un up next — but we have a Grade 1 after it with the two-mile Maghull Novices’ Chase.

L’EAU DU SUD (5.00) is the one for me in this.

But I will try and have a word with David Power Cup king Harry Skelton to tell him to drop the horse in and come late.

I don’t think he likes being up with the pace.

I’m sure Harry won’t mind on the day he picks up his trophy — and the tasty £500,000 winner’s cheque that goes with it!

Yeeehaaaa, Harry!

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

THE Chase star Shaun Wallace has revealed that he has a secret partner.

He gave fans a rare update on his personal life away from the hit ITV game show.

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Shaun Wallace has revealed that he has a secret partner[/caption]

Rex

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On a recent podcast interview, he claimed he was in a mystery relationship[/caption]

Shaun Wallace – who is also known as The Dark Destroyer – is one of the famous quiz experts to feature on The Chase.

He first made his appearance on the long-running daytime programme in 2009 as part of the very first series.

Mark Labbett, Anne Hegerty, Paul Sinha, Jenny Ryan, and Darragh Ennis are the other experts on the roster.

Together, they have all appeared on the spin-off, Beat The Chasers which is also hosted by Bradley Walsh.

However, he appeared on the How To Be 60 podcast with Kay Adams and Karen MacKenzie where he opened up about his current dating status.

“I suppose I’m married to my career. Put it that way. I like that. I prefer that and I’m happier,” he explained.

However, the hosts did continue to press him about the possibility of having a relationship.

The star eventually confirmed: “Yes, I’m in a relationship.”

Although he played coy about any specific details about the blossoming romance, he has been more open about his salary.

He first shot to fame after winning Mastermind in 2004, and although he appears regularly on TV now, he still supplements his earnings with his previous full-time career.

For a side hustle, Shaun still works as a barrister and he admitted that his annual income is now in the ‘six-zero territory.’

The general knowledge specialist admitted that 70 per cent of his income comes from his TV work, but a good 30 per cent is from the legal profession.

He admitted that he is ‘sitting pretty’ from all of his different income streams.

When asked what he was paid last year, Shaun told The Times: “A lot. That’s all I’ll say.

“How many zeros? Well into six-zero territory and my earnings have increased massively since I’ve started working in TV. 

“I got paid well as a barrister but I’m now earning about ten times the amount I was before.

“I still practise, though, so I have a dual income.

“Probably 70 per cent of my income comes from my TV work and 30 per cent from the legal side.”

Rex

Shaun is part of the esteemed roster of quiz experts on both The Chase and Beat The Chasers[/caption]

Rex

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But the star does still work in law to top up his income[/caption]

WE have reached the final four in what has been a thrilling Tour Championship snooker 2025 – and the action is unfolding RIGHT NOW!

Scottish superstar John Higgins is currently facing English icon Barry Hawkins.

While World No.3 Mark Selby takes on Chinese idol Ding Junhui in the other semi-final.

The winners of each match will meet in a blockbuster final THIS Sunday, with a huge prize pot on the line.

• Start time: 1pm BST
• FREE live stream: ITV X
• TV channel: ITV 4

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Follow ALL the action from Manchester Central with our live blog below…

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Black Pepper

You might not think of growing black pepper in your garden, but the plant actually contains piperine, which is perfect for keeping rats away.

According to the pros, piperine “stimulates the pain receptors of rats and other mammals, causing them to sneeze, cough, and scurry away immediately.”

You can grow it in various spots around your garden, including beds, and trellises – and the vine comes with the added bonus of adding some flavour to your dishes in the kitchen too.

THE International Darts Open is UNDERWAY as the PDC tour’s finest compete for the title in Sachsen Arena – but Luke Littler won’t be one of them.

The reigning world champion, 18, is not at the event in Riesa, Germany, this weekend.

Littler has chosen to take the weekend off amidst a packed schedule.

Regardless, the likes of world No.1 Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen headline the third PDC European Tour event of the year

Qualifier Martin Schindler aims to defend his title after defeating Gerwyn Price 8–5 in last year’s final, and he takes on Thomas Lovely in his opener.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

• Start time: 6pm GMT
• TV channel: PDC TV

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has launched a long lament about his detestation of VAR as he admitted he's falling out of love with football.

Coach Todd Payten is seeing life through a different lens now that North Queensland are back in form.

Star recruit Blaize Talagi has only played one NRL game in his first five rounds at Penrith but could earn a recall amid the Panthers' woes.

Geelong defender Jack Henry will be sidelined for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury but ill utility Mark Blicavs should return for Gather Round.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has backed Christian Petracca as a "winner" after the star cut a shattered figure as the Demons slumped to 0-4.