Panic Attack has “all the qualities” wanted to grow to be the primary mare to win the Grand National in 75 years, says her coach Dan Skelton.
The 10-year-old has been widespread out there for Saturday’s showpiece and is vying for favouritism alongside 2024 winner I Am Maximus.
But historical past is stacked in opposition to her, with Nickel Coin the final mare – which is a mature feminine horse usually aged 4 or older – to win the 4 and 1 / 4 mile race at Aintree in 1951.
Magic of Light was the final to place within the race, ending second in 2019 for Irish coach Jessica Harrington.
Panic Attack was third in her final run within the Mares Chase at Cheltenham Festival in March – however had gained her earlier three races, together with the well-regarded Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November and Coral Gold Cup at Newbury two weeks aside.
“I love that a mare hasn’t won it for that long because it means there is going to be one soon enough – right?” Skelton advised BBC Sport.
“I think, probably, there hasn’t been a mare for so long because there hasn’t been many take the challenge.
“All of our qualities are what you want to win the race – she has a terrific temperament, she jumps properly, she’ll deal with the bottom, she’ll deal with the event beforehand.
“The four-mile 2f trip is a long way for a horse to run and jump so you need to be sure you’ll get that marathon trip and everything about her suggests she will.
“I believe a mare will win fairly quickly and hopefully it is this week.”
