A TOTAL of 75 horses have been entered for the 2017 Coral Welsh Grand National, with Welsh trainer Evan Williams accounting for five of them.

Williams is entering On The Road, Firebird Flyer (2nd in 2015 and 8th in 2016), Buywise, Popples Bay and Nansaroy.

The sponsors make Harry Fry’s top weight, American, the ante-post favourite at 10/1. A successful novice chase campaign last year saw American win three times, beating Philip Hobbs’ Rock the Kasbah last time out at Uttoxeter.

Other notable entries include Perfect Candidate, a winner at Cheltenham’s November Meeting last week, along with Carole’s Destrier, beaten only half a length by subsequent Coral Welsh Grand National winner Native River in the 2016 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup winner, Splash Of Ginge, is entered by Nigel Twiston Davies, while Noel Meade’s Monksland is the highest rated of eight entries from Ireland.

2016 Coral Welsh Grand National winning trainer Colin Tizzard is responsible for five entries in total, including the ultra-consistent Theatre Guide along with Royal Vacation, who both run in the famous colours of Mrs Jean Bishop.

The same number of entries come from local trainers Williams and Kerry Lee, with Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls entering four along with Nicky Henderson, Michael Scudamore and Fergal O’Brien.

"The opening show for this year's Coral Welsh Grand National has American as our 10-1 favourite. Harry Fry's charge is a leading fancy for the Ladbrokes Trophy and so could be bidding to complete the same Newbury/Chepstow double that Native River achieved last season," said Coral's David Stevens.

Executive director of Chepstow Racecourse, Phil Bell, said: “We are delighted with a strong set of entries for the Coral Welsh Grand National.

"Last year’s renewal attracted a modern-day record attendance and we are looking to build on that and ensure the biggest race in Wales goes from strength to strength.”

Chepstow Racecourse will be proud to welcome Rebecca Evans and Shân Cothi to sing the Welsh National Anthem along with the regiment of the Welsh Guards to accompany the Coral Welsh Grand National trophy to the winner’s podium.

Coral Welsh Grand National 2017 - sponsor's betting: 10 American, 12 Rock The Kasbah, Vicente, 14 Final Nudge, Pobbles Bay, Singlefarmpayment, Vieux Lion Rouge, Vyta Du Roc, 16 Ask The Weatherman, Binge Drinker, Champers On Ice, Cogry, Houblon Des Obeaux, Logical Song, Robinsfirth, Vintage Clouds, Wotzizname, 20 Baywing, Carole’s Destrier, Mala Beach, Mysteree, Potters Legend, Raz De Maree, Silsol, Sugar Baron, Three Faces West, Wild West Wind, 25 Bar

For more information on the Coral Welsh Grand National meeting at Chepstow Racecourse and to purchase tickets, please visit www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk.