1995 Grand National trainer Jenny Pitman, which at that time was the largest number of horses prepared for one Grand National by a single trainer. For the first time since 1979, the triple National winner Red Rum did not lead the parade of competitors due to old age and failing health. The record breaking winner died later that year. 40 runners were declared on the Tuesday before the race but five, including Tartan Tyrant, were withdrawn before raceday. That left 35 to face the starter, which for the second consecutive year was Simon Morant who again despatched the field at the first attempt.
1997 Grand National Grand National Trial winner Antonin, 1996 Scottish Grand National runner-up General Wolfe, 1996 Irish Grand National winner Feathered Gale and the 1996 Greenall's Grand National Trial winner Lo Stregone. Eventual winner Lord Gyllene had been the anti-post favourite until a few days before the race but drifted out to 14/1 before the race. The 11 riders making their debut in the race were all on outside chances but included two future winners, Timmy Murphy and Jim Culloty, as well as a quartet of others whose appearances would go into double figures in Richard Johnson, Robert Thornton, Joe Tizzard and David