Understanding the Grand National

The British love horse racing and few races are as spectacular as the Grand National. Run at the Aintree racecourse near Liverpool, it is the biggest National Hunt race on the calendar. A large field of horses runs over four miles two and a half furlongs, to see who will claim a section of a prize fund that totals over $1 million. 

For those not accustomed to UK horse racing, there are a few things to understand about the race. Below, we provide three essential things you must know about the Grand National. 

Betting

Of all the UK races, finding a horse to win the Grand National is the biggest gamble of all. Even the best can falter and fail to finish. Start by looking at the form guide and online analysis in detail to see who experts think may win the race. You can then get an idea of what odds are available and the tips for Grand National 2023 on offer. Be mindful that the race has a lot of luck and stamina involved. Favorites are not always the ones that win, and it was only in 2009 that a horse with odds of 100/1 scooped the race. 

An awful lot is bet on the Grand National each year. This is done by pundits, spectators, and gamblers at home. More poignant is that many infrequent gamblers have a bet on it as well. As a yearly event, it is not uncommon for people to make their one bet a year to mark the occasion. It is predicted that around £300 million is gambled on the race every time it takes place. 

Red Rum

There have been a host of memorable Grand National winners, but few command the respect and have the backstory of Red Rum. The horse had been passed around several training yards before coming to the attention of trainer Ginger McCain. He then became one of only two horses to win the Grand National three times and had placings on two other occasions. 

He retired before the 1978 race and by then had become a national celebrity. The horse would be invited to the opening of supermarkets and had his own range of merchandise. To this day he is still one of the most well-known horses in history, despite many people not being alive when he was in his glory days. 

The 2023 Contenders

Horses and their jockeys are announced up to the day of the race. However, there are a few horses in hot contention long before that which are more than likely going to enter. So far the most tipped horse is Noble Yeats. He was the youngest horse to win the National in 2022 and was ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen. This year, the National will be his last race before retirement so the stable will be hoping to go out with a bang. 

Just coming second, but only narrowly in the odds, is Corach Rambler. This horse has shown great potential in its previous outings, though some may be worried about its power to stay this long course. 

Of course, it is not just the horse to watch. The top jockeys will also be at the race. Rachel Blackmore, the first female to win the race, will be hoping to claim her title back and will undoubtedly be on one of the best rides available. 

If you plan to have a bet, then check the form and manage your bankroll well. You may just pick the winner of this spectacular UK race.