The Coral Welsh Grand National 2022 is almost upon us as the eyes of the horseracing world turn to Wales' biggest fixture in its usual post-Boxing Day slot.
The pride of Welsh racing, the three and three-quarter mile race attracts some of the finest long-distance chasers to vie for the big prize: £150,000.
Crowds will make a welcome return after two years of Covid restrictions which meant the stands were almost empty for the last two editions. The race was held behind closed doors in 2020, while all sporting fixtures were staged without fans last winter due to the Omicron variant spreading through the country.
The racecourse is expecting to bounce back this year, though, with Chepstow Racecourse executive director Phil Bell telling the Racing Post: "I suspect the walk-up and last-minute take-up of tickets will be strong, looking at historical trends, while Tuesday is a bank holiday as well, which isn't always the case on December 27."
Wales' only hope of picking up a fourth successive win for the home nation comes via Wayfinder, trained by Rebecca Curtis in Newport, Pembrokeshire.
What time is the Welsh Grand National 2022?
The Welsh Grand National takes place at 2.50pm on Tuesday, December 27 at Chepstow. Gates open at 10am, with the first race at noon and the last of eight races at 3.55pm.
What TV channel is the Welsh Grand National on? What about live streaming?
The Welsh Grand National is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing and ITV4, with live streaming available via the Sky Sports app and ITVX.
Welsh runners in the Welsh Grand National
There is just one Welsh-trained horse featuring in Welsh racing’s biggest run of the year: Rebecca Curtis' Wayfinder, a three-time winner at Chepstow who disappointed when he pulled up in the Welsh Grand National trial earlier this month. He’s at 25/1 with Coral.
There was meant to be three Wales-trained runners, but Rebecca Curtis' Pats Fancy and David Brace's Gats and Co were declared non-runners on the morning of the race.
Who is the Welsh Grand National 2022 favourite?
Quick Wave, trained by Venetia Williams, is the overwhelming favourite with the bookies, priced at 4/1. She has improved since returning this season and looked a force to be reckoned with in staying handicaps when winning the London National this month.
Ask Me Early, a three-time winner at the course, missed the race through injury when favourite last season but still has age on his side. Priced at 5/1.
The Big Dog, who pulled up in this last season, arrives in brilliant form and is priced at 6/1 after wins in the Munster National and Troytown Chase.
The Galloping Bear has experience in this type of race from finishing first, before being disqualified, in Haydock's Grand National Trial. Having made a decent comeback, this nine-year-old runner needs the forecast rain to arrive but is priced at 7/1.
Who won the Welsh Grand National last year?
Iwilldoit, trained by Sam Thomas in Lisvane, was the winner in 2021, becoming the third consecutive Wales-trained winner of the race. Secret Reprieve, trained by Evan Williams out of Llancarfan, won the race in 2020 and Potters Corner, trained by Christian Williams in Ogmore, won it in 2019 - becoming the first Welsh-trained horse since 1973 to take the title.
Welsh Grand National runners and riders
The Big Dog Aidan Coleman
The Big Breakaway Brendan Powell
Fortescue Hugh Nugent
Quick Wave Charlie Deutsch
Truckers Lodge Freddie Gingell
Fantastikas Sam Twiston-Davies
The Galloping Bear Ben Jones
Time To Get Up Jonjo O'Neill Jr
Ask Me Early Sean Bowen
Musical Slave Micheal Nolan
Wouldubewell Tom Bellamy
Cyclop Lilly Pinchin
Wayfinder Adam Wedge
Regina Dracones Harry Cobden
Movethechains Jamie Moore
The Two Amigos David Prichard
D'Jango David Noonan
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