With all eyes on the big names in Willie Mullins’ Grand National squad, it’s easy to overlook a runner like Appreciate It, but that might just be a mistake.
Once a major player on the Festival scene with a Grade 1 win to his name, this talented horse now heads to Aintree with far less fanfare than some of his stablemates.
But make no mistake, Appreciate It hasn’t forgotten how to compete, and if he takes to the fences and finds his rhythm, he could surprise a few.
He might not be the headline act in the Mullins camp this year, but he could be the one sneaking up the rail when it really matters.
A Glittering Career
Appreciate It’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He first burst onto the scene with a series of dominant performances in bumpers and novice hurdles.
His crowning moment came at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, where he stormed to victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by an astonishing 24 lengths – a performance that remains one of the most memorable in recent Festival history.
Transitioning to chasing in late 2022, Appreciate It continued to show flashes of brilliance. While his novice chase campaign was solid rather than spectacular, highlighted by a Grade 1 second at Punchestown, his ability to mix it with top-class opposition was evident.
Over his career, he has achieved 10 wins or places from 14 chase starts, not to mention an additional four out of five wins over hurdles.
With earnings exceeding £387,000, few horses lining up at Aintree can boast such a glittering résumé.
Recent Form: Signs of Revival
While Appreciate It’s form over the past two seasons has been inconsistent, there are reasons for optimism heading into the Grand National.
After a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, he bounced back with a commanding six-length victory in a Grade 2 chase at Thurles in January 2025.
Admittedly, it was only over 2m5f, but the performance demonstrated that he still possesses the class he will need on Saturday.
Moreover, his ability to handle varying ground conditions is another feather in his cap.
From heavy going to good ground, Appreciate It has proven adaptable throughout his career, which will help given Aintree’s unpredictable weather.
Why Are His Odds So Long?
Despite his credentials, and the fact that he has always been guaranteed a place in the line-up, Appreciate It is around 66/1 for this year’s Grand National.
At first glance, this might seem surprising given his pedigree and connections. However, several factors contribute to his relatively long odds.
Age: At 11 years old, Appreciate. It falls outside the typical age range; however, Pineau De Re was 11 when he won it in 2014.
Weight: 11st 2lbs might seem like a lot to hike around Aintree, but this is a horse more than used to heavier weights, so it might not be as much of a burden as we think.
Inexperience Over Extreme Distances: If there is an obstacle, the distance will be it.
This is a horse that excels at two miles, and while he has shown stamina over three miles, he has never tackled anything close to the Grand National’s four miles and two furlongs.
It will either be the making of him or he’ll pull up half way around!
Why He Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
Despite these concerns, there are compelling reasons to consider Appreciate It for a potential each-way flutter.
Aintree’s fences demand precision and bravery, qualities that Appreciate It has consistently demonstrated throughout his chasing career.
Few horses in this year’s field have achieved as much at Grade 1 level as Appreciate It. Class often tells in the latter stages of the Grand National when lesser horses falter under pressure.
And lastly, his recent win at Thurles suggests he is peaking at just the right time which bodes well for the Grand National hopeful.
A Forgotten Star
In a race as unpredictable as the Grand National, writing off any contender, let alone one with Appreciate It’s credentials, would be unwise.
While he may lack some of the profile traits associated with recent winners, his class and versatility make him an intriguing outsider capable of springing a surprise.
For those willing to look beyond conventional trends and focus on raw ability and proven quality, Appreciate It represents exceptional value.
As Willie Mullins seeks yet another chapter of Grand National glory, perhaps it will be this “forgotten star” who shines brightest on April 5th.
BETFRED
