It’s seen by many as the most testing horse race in the world. The Grand National tests all elements of a horse and jockey’s skill set. Speed is clearly needed, but the winner of this prestigious race must also lead the pack in terms of jumping and endurance.
It’s one of the biggest events in the sport, but how much do we know about the Grand National?
Favourites for 2023
In the UK, if a casual bettor places just one wager in the calendar year, it’s almost certain to involve the Grand National. The sports betting industry currently expects around £650 million GBP to be staked every year.
In 2023, Grand National bets are focusing on two favourites: Coach Rambler is at 8/1 while Noble Yeats, who won this race 12 months ago, is just behind at 9/1. The full declaration will continue to adjust in the days leading up to the off.
Beyond the favourites, there are some promising outsiders in contention too. Many Grand National betting tips are also pointing towards Conflated, a 22/1 shot who showed up well at the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The National, as a race that unites serious bettors and casual punters alike, is clearly vital for the sector.
A Global Viewing Hit
The Grand National may be one of the UK’s biggest sporting events, but it’s a big hit all over the word. In Great Britain alone, figures have shown that some 10 million people tune in to watch the race, either online or via the main broadcaster.
Globally, those numbers increase to a staggering 500 million. In short, it’s one of the most important sporting institutions in the whole world. Those figures compare favourably with other races such as the Melbourne Cup which claims around 1.5 million viewers.
We should remember that many thousands more will attend the race in person. Whether they are staking on the outcome or simply taking in the entertainment, those viewers prove the global popularity of this important race.
A Fitting Tribute
The most successful runner in the history of the Grand National is also one of just a few horses to receive a burial. The great Red Rum produced a stunning hat trick of wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and he became something of a media personality as a result.
As he approached the starting line in 1977, he was 12 years of age and rated as an outside 20/1 shot. Those advancing years could have been an issue but, with favourite Andy Pandy falling early, Red Rum was able to take full advantage. He came home in an emotional win to complete the first, and so far only hat trick of wins in this race.
When Red Rum died in 1995, the story was the lead item in many UK national newspapers.
The Race that Never Was
Perhaps the most famous running of the Grand National failed to go down in the official records. In 1993, a false start was called, but many runners failed to notice.
30 of the 39 horses completed two laps of the course while Esha Ness, ridden by John White, led a number of runners past the winning post. Elation turned to heartbreak for the jockey, who had started as a 50/1 outsider. The race was chalked off the records and this is the only time in history that the Grand National has been declared void.
