Grand National 2023: Gaillard Du Mesnil Profile
One of the most interesting runners in the 2023 Grand National is undoubtedly the 2023 National Hunt Chase winner Gaillard Du Mesnil for Willie Mullins. A second season novice with some high class form in the book, he is one of the leading fancies for Aintree glory this season and we profile the seven-year-old here...
Gaillard Du Mesnil
Age: 7
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Chase Runs: 9
Chase Wins: 2
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Sure to be one of the most popular selections in the Grand National Tips pages of the national press, Gaillard Du Mesnil could seriously relish the test this iconic race has to offer. As a six-year-old, Willie Mullins wasted little time sending this big grey over fences and he ran a brilliant race in the 2022 Brown Advisory to eventually finish third. In that season he didn't manage to win so Mullins preserved his novice status and all through the 2022/23 season, connections have implied he was National Hunt Chase bound.
After being a short priced favourite throughout the winter, he lined up as just that and in the end came home in front. That does not tell the full story, however, as Mahler Mission fell at the last when leading and at best Gaillard Du Mesnil, who was rallying in fairness, would've just got up in the dying strides. This finishing effort after three and a half miles shows that Gaillard Du Mesnil will have plenty of stamina for the Grand National, although there are still some who doubt his stamina for a proper marathon test.
There were noises about him heading to Fairyhouse for the Irish Grand National, but with the entries for that race now confirmed and no Gaillard Du Mesnil he is seemingly all systems go for Aintree. Paul Townend could well plump for this one as his chosen ride of the Closutton battalion, or Patrick Mullins may keep the ride, but he is sure to be one of the market leaders and if taking to the fences he could be tailormade for this type of race both this year and in the future.
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Gaillard Du Mesnil's Pedigree
Sire: Saint Des Saints
Dam: Athena Du Mesnil
Dam's Sire: Al Namix
Gaillard Du Mesnil Analysis
Positives
- In fantastic form this season
- A sound jumper so Aintree should be no issue
- Still young so could be improving
- Sam age as last year's winner was
- Third in last season's Irish Grand National
Negatives
- May not have hit his peak yet
- Some still question his stamina
- Gaillard Du Mesnil is still a novice
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaillard Du Mesnil
Has Gaillard Du Mesnil run in the Grand National before?
No, Gaillard Du Mesnil has never run in the Grand National before.
How many times has Gaillard Du Mesnil won a race?
Gaillard Du Mesnil has won 7 of his 20 races so far.
Who trains Gaillard Du Mesnil?
Willie Mullins trains Gaillard Du Mesnil.
Who owns Gaillard Du Mesnil?
The Donnelly family own Gaillard Du Mesnil.