He’s no stranger to Aintree, and Coko Beach is back for a fourth crack at the Grand National – yes, fourth!
Most horses don’t even get a second chance at this epic race, but Gordon Elliott clearly thinks this seasoned campaigner still has something to offer.
With more Grand National experience than most of the field combined, Coko Beach knows every twist, turn, and towering fence that the famous course can throw at him.
At 10 years old, he’s not getting any younger, but this is a horse who thrives in marathon chases and always gives his all.
You might not find him at the top of the betting lists, but underestimate him at your peril.
He’s finished two of the three Grand Nationals he’s run in, including a bold effort in 2024 when he was a prominent player for much of the race.
Could 2025 be the year he goes one a few places better and finally lands the big one?
Coko Beach
Known for his resilience and familiarity with the course, Coko Beach is one of the few grey runners set to line up tomorrow in the National.
Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, he enters the race as a 66/1 outsider, but his experience and connections make him a contender worthy of closer attention.
His career highlights include winning the prestigious Thyestes Chase in 2021 and leading home a Gigginstown 1-2-3 in the QuinnBet National Trial at Punchestown in February 2023.
However, his record in the Grand National itself has been mixed. This year marks his fourth attempt at the race.
In 2022, he finished eighth, beaten by 66 lengths; in 2023, he was pulled up; and last year, he managed eleventh place, beaten by 33 lengths.
While these results suggest he has struggled with the extreme distance of over four miles, his jumping of the National fences has generally been solid, a crucial asset in this unique contest.
This Season: Signs of Decline?
Coko Beach’s form this season has been underwhelming. He has failed to make an impact in several races, including a distant third-place finish in the Bank Chase at Punchestown and a disappointing run in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham.
Critics argue that his performances suggest he may no longer be at his peak. However, it’s worth noting that his handicap mark has dropped to 150 – 11 pounds, lower than last year, giving him a more favourable weight of 10-09 for this year’s Grand National.
Gordon Elliott
Gordon Elliott is no stranger to Grand National glory. The Irish trainer has won the race three times: first with Silver Birch in 2007 and then with Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
Known for his meticulous preparation and ability to bring horses to peak form for major races, Elliott’s Cullentra House yard is home to over 200 horses.
His success at Aintree and other prestigious venues underscores his expertise in handling staying chasers like Coko Beach.
Elliott’s record with Coko Beach reflects his commitment to giving horses multiple chances at big races.
While Coko Beach hasn’t yet delivered a standout performance at Aintree, Elliott’s belief in the horse’s potential remains evident through his continued entries.
Jockey Jody McGarvey
This year, Coko Beach will be ridden by Jody McGarvey, an experienced jockey from County Derry.
McGarvey has had notable successes throughout his career, including multiple Grade 1 wins such as the Ryanair Novice Chase on Great Field.
While he hasn’t yet tasted victory in the Grand National, McGarvey’s skill and familiarity with big-race pressure could prove valuable as he partners with Coko Beach for this challenging assignment.
Yes or No??
You can never discount a horse that has successfully gotten around the Grand National, and certainly not one that’s done it twice!
Coko Beach isn’t just turning up at Aintree to make up the numbers; he has serious know-how and even bagged second in the Becher Chase back in the day, so he clearly doesn’t mind a spin around the National track.
His staying power has also been tested and proven in races like the Thyestes Chase, and this time around, he’s racing off his lowest mark in years, which could give him an edge.
On the flip side, the marathon distance has sometimes got the better of him, and his recent form hasn’t exactly set the world alight.
Add to that a field packed with fresh-faced stayers, and it’s clear Coko Beach has his work cut out.
But write him off at your peril. This is a horse who’s been around the block and knows his way over every fence.
Ultimately, Coko Beach may not be among the favourites for victory. However, his resilience makes him a compelling runner within this year’s field.
He is a horse whose determination mirrors the spirit of the Grand National itself.
Whether he finishes among the leaders or simply completes another admirable effort over one of racing’s toughest courses, Coko Beach deserves recognition as one of Aintree’s enduring competitors.
BETFRED
