Sports Then and Now

One of the most iconic sporting events of the year is upon us – the Grand National. In horse racing terms it’s the biggest of the lot, with punters all around the world tuning in for what usually tends to be an incredible spectacle and a must-watch event, even for onlookers who aren’t usually into horse racing.

Held at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool, England, it’s a handicap steeplechase over 6.907 km with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps, with the winner receiving the most lucrative payout of any horse racing event anywhere in Europe, bringing home a staggering £1million in 2018.

With the 172nd edition of the race fast approaching, many punters are planning their long-term predictions in order to secure their bets and make a more profitable return in the process. There’s plenty of value to be found in the Grand National, partly because there are so many runners and any horse can reign supreme on the day, although that does make it incredibly hard to predict too.

Foinavon was victorious at 100/1 in 1967, Mon Mome won at 100/1 in 2009 and Auroras Encore won the coveted prize after being priced at 66/1 in 2013, proving that it really is anyone’s race. Tiger Roll, who won last year’s prize, perhaps bucked the usual trend slightly after being priced at 10/1, but that tends to be rarity, with a large number of unexpected winners in the history books.

Tiger Roll – 4/1

Last year’s winner and many people’s pick for this year’s race, Tiger Roll is impossible to rule out. The return of the Irish-bred Thoroughbred horse is perhaps not as appealing as others but the security is certainly there, with the strong contender expected to be a high finisher. After winning the Cross Country at Cheltenham, Tiger Roll is the understandable favourite as he looks to become the first back-to-back National winner since Red Rum, a legendary horse. Currently priced at 4/1 (bet365) to win, Tiger Roll is definitely the horse to beat.

Rathvinden – 12/1

One of the favourites, Rathvinden is a horse many experts feel could be the surprise package at this year’s Grand National. After winning last year’s National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and then coming out on top with an impressive victory in the Bobbyjo Chase last month, Rathvinden is a horse with a bit of momentum. Odds of 12/1 (Ladbrokes) represent excellent value for a horse more than capable of winning, with an even better return on the cards if you get a free Grand National bet from the team at Free Bets UK.

Lake View Lad – 16/1 After winning both of his races this season, Lake View Lad is an interesting shout heading into the Grand National. Odds of 16/1 (bet365) represent superb value for a horse with excellent stamina, capable of replicating his solid display at Cheltenham Festival

Yala Enki – 66/1

In the last three years, Yala Enki has only run once at less than 3 miles and was third in the Coral Welsh National in December. Certainly an outside bet, odds of 66/1 offer a brilliant return for a horse who has the stamina to do well in the Grand National and is more than capable of shocking the rest of the pack.

Red Infantry – 100/1

At 100/1, Red Infantry is a horse you might fancy taking a punt on as history has proven that any horse can win the Grand National, especially one like Red Infantry, who has pace to burn, is an excellent chaser and is related to the famous Red Marauder – a horse who had impressive power too and won the Grand National in 2001.