Many Clouds favourite for Grand National despite top weight

Last year’s winner Many Clouds remains favourite for the Crabbie’s Grand National following confirmation yesterday he will carry top weight in the Aintree spectacular.

Oliver Sherwood’s nine-year-old carried the significant burden of 11st 9lb to victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase last April and with just an extra pound to carry this time around, he is a best priced 12-1 market leader to become the first horse to win back-to-back renewals since Red Rum in 1973 and 1974.

William Hill spokesman Jon Ivan-Duke said: “Many Clouds has many of the attributes you would associate with Red Rum; he stays, he jumps well and is courageous.”