Grand National Betting Sites & Festival

The Grand National is a handicap race, meaning that the horses’ official ratings are then used to calculate a weight handicap that the horse must carry in the race in order to create an even field. Additionally, horses must be a minimum age of 7 years old. And as you can imagine, all of these factors are given serious consideration in the Grand National betting odds. read our comprehensive guide to Grand National betting.

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Grand National horses & jockeys

With a maximum field of 40 horses and featuring some of the most famous jockeys in the sport, it’s no surprise with an event possessing the prestige of the Grand National that the race is not open to just anybody. The race itself has stringent selection criteria and requires qualifying form that has Grand National bettors poring over statistics long before the event is run. 

There are two simple considerations when looking at qualifying criteria for the Aintree Grand National. The first is that all qualifying horses bring an official rating into the event, a rating that is decided using past race results. The better the previous results, the higher the rating the horse will possess. The Grand National has a minimum qualifying rating of 125 from the British Horseracing Authority, as well as having placed 9finished in the top three) of an officially recognised chase event of a minimum distance of 2 miles and 7 and a half furlongs. 

The Grand National jockeys have selection criteria too. Jockeys must have previous been the rider of a least 15 winners, and ten of those wins must have come in steeplechases. As you can see, this race only attracts the cream of the crop, and results in a brilliant race which only furthers the interest in Grand National betting.

Table of content:


Grand National Aintree Schedule

The Grand National race is in fact the showpiece event of a busy festival which takes place over the course of three days in April at the legendary Aintree race course in Liverpool.  

The first day on the Thursday is dubbed Opening Day, and it is closely followed by Ladies Day on the Friday. The Saturday features the main event and is aptly titled Grand National Day. With up to seven races a day, the festival itself is an absolute fiesta of racing and betting is popular across the events, not just on the feature race. 

Other races featured at the Festival are also of major quality, with the first day featuring four Grade 1 races and the second day boasting the same. With Grand National also featuring three Grade 1 races and then the main event itself, there is no shortage of top class racing to follow and this further attracts the attention of Grand National bookmakers and bettors alike. It’s festival of racing and betting in every sense of the word and it’s no surprise that betting figures spanning the whole three days reach into the tens of millions. The 2023 Aintree Grand National promises to be an incredible three days of top class racing. Here is the schedule in full:

GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL OPENING DAY - THURSDAY 7TH APRIL

TimeEventDistance
1:45pmThe SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 12m 4f
2:20pmThe Jewson Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 12m 1f
2:55pmThe Betway Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 13m 1f
3:30pmThe Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)2m 4f
4:05pmThe Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase2m 5f
4:40pmThe Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 32m
5:15pmThe Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2)2m 1f

LADIES DAY - FRIDAY 8TH APRIL

TimeEventDistance
1:45pmThe 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 32m 4f
2:20pmThe Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)2m ½f
2:50pmThe Betway Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1)3m 1f
3:25pmThe Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1)2m 4f
4:05pmThe Randox Health Topham Steeple Chase (Grade 3)2m 5f
4:40pmThe Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 13m ½f
5:15pmThe Park Palace Ponies Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys)2m 1f

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL DAY - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

TimeEventDistance
1:45pmThe EFT Construction Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 33m ½f
2:25pmThe Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)2m 4f
3:00pmThe Poundland Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 12m
3:35pmThe JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 13m ½f
4:15pmThe Betway Handicap Steeple Chase (Listed)3m 1f
5:15pmThe Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3)4m 2½f
6:20pmThe Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2)2m 1f

The history of the Grand National

How has the Grand National built up to become one of the biggest sporting and cultural events in Britain? How has its fame grown around the world. And how has the Grand National betting scene become one of the most talked about events in the sports betting calendar?

Staggeringly, the race itself was first run in 1839 and, with a couple of exceptions, has been run every year since. That makes it among the most long-established sporting events anywhere in the world, and its history is matched only by its enduring fame around the world in betting circles.

The Grand National has grown to become the richest steeplechase event in all of Europe, with the 2017 edition of the event handing out £1 million in prizes. And that’s just the start of the staggering numbers. In terms of TV viewing figures, the race is said to attract between 500 million and 600 million viewers in over 140 countries.  

And in terms of betting the numbers are as equally as impressive. For example, in the UK alone, more than £250 million was staked on the 2018 race, and it is estimated that 25% of adults in the UK wager on the race, with more than 30% of those punters placing a bet of more than £5. The fact is, people who would never usually have a bet do when it comes to the Grand National. 

Famous Grand National winners

As is to be expected from such a famous race, there have been many iconic winners of the Grand National down the years. There are plenty of horses, jockeys, trainers and owners whose names have gone down in Grand National history, but there are few whose reputations are as far reaching as these Grand National treasures: 

Mr Frisk

The 1990 winner of the Grand National, no horse has ever completed two laps faster that this flier, whose time of 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds has never been bettered, despite the fact the course was made 342 yards shorter in 2013. 

George Stevens

The only jockey to win the event five times, Stevens achieved the feat between 1856 and 1870.

Fionavon

More than a few outsiders have won the race down the years, but none it quite such unbelievable circumstances as the 1967 winner. The 100/1 rank outsider was so unfancied that even his owner did not attend the race, stole a march on his rivals were caught in disruption at the 23rd fence. Foinavon, who was well back before that melee, went on to win while others hunted him down in vain. The victory is so famous, that the 7th/23rd fence is still named for the unlikely champion. 

Red Rum

Perhaps the most famous horse in Grand National history, Red Rum, trained by the well-known Ginger McCain, still holds the record of being the only horse to have won the event on three separate occasions in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Add to that the fact the horse also finished second in 1975 and 1976 and you can truly appreciate the achievements of this iconic equine. 

Ginger McCain

The legendary trainer of Red Rum, McCain also led Amberleigh House to success in 2004, thus becoming one of only three trainers to ever have four wins in the event. 

Rachel Blackmore

Current jockey Rachel Blackmore holds the distinction of being the very first female jockey winner of the great event, claiming success in the 2021 edition on Minella Times. 

Manifesto

A two-time winner of the race, Manifesto is also distinguished as being the only horse to feature in the event no fewer than eight times. 

Tiger Roll

A recent two-time champion at the Grand National (in 2018 and 2019), Tiger Roll also holds the distinction of being a five-time winner at the Cheltenham Festival. 

Grand National Course at Aintree

When it comes to courses, they don’t come much tougher than the National Hunt cross country style course at Aintree where the Grand National is run. It is notoriously tough, and as a result, more than half the field usually don’t finish. That’s just one of the reasons why successful Grand National betting can be so tricky.

For a start, the course can accommodate 152,000 spectators, which is a serious crowd roaring you on around the 4 mile 4 furlong course, which happens to be the longest in the UK. There are 30 fences in total, although 14 of those fences are tackled twice in what is a double circuit. And those fences consist of some of the largest and most notorious in the sport, with Becher’s Brook among the best known. Fence 6 (and 22) stands at a height of 4 feet and ten inches, but that only tells half the story, as the landing side is ten inches lower. No wonder jockeys have said it’s like jumping off the edge of the world. Indeed, this legendary fence accounts for 21% of fallers in the race. Fence 15 (The Chair) is even higher, although only 2% of runners have fallen here.  

The result is that the course at Aintree is notoriously challenging for horses and their riders. It’s little surprise to learn that, on average, 63% of the 40-strong field fail to complete the race, and the largest number of finishers ever registered was the 23 who crossed the line in 1985. Regularly that number is much small. Indeed, in 1928 only two horses finished, while disruption at fences has led to a host of famous and unexpected victories down the years, no more so than when Foinavon came in at 100/1 back in 1967.

Betting and the Grand National

Betting on the Grand National is not just another example of sports betting in Ireland and the UK. There are many who take a punt on the event who would never normally place a bet on another horse race, nor any other sport. Quite simply, betting on the Grand National transcends sport and betting, and has become somewhere of a national and cultural phenomenon in the UK, and to an extent Ireland too.

The statistics tell the story. For example, in the UK alone, more than £250 million was staked on the 2018 race, and it is estimated that 25% of adults in the UK wager on the race, with more than 30% of those punters placing a bet of more than £5. The fact is, people who would never usually have a bet do when it comes to the Grand National. 

And in terms of the most popular type of bet, it’s not even close. Due to the fact that there are up to 40 runners, and that the race is notoriously difficult to predict, it’s no surprise that 74% of Grand National punters will place an each way wager on the event, rather than going all out to win. That makes sense as it’s a case of hedging your bet. You may not win as big, but it greatly increases your chances of claiming some sort of price. Look out for bookmakers offering specials of extra places on the event too, which is an even bigger bonus in terms of bagging a return. 

How to Bet on the Grand National Online

Betting on the Grand National is a straightforward process, especially when you are looking to place online bets. 

Please note that to bet on the Grand National, or indeed any sporting event, you must first sign up with a sports betting site. There are literally hundreds of options, but fortunately BettingTop10 Ireland has a comprehensive review guide which can help you select the right bookmaker for you. Of course that also means a betting site that offers the opportunity to bet on horse racing and the Grand National. Fortunately, that means almost every Irish and British bookmaker, as well as plenty of others. 

So when you have founds the site that you wish to open an account with, click on the ‘join’ or ‘sign up’ button which is always prominent on the bookmaker’s landing page. 

Now just follow the simple instructions, entering the personal details that are prompted. Please also note that in order to satisfy anti-money laundering regulations, most reputable bookmakers will look for a proof of identity before your account becomes active. 

Once your account is active, simply navigate the site to find horse racing and, depending on how long it is before the Grand National is due to take place, look for the ‘futures’ or ‘ante-post’ options which offer you the possibility to place a bet on big upcoming events. However, as the race gets closer, expect the betting sites to have Grand National betting prominently placed on their site, and the market options plus bonuses and additional features all clearly listed. Now it’s just a case of adding your selection to your bet slip, selecting your stake, and then placing your bet.  

Just an example, all of these prominent and fully licences bookmakers are all great options for betting on the Gran National: 

  • BoyleSports
  • 22bet
  • Bet365
  • PaddyPower
  • QuinnBet
  • Ladbrokes
  • William Hill
  • BetVictor
  • Betfred
  • UnitBet

Betting options and betting markets at the Grand National

When it comes to betting on the Grand National, there are a few options that prove most popular. Here we run through those options:

To win betting

One of the most popular, but most difficult bets to win, is the ‘to win’ bet which, as the name suggests, is about selecting the horse that you think will win the race. With up to 40 runners, that’s no easy task, and is why odds on even the favourite are often out past 8/1 or 9/1. 

To place bet

Places in a horse race are usually first, second and third, but these places can be extended out depending on the sze of the field. When you place a bet on a horse to place, the odds are usually much lower than if you back the horse to win only, and you win the same amount (the ‘place’ odds) no matter if your horse finishes first, second or third.  

Each way

Because it is so difficult to predict the winner of the Grand National, most punters – up to 75% of them – prefer to back an each way  bet. An each way bet is in fact a double bet wrapped up in one – you are placing a bet on the horse to win or to place. As you can imagine, the odds are reduced here, and you receive less winnings depending on which position the horse finishes. This can be complicate to calculate, but can offer a more realistic chance of a return. Please note that because an each way bet is a double bet, your stake is doubled. 

Top 5 or top 10 finish bet

Just as it sounds, some of the very best Grand National bookmakers offer up the chance to bet on a partial horse finishing in the top 5 or top 10 places. Often these bets form part of the antepost market.

Live betting

With the advancements in technology and the increase in popularity in live betting, particularly through mobile apps, Grand National live betting has become extremely popular, especially as it can allow punters to stay in the game even if their selected horse goes down at the first fence which, in the Grand National at least, is always a possibility.  

When betting on the Grand National, keep an eye on specials such as extra places (often extended out to the fourth, fifth or sixth-placed finisher) and other promotions such as your money back in the form of a free bet if your horse finishes second to the starting price favourite. And make sure you get the best odds on that outcome by shopping around, using a Grand National oddschecker site, or simply going best odds guaranteed with bookies that offer this. 

Top betting sites to bet on Grand National

So what are the best Grand National betting Ireland and UK sites? Most betting operators will offer up the chance to bet on the Grand National, but doesn’t mean you should just go with them. Indeed, at BettingTop10 Ireland we pride ourselves on rating and ranking the best sites depending on particular needs. So when it comes to betting on Aintree, these are our favourite Grand National betting sites:

Paddy Power

This fun-loving Irish bookmaker provides all the types of markets and bets that Irish sports fans love, so it’s no surprise that this bookie’s Grand National package is top notch, with dedicated promotions and bonuses alongside the rake of great standard options including best odds guaranteed. Get live streaming, dedicated mobile apps and more besides.

Bet £10 and get it back as cash if your wager loses

Boylesports

Another Irish bookmaker, BoyleSports cannot be bettered when it comes to the Grand National for reasons including the brilliant array of horse racing bonuses and standards such as best odds guaranteed, extra places and more. Throw in the great live betting experience and live streaming and you have an all-round winner.

Deposit €10 Get €40

Bet365

bet365 Casino Review

Perhaps the benchmark for horse racing betting, as well as a brilliant array of markets, bet365’s Grand National betting package can include free bets and bonuses, live streaming, stats services and more besides. 

Bet €10 & Get €50 in Free Bets

Grand National Betting offers

As one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, the Grand National offers up plenty of betting offers, specials, promotions and bonuses. It’s always best to shop around here, but for your benefit we run through some of the most popular types of Grand National betting offers:

Bet odds guaranteed

As the name suggests, Best Odds Guaranteed means that the odds you secure on your chosen outcome will not be beaten by another betting operator. A few of the top horse racing sites offer this special throughout the year on many of the events in Ireland and the UK, and is a must for when you’re betting on the Grand National. 

Extra places

For traditional horse races of a field 8-20 runners, a place bet usually secures you a win if your hose finishes in the first, second or third position. Unlike a win bet, you win on three different outcomes, but of course the odds are reduced. However, when a sports betting site offers Grand National extra places, that means that your place bet, or each way bet, could still come in if your horse finishes fourth, fifth or even sixth, depending on the particular offer.

Money back if your horse finishes second to starting price winner

A popular type of horse racing promotion, some of the top bookies offer your money back in the form of a free bet if your horse finishes second to the horse that is the pre-event favourite. 

Free bets

Some bookmakers, either as part of a new customer welcome bonus, or just as an event special, will offer free bets to be placed on the Grand National. Please note that Grand National free bets will have particular terms and conditions attached to them that you should check out before you proceed. 

Grand National Free Bets

As previously mentioned, some of the top sports betting operators, particularly Irish and British bookmakers, like to attract new and existing customers with event specials. Grand National free bets are, as you can imagine, a major draw.

How you qualify for a Grand National free bet can vary. Some betting sites will offer this as an enticement for signing up as a new customer. Others will offer it a loyalty bonus for being a customer, or having a certain amount deposited in your account. There can be other qualifying criteria too.

As far as the scope of the free bet, this can vary greatly too. Sometimes there are very few restrictions to the free bet, other than the amount that you can place. Sometimes the markets that you can bet on are restricted, and usually the free bet cannot be used in conjunction with other bonuses, such as extra places. It’s always your best option to check out the terms and conditions that accompany your Grand National free bet, but in most cases these are great bonuses that can really boost your enjoyment of betting on the Grand National.

Bookmakers that offer up free bets for the event usually announce and market these heavily in the weeks leading up to the event, but keep an eye on Irish and UK bookies in particular who love offering up Grand National Free bets, including: 

Top Grand National Free Bets for 2024

Free bets are an age-old promotion run by most bookmakers in order to entice in new customers. As the Grand National approaches expect UK and Ireland bookmakers in particular to target their welcome bonuses to the event itself. If they don’t, it’s still important to understand that pretty much any sports betting site free bet offer related to a welcome new customer bonus can be utilized on the Grand National. Some great current examples include: 

  • BoyleSports: A new customer exclusive of bet €10 and get €40 in free bets 
  • 22Bet: Get 100% up to €122 as a new user welcome bonus
  • 10bet: 50% matches bonus up to €100 for new customers
  • PaddyPower: €40 in free bets when you place a €10 sportsbook bet
  • Bet365: Bet €10 and get €50 in free bets 

Nearer to the event, bookmakers will start sharpening their Grand National free bet offers to existing customers. These may take the shape of promotional giveaways available to all, or free Grand National bets that are secured through qualifying bets. As ever, terms and conditions will apply and maximum stake limits will be set.

Best Apps for betting on Grand National

For a truly interactive betting experience on handheld devices, dedicated mobile apps are now a must for even casual bettors. With the introduction of live betting on the Grand National, for example, having a responsive app that can allow you to place bets quickly and securely has become a top priority. Fortunately some of the best Grand national bookmakers also have dedicated mobile apps for their offerings. The very best include: 

  • Paddy Power: With Paddy’s dedicated Android and iOS apps customers can avail of the full plethora of PaddyPower bonuses, featured, interactive betting experiences and more. This really is a first class app that will only enhance your betting experience on the Grand National. And Paddy Power Grand National odds can be among the best in the business.  
  • Boylesports: One of the very best sports betting sites for horse racing, BoyleSports has extensive coverage of the Grand National and brings all of its offers and dedicated featured to its native Android and iOS apps. 
  • Bet365: The award-winning bet365 app has all the extensive features and markets of the slick bet365 site and is a winner for betting on the Grand National with, especially in relation to love betting markets.  
  • 22bet: The native Android and iOS 22bet apps bring all the joy of the desktop site to mobile, which means an almost unrivalled number of markets across a huge number of sports, as well as on the Grand National. 

Grand National Live Streaming Betting Sites

In the UK and Ireland at least, watching the Grand National love on television is not an issue as free-to-air TV channels will always broadcast what is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Indeed, whatever country you are in, chances are you will find a station broadcasting the race that had an estimated TV viewership of between 500 and 600 million in recent years, spread across more than one hundred countries. 

But should you wish to live stream the event through a bookmaker, then you will get the chance to too with some of the very best Grand National live streaming sites, including: 

  • Bet365 Grand National live streaming
  • BoyleSports Grand National live streaming
  • PaddyPower Grand National live streaming
  • Unibet Grand National live streaming  

Grand National Best Odds Guaranteed

 A smart tip for betting on the Grand National, or indeed any horse race, is doing so through a sports betting operator that offers best odds guaranteed promotions.

Just as this offer sounds, it offers up the opportunity to secure the best numbers on a particular outcome, which can rally help to maximize any returns. Best odds can be checked on Grand National odds comparison sites, but bookmakers that offer guaranteed best odds will regularly update their odds to make sure they are reflective of the most competitive odds on the market. 

Bookmakers that enjoy offering up Best Odds Guaranteed on Irish and UK races in general, as well as Grand National best odds guaranteed, include: 

  • BoyleSports best odds guaranteed
  • QuinnBet best odds guaranteed
  • Betway best odds guaranteed
  • Marathonbet best odds guaranteed
  • Bet365 ITV racing best odds guaranteed
  • Betfair best odds guaranteed
  • PaddyPower best odds guaranteed

Aintree Grand National Betting Tips

Grand National betting attracts any number of approaches. Indeed, it is estimated that more than 40% of bettors in the UK alone place their bet on the winning horse based on nothing more than liking the name of the runner, while nearly 20% will base their choice based on the colour of the runner alone.

