If all 40 Grand National horses were well known sportspeople, they’d be…

Talented and after a few near misses, is back again for more. Every chance he can be there or thereabouts but again, appears to have a big weight on his shoulders.

Questionable whether this form of the game really suits him but a classy sort nonetheless. Should really be representing Ireland officially.

Series of good performances earned him his big move and has gone well a couple of times since joining new team.

4. Perfect Candidate – Thomas Barr

Good jumper who has only come onto the radar recently. Might just be done for class but not difficult to see him running a big race in defeat again.

5. Saphir Du Rheu – Theo Walcott

Promising start to career but has yet to fully deliver on all the potential, instead producing the odd flash here and there.

6. Roi Des Francs – Devin Toner

Big and not terribly handsome but more than effective when on song. Hasn’t had the greatest season by earlier standards set but could still go well now that he’s given a chance.

7. Wounded Warrior – Jack Wilshere

Was hailed as the next big thing not so long ago. Injuries haven’t helped him but it’s difficult for some to decide if that’s the main factor or he’s just not that good. Probably the former.

8. Wonderful Charm – John O’Shea

A good servant and fairly useful on his day. Has gotten gradually slower as his career has progressed and for that reason, might be better when fresh.

9. Tenor Nivernais – Mark Leishman

Arrives here in great form, with a number of good performances this term prompting some to suggest he’s set for a big performance. Has faded away towards the end of contests before and that’s the danger.

10. Blaklion – Shane Williams

Shouldn’t really be good at this due to his size but time and time again has proved himself at the highest level.

11. Drop Out Joe – Aiden McGeady

Been missing for a while and has precious little game time at a decent level coming into this. A fair threat on his day but has a bit to prove now.

12. Le Mercurey – Rickie Fowler

Came on the scene with a lot of hype but has failed to really deliver so far. Signs he has turned the corner of late and could be one to prosper this weekend.

13. The Young Master – James O’Donoghue

Seriously talented, as he has proven when first coming onto the scene. Has just been a little bit quiet in recent seasons. Could be back and ready to go now, and will make his presence felt if so.

14. Cause Of Causes – Robbie Keane

Shows up nearly everywhere but when it’s all said and done, he has a glittering CV that most would be proud of. Looking for his next big achievement here and as ever, backed up by his loyal partner.

15. Regal Encore – Aidan O’Shea

Flashy sort has performed well at a lower level than this but yet to really do it on the big stage. Still young and has the potential, so not a forlorn hope.

16. Vieux Lion Rouge – Anthony Joshua

The boy that has turned into a man. Has had a brilliant year and looks the one they all have to measure up to. Could well deliver the knockout punch.

17. Definitly Red – Philippe Coutinho

Likeable and has been prolific this season. Seems to be over a few niggly problems that may have kept him back and very likely to be the fans favourite around Liverpool.

18. Ucello Conti – Lee Westwood

A consistently classy sort but still yet to make the big breakthrough in a contest like this. Every chance he’s there or thereabouts again.

19. Double Shuffle – Garry Ringrose

Young, talented and open to plenty of improvement. Maybe a slight question whether a big event like this is still that bit too early for him.

20. Houblon Des Obeaux – Glenn Whelan

Not particularly flashy and not many people like him but has proved his worth over the years and still capable of the odd big performance.

21. Pleasant Company – Joey Carbery

Relatively unknown last year but has burst onto the scene this term and is well worth his place in the line-up. Bit short on experience but on the flip side he could have further improvement.

22. One For Arthur – Andy Murray

The pride of Scotland, though perhaps his popularity doesn’t align to his sporting talents. Still, in the prime of his career now and will be one of the principals when he shows up.

23. Ballynagour – Daniel Sturridge

Fairly talented on his day but a struggle to get him to last the whole contest these days and is probably not his manager’s first choice.

24. O’Faolains Boy – Graeme McDowell

Couple of big successes early in career but rather gone off the radar of late. Chance if he can get back to his best but looking unlikely at present.

25. Highland Lodge – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

High-spending owners have taken a chance on him despite his age and it looks to be a shrewd acquisition. Good record taking on Liverpool as well.

26. Bishops Road – Kevin De Bruyne

Failed to reach his full potential when younger but hit the ground running when joining up with new team last season. Solid if not spectacular this term.

27. Lord Windermere – Tommy Bowe

A class act on his day but injuries have caught up with him and unfortunately he doesn’t look as good as he once was.

28. Saint Are – Andy Moran

Terrific servant who seems likes he has been around forever. Has had more than a couple of goes at landing the big prize, failing by a whisker for one and not showing up at all on the other occasions.

29. Vicente – Henrik Stenson

Came into his own last season with the highlight being a major win in Scotland. Quiet this term but could be primed for another big crack at a major success.

30. Just A Par – Marshawn Lynch

Something of a mercurial sort and may have his own ideas about the game. Still, a right bulldozer when he’s in the mood. May well be signed up by another team soon.

31. Measureofmydreams – Shane Long

Irish hope looked like he was heading right to the top a few seasons ago. Progress has stalled a little but the talent is there if he can catch a bit of form.

32. Raz De Maree – Shane Lowry

Irish contender hailing from rather unfashionable quarters but not to be underestimated on that account. Has threatened to land a big one a few times already.

33. Stellar Notion – Harry Arter

A likeable sort who is realising his potential a little later in his career. Good recent form has coincided with a move to Ireland.

34. Rogue Angel – Rory McIlroy

Conquered a few majors/nationals already and now back for another go here. Recent form is a little bit of a worry however.

35. Cocktails At Dawn – Lee Cattermole

Not particularly likeable and record of failing to complete contests likely to come back to him.

36. Thunder And Roses – Michael Murphy

A big bruiser who has gone this sort of distance already with one big success in Ireland to his name. Looks revitalised this season so could be set up for a big performance.

37. Gas Line Boy – Michael Carrick

Old boy who never seemed to be that good but has more than stood the test of time with a string of solid performances. Still chipping in at a decent level.

38. Goodtoknow – James Milner

Solid sort and good at what he does, just probably lacks the class to make an impact at this sort of level.

39. La Vaticane – Eugenie Bouchard

The only female in the line-up. Got the looks but has flattered to deceive so far and an immediate breakthrough looks unlikely.

40. Doctor Harper – James Wade

Hasn’t been able to build on success from early in his career where he looked promising. Struggling to make a mark these days.