It’s the most important horse race on the UK calendar, and one of the most prestigious in the entire sport. The 2023 edition of the Grand National gets underway on Saturday April 15th and another strong field has been declared.
This is also a vital weekend for everyone involved in the sport. For those intending to watch the race, here’s what you need to know.
The Runners and Riders
The sports betting industry relies on the Grand National to produce a significant part of its overall revenue. This is the one race where serious members of the betting community unite with casual punters, with a view to placing a wager.
In 2023, it’s tight at the top of the market. Anyone interested can follow horse racing betting with Paddy Power where they will find Corach Rambler listed as the 11/2 favourite. Close behind at 7/1 is Noble Yeats who won here in 2022.
After a gap to the chasing pack, current Grand National 2023 odds list Delta Work at 10/1, followed by Mr Incredible at 12/1. There are many more options and nobody should rule out a surprise from within the list of underdogs.
Noble Yeats won in 2022 from a distance of 50/1, so shocks can occur. Whatever happens, there should be thrills and entertainment in what is one of the most historic events on the calendar.
Race History
The very first edition of the Grand National was held back in 1839. The race was won by a horse called Lottery in a lengthy finishing time which remains as a record for the slowest win here.
It took time for the National to become established, but the advent of televised coverage helped it to become a global spectacle. The challenge of negotiating 30 tough fences around two laps of this Aintree course makes for compelling viewing.
The Grand National always tends to produce a backstory to the winning horse and rider. The most famous horse across the whole 184-year history of the race is Red Rum. In 1973 and 1974, he won consecutive meetings, before becoming the only runner to complete a Grand National treble in 1977.
It’s unlikely that any of the horses in the 2023 edition will ever come close to matching that unique feat, but there are some strong runners. For those still looking for a likely winner, here are some trends to follow.
Trends to Spot
While there will never be any guarantees, previous results could offer some useful pointers for future races. In the case of the 2023 Grand National, there are some interesting trends to consider.
Firstly, is it worth looking for an Irish trainer? There are plenty to choose from, and trainers from the Republic of Ireland have enjoyed the most success in this race.
The majority of Grand National races are also won by runners aged eight and above. It suggests that experience is important, although most of those winning horses are taking part in the National for the first time.
It’s a tough race to call, but those indicators may just prove to be useful.