Of course it will come as little surprise that these approaches don’t bring much success. But it is also apparent in the Grand National – perhaps more than any other race – that luck has a part to play simply because of the unforgiving nature of the course. Indeed, 63% of the 40-strong field will not even finish the race, with the largest number of finishers ever registered was the 23 who crossed the line in 1985. Indeed, in 1928 only two horses finished.

With these kinds of facts and figures in mind, here are a few Grand National betting tips to consider before wagering on the big race.

  • Study the form: It is estimated that only 12% of punters study the form before placing a bet on the Grand National. Although there is luck involved, that luck can be enhanced by knowing the quality of the horses involved and their track records in the build up to the race.
  • Know your stats: Did you know that the favourites win rate at the Grand National is just 15%, well down on most other major racing events. And did you know that more 9-year-olds (27%) win the race than any other age of horse. Add in the fact that the average weight of a horse winning the race since 1998 is 10-03 and you can see exactly why numbers count. 
  • Consider each way: With the unpredictable nature of the Grand National race, covering your risk is a good approach, and each way betting allows this. Although the returns may not be as attractive, it also raises the possibility of coming away with something.
  • Use bookmaker promotions: To further lessen risk and boost returns, make sure you avail of bookmaker offers such as Best odds guaranteed, to boost winnings, and the provision of extra places to shorten the odds of you actually getting a return from the race. 
  • Get in early: Betting odds for Grand National are available months in advance, and you can get some of the best prices early. 

2024 Grand National Betting Odds (Ante-Post / Futures)

The Grand National antepost (futures) market is one of the biggest in the business, with many punters keen to get on horses early before their odds lower approaching the race. For that reason, most of the very best Grand National bookmakers will offer up the option to place a bet on the winner of the event, and perhaps some additional bets, long before the race takes place in April. Grand National 2022 odds were available literally months before the event, and it’s the same for 2023. Here are the selected odds of the current 10 favourites as provided by bet365: 

  • Noble Yeats – 11/1
  • Corach Rambler – 12/1
  • Any Second Now – 16/1
  • Gaillard Du Mesnil – 16/1
  • Hewick – 16/1
  • Mr Incredible – 16/1
  • Longhouse Poet – 20/1
  • Delta Work – 20/1
  • Le Milos – 20/1
  • Ashtown Lad – 20/1

Runners and riders in the Grand National Ante-Post / Futures market 2024

As one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, the Grand National is a feature of antepost (futures) markets on all the top bookmakers that offer this option. Punters get the opportunity to back a horse to win long before the April running of the event, and this adds to the enormous amount of money that is spent by casual and serious punters alike on this most iconic of races. Here is the full list of potential runners and riders as it stands, with the field set to be whittled down to a maximum of 40 runners: 

Horse, weight, ranking:

