UPDATED 10:05AM, APR 10 2021
There will be a Tiger Roll-shaped hole in Saturday s Randox Grand National, but the world s greatest steeplechase is shaping up to be as competitive as ever, with the likes of Ladbrokes Trophy hero and clear ante-post favourite Cloth Cap, Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve, Burrows Saint and Kimberlite Candy among the 68 possibles remaining for the race.
Will one of those horses etch their name into the history books? Or could this be the year of another shock to rival the likes of Auroras Encore, Mon Mome and Foinavon? Our experts give their thoughts on the illustrious race.
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Subscriber only A KOREAN War veteran who was shot in the back of the head but saved by the bravery of a mate has spent the past 15 years ensuring forgotten soldiers get the recognition they deserve. Now a stalwart of the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, Matt Rennie did not get the reception he was expecting when he returned home to Australia in 1961 after 10 years in the army. He served in Korea for three years before becoming an instructor at the 1st Commonwealth Division Battle School in Japan. Decorated war veteran Matt Rennie. Mr Rennie, 88, also spent two years in the conflict in Malay before finishing his service in 1961.
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The key storylines
In one of the clashes of the week, expect a new chasing star to be crowned. This could prove the coronation of Shishkin, with the Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old out to follow in the footsteps of Seven Barrows superstars Altior and Sprinter Sacre in lifting this star-studded prize.
As with his two former stablemates, it has been a quiet yet tried-and-tested route to Cheltenham this season with Shishkin. Last year s Supreme Novices Hurdle winner destroyed inferior opposition on his chase debut at Kempton and in two Grade 2s at that track and, most recently, Doncaster.
However, this is far from a one-horse race and two top-level winners also have solid claims for success.