Foolproof guide on how to bet
There are 40 horses competing in the Grand National next Saturday. The race is 4.5 miles long and there are 30 obstacles to be jumped. There are 16 obstacles on the first circuit and 14 on second circuit. It's Europe's most valuable jump race with a prize fund of £1million. A total of $300 million is bet on National Day.
There are some important things to consider before deciding which horse to back.
The horses have to complete two laps around the Aintree Course and navigate 30 fences along the way. The horse that wins the Grand National needs to be a ‘stayer’ with proven stamina reserves over long distances.
The Grand National takes place at the beginning of April. The weather is unpredictable. Some horses prefer firm or good ground, others thrive on softer or heavy conditions.
Grand National winners are generally between 9 and 11 years old. Younger horses find it difficult to compete with 39 other horses. Older horses who have lost their physical edge don't have a chance.
The Grand National is a handicap race. Horses are assigned a weight to carry according to their performance. Anything over 11st warrants further inspection.
The form of the jockeys and trainers is important in the Grand National. The form and fitness of individual yards is also important.
The most popular way to bet on the Grand National is each-way. The horse you choose has to finish in the first four.
You can bet on the Grand National via the internet but many prefer to do it at the local betting shop.
On entering your local bookmakers, pick up a blank betting slip.
Foolproof guide on how to bet. Decide whether you want to put money on the winner or the place. Some bookmakers pay five or even six places each way in the Grand National.
The total stake for the Shutthefrontdoor 4.15 Aintree is £10.
The odds you get will be the official starting price, declared after the race. You can back the horse at the price currently offered by the bookmaker in the shop by telling the assistant you wish to "take the prices".
The assistant will give you back a copy of the betting slip to collect your winnings.
After placing a bet, you need to return to the bookmaker to present your betting slip.
Some of the most memorable betting stories from Grand National include Tommy Pickernell riding The Lamb to win the race in 1871 and Monty’s Pass coming first in 2003. Party Politics won the Grand Nats in 1992 and 2001. The online bookmaker launched a version of their site in China shortly before the National. All 2000 of them chose a horse called Red Marauder. The horse won by two and a half lengths.