  1. Any Second Now 11st 12lb (167)
  2. Conflated 11st 12lb (167)
  3. Hewick 11st 12lb (167)
  4. Galvin 11st 11lb (166)
  5. Noble Yeats 11st 11lb (166)
  6. Envoi Allen 11st 8lb (163)
  7. Royale Pagaille 11st 8lb (163)
  8. Fury Road 11st 6lb (161)
  9. Capodanno 11st 5lb (160)
  10. The Big Dog 11st 5lb (160)
  11. 11 Delta Work 11st 4lb (159)
  12. Sam Brown 11st 4lb (159)
  13. Franco De Port 11st 3lb (158)
  14. Lifetime Ambition 11st 3lb (158)
  15. Carefully Selected 11st 1lb (156)
  16. Chris's Dream 11st (155)
  17. Coko Beach 11st (155)
  18. Gaillard Du Mesnil 11st (155)
  19. Longhouse Poet 11st (155)
  20. * Minella Times 11st (155) – RETIRED
  21. Darasso 10st 13lb (154)
  22. Burrows Saint 10st 12lb (153)
  23. Pencilfulloflead 10st 12lb (153)
  24. Ga Law 10st 11lb (152)
  25. Happygolucky 10st 11lb (152)
  26. Le Milos 10st 11lb (152)
  27. Quick Wave 10st 11lb (152)
  28. The Shunter 10st 11lb (152)
  29. Escaria Ten 10st 10lb (151)
  30. Farclas 10st 10lb (151)
  31. Remastered 10st 10lb (151)
  32. The Big Breakaway 10st 10lb (151)
  33. Threeunderthrufive 10st 9lb (150)
  34. Cape Gentleman 10st 8lb (149)
  35. Cilaos Emery 10st 8lb (149)
  36. Diol Ker 10st 8lb (149)
  37. Roi Mage 10st 8lb (149)
  38. A Wave Of The Sea 10st 6lb (147)
  39. Minella Trump 10st 6lb (147)
  40. Vanillier 10st 6lb (147)
  41. Velvet Elvis 10st 6lb (147)
  42. Ain't That A Shame 10st 5lb (146)
  43. Corach Rambler 10st 5lb (146)
  44. Enjoy D'Allen 10st 5lb (146)
  45. Lord Lariat 10st 5lb (146)
  46. Ash Tree Meadow 10st 4lb (145)
  47. Battleoverdoyen 10st 4lb (145)
  48. Cloudy Glen 10st 4lb (145)
  49. Gin On Lime 10st 4lb (145)
  50. Mister Coffey 10st 4lb (145)
  51. Mr Incredible 10st 4lb (145)
  52. Ashtown Lad 10st 3lb (144)
  53. Gabbys Cross 10st 2lb (143)
  54. Hill Sixteen 10st 2lb (143)
  55. Eva's Oskar 10st 1lb (142)
  56. Rapper 10st 1lb (142)
  57. Recite A Prayer 10st 1lb (142)
  58. Death Duty 10st (141)
  59. Dunboyne 10st (141)
  60. 60 Francky Du Berlais 10st (141)
  61. Frontal Assault 10st (141)
  62. Our Power 10st (141)
  63. Sporting John 10st (141)
  64. Back On The Lash 9st 13lb (140)
  65. Fortescue 9st 13lb (140)
  66. Defi Bleu 9st 12lb (139)
  67. Born By The Sea 9st 10lb (137)
  68. Gevrey 9st 10lb (137)
  69. Milan Native 9st 10lb (137)
  70. Punitive 9st 10lb (137)
  71. Captain Kangaroo 9st 8lb (135)
  72. Darrens Hope 9st 8lb (135)
  73. Fakiera 9st 8lb (135)
  74. Mortal 9st 8lb (135)
  75. Captain Cattistock 9st 5lb (132)
  76. Fantastikas 9st 5lb (132)
  77. Secret Reprieve 9st 5lb (132)
  78. Glamorgan Duke 9st 1lb (128) 

Grand National Statistics and Results

With a race of the prestige, popularity and history of the Grand National, there’s no surprise that there are some stunning statistics associated with the event. Here are some of the headliners: 

1839 - Was the year that the Grand National was first officially held.  

40 - The maximum number of runners that are now allowed to participate in the event. 

66 - The largest ever field for the Grand National, back in 1929 

8 - minutes, 47.8 seconds

Mr Frisk’s whining time from 1990, still a course record. 

23 - The most horses to reach the finishing line in a 40-horse field. This feat was achieved in 1984. 

100/1 - The longest odds of any horse to win the Grand National. This has occurred five times, with Mon Mome being the most recent in 2009.

£500,000 - The current prize money for the winner of the race.  

3 - Only one horse has ever won the Grand National 3 times  - the legendary red Rum in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

5 - The most wins by a single jockey, George Stevens back in the 19th Century.

2021 - The first time a female jockey won the event – Rachel Blackmore on Minella Times. 

2022 - Grand National 2022 betting figures were up on 2021, meaning a healthy return to business as normal following the non-running of the event previously due to the pandemic. 

