Confirmed runners and riders for the 2022 Welsh Grand National - plus a free bet

Leading Coral Welsh Grand National contender The Galloping Bear featured in a final field of 19 declared for Tuesday's showpiece at Chepstow (2.50), but his participation is weather dependent.

The nine-year-old has shown his best form on heavy ground and with conditions at Chepstow described as good to soft, good in places on Monday morning, trainer Ben Clarke wants to see the forecast rain materialise before giving his stable star the go-ahead.

He said: "We've declared but are reliant on the forecast rain arriving and as long as it does arrive we do intend to run. If the forecast rain didn't arrive, he wouldn't run.

"It's got to be good to soft and raining; it's pretty much good to soft now with good in places on one of the bends and they're due rain. If that happens, we're there and definitely taking part, but if they dodged the rain completely he would be taken out."

The forecast at Chepstow is for a dry and breezy day on Monday before the rain arrives on Tuesday, with it turning persistent from midday (5-10mm).

Last season on heavy ground, The Galloping Bear won the Surrey National at Lingfield and finished first past the post in Haydock's Grand National Trial before being disqualified at a later date due to a positive post-race sample of the prohibited raceday substance dantrolene.

Ante-post Welsh National favourite Quick Wave was declared for trainer Venetia Williams, who targets a third win in the race with this month's impressive London National winner.

Fellow leading contenders Ask Me Early, a three-time winner at the course, and Troytown Chase winner The Big Dog were confirmed for the big race.

However, Punitive, Threeunderthrufive and Lord Du Mesnil were among seven horses not declared for the £150,000 contest.

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Also on Chepstow's card, ten runners have been declared for the Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.40), which has been downgraded to Grade 2 status this year.

They include Scriptwriter, a winner at Cheltenham's November meeting last time, smart filly Dixon Cove and Perseus Way for the same connections as last year's winner Porticello.

Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone is the star attraction on day two of Kempton's King George meeting as he clashes with Nube Negra in the Desert Orchid Chase (2.30).

Edwardstone, who won by nine lengths at Sandown, will aim to enhance his status as Britain's leading hope for the Champion Chase in the 2m contest, which has attracted seven runners.

He locks horns with last month's Shloer Chase winner Nube Negra, who beat Altior in this race in 2020.

On the same card, just four runners are set to go to post for the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (1.20) with Henry VIII Novices' Chase runner-up Boothill taking on Lac De Constance, Glory And Fortune and Aucunrisque.

Welsh Grand National runners and riders

The Big DogAidan Coleman
The Big BreakawayBrendan Powell
FortescueHugh Nugent (3)
Quick WaveCharlie Deutsch
Pats Fancynon-runner
Truckers LodgeFreddie Gingell (7)
FantastikasSam Twiston-Davies
The Galloping BearBen Jones
Time To Get UpJonjo O'Neill Jr
Ask Me EarlySean Bowen
Musical SlaveMicheal Nolan
WouldubewellTom Bellamy
CyclopLilly Pinchin (3)
WayfinderAdam Wedge
Regina DraconesHarry Cobden
MovethechainsJamie Moore
The Two AmigosDavid Prichard (5)
Gats And Conon-runner
D'JangoDavid Noonan

Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50 Tuesday)

Coral: 4 Quick Wave, 11-2 The Galloping Bear, 13-2 The Big Dog, 8 Ask Me Early, The Big Breakaway, 9 Pats Fancy, 16 Fortescue, Truckers Lodge, Time To Get Up, Musical Slave, 20 Fantastikas, Movethechains, The Two Amigos, Wayfinder, 25 Wouldubewell, 33 Cyclop, 50 Regina Dracones, 80 Gats And Go, 100 D’Jango

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