The 177th Grand National takes place at Aintree this weekend, with last year's winner I Am Maximus looking to become only the second horse since the legendary Red Rum in the 1970s to defend his title.

Willie Mullins’ nine-year-old will attempt to add his name to an elite list on Saturday afternoon, but will have to fend off tough competition from the likes of former King George winner Hewick, 2021 Gold Cup hero Minella Indo and Intense Raffles - Tom Gibney’s seven-year-old who won the Irish National last season.

Paul Nicholls has five contenders as he goes in search of a second win in the race, with Kandoo Kid, Bravemansgame, Threeunderthrufive, Hitman and Stay Away Fay all included amongst the pack.

Nine horses have been taken out of the race since the last scratchings' stage and won't be lining up on Saturday.

They are L'Homme Presse, Capodanno, Mr Incredible, Farouk d'Alene, Velvet Elvis, Minella Drama, Minella Crooner, Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave.

The Ben Pauling-trained Shakem Up'Arry, owned by former West Ham United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC manager Harry Redknapp, was also named in the initial list of 34 and will be a contender some may be tempted to have a punt on.

Millions will gather in front of screens to watch the big event on Saturday, with race coverage getting underway on ITV1 from 3.15pm.