Cheltenham and the Grand National

In the UK at least, the Grand National is only rivalled in prestige and interest by the world famous Cheltenham Festival, held in the March each year. The feature race of the four-day festival is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but even that race cannot really compete in sheer one-off hype with the National, which grips even those persons who would normally not even have the slightest interest in horse racing or even sports betting. It transcends the sport in a way that Cheltenham cannot really boast.

But there are links between the two world-famous festivals, not least because as Cheltenham only occurs a matter of weeks before the Aintree meeting, performance in the west of England are often a good precursor to what will happen at the famous old course just outside Liverpool.

Recent two-time Champion Tiger Roll is a great case in point. The iconic horse used Cheltenham as a serious proving ground, not least in the Cross Country Chase which has long been talked about as a great indicator of what might happen at Aintree. Indeed, the Irish-born thoroughbred won the Cross Country Chase on no fewer than three occasions, in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The first two of those wins were not long proceeded by success at Aintree.

Another major connection between the two famous meetings at Cheltenham and Aintree is their popularity with sports betting fans and the operators themselves. Most major Irish and UK bookmakers will run dedicated promotions for the events and expect a host of Grand National free bets and other offers to attract the punters as race days approach.

Other Grand Nationals (Irish Grand National, Welsh Grand National, Scottish Grand National)

Although the Grand National has become so famous as to not necessarily require any further clarification, it is definitely not correct to say that this is the only event of its kind/ Indeed, the Aintree Grand National – England’s Grand National – is one of a number of similar events which feature prominently in the racing calendar of Ireland and the UK. Here are the other ‘nationals’ that enjoy plenty of prestige and betting attention:

Irish Grand National

Run on Easter Monday each year, the Irish Grand National is a prominent event in the Irish National Hunt season. Run over 3 miles and 5 furlongs, it forms a major part of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. Four horses have completed the ‘double’ of the Irish Grand National and Aintree Grand National, but never in the same year. Irish Grand National 2023 betting odds will be available on top horse racing betting sites now as Irish Grand National betting is among the most popular of the season.  

Welsh Grand National

Run at Chepstow, the Welsh Grand National is a prominent event in the winter season, taking place on the 27th December each year. The Welsh Grand National is often seen as an informative precursor to events the following year, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National. Famously, the Jenny Pitman-trained Corbiere claimed the 1982 Welsh National, followed by the English version just four months later. 

Scottish Grand National

Held during Ayr racecourse’s two-day Grand National Festival in April each year, the Scottish Grand National is the northern equivalent and is competed over a distance of 4 miles and features 27 fences. There are several horses who have triumphed in the Scottish National and its English equivalent, but only one which has achieved the feat in the same year. The horse? The legendary Red Rum in 1974. 

Grand National FAQs

Where can I bet on the Grand National?

Any sports betting site that covers horse racing will offer the opportunity to bet on the Grand National. As one of the biggest horse races on the planet, expect the event to be covered in the ate-post (futures) markets of all leading sports betting operators, especially those in Ireland and the UK.

What are popular bets on the Grand National?

Like most races, popular Grand National bets include to win, each way and horses to place. However, because the National is one of the biggest events in racing, expect any number of additional pre-event and live markets offered up by sports betting sites.

What are the best bookmakers to bet on the Grand National with?

Irish and UK bookies are definitely among the best Grand National betting sites, with the likes of Paddy Power and BoyleSports leading the way with quality odds matched with the very best Grand National betting promotions, live streaming and more.

What are the best betting offers on the Grand National?

Betting offered on the Grand National include Best odds guaranteed with BoyleSports, Grand National sign up welcome bonuses, boosted odds, returns if your horse loses to the starting price favourite, and more. 

What are best odds guaranteed on the Grand National?

Best odds guaranteed is a promotion offered by many of the best Grand National betting sites whereby if the bookmaker will match the longest odds on a runner (pre-event) as offered by any other operator. In this way you know you are securing the best odds on the horse.