The Grand National is arguably the biggest horse race in the world. Held annually at Aintree, the National Hunt handicap steeplechase dates back to 1839. With a prize pool of over £1 million, it comes as no surprise that this is the one that all owners, trainers and jockeys want to win. The action takes place over 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs. The excitement makes it compelling viewing, while it also attracts millions of betting customers. Grand National betting is a big deal, being the biggest date in the diary for online bookmakers.
Looking for the best bookies for Grand National betting? This page delivers everything there is to know about the race, including the leading Grand National betting sites. Readers will find Grand National betting tips and the best Grand National betting offers.
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Those placing bets on the Grand National will also potentially find themselves in the position to claim free bets. Free bets can be on offer to those placing a certain number of qualifying bets or as part of a money back offer. Each will come with its own set of terms and conditions and wagering requirements. In terms of the best Grand National betting offers, the following free bet promotions rank high, with some also being eligible for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival:
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Before you can take advantage of the best Grand National betting offers, it is important to understand exactly how the process works. Using the free bet offer on a BetVictor app as an example, the following is a step by step guide for punters to follow:
Grand National betting sites are often separated by the prices offered to punters. Odds will fluctuate in the build up to race day. However, even the smallest difference can have an impact upon potential winnings. Many Grand National betting sites offer best odds guaranteed. This means that you will receive the best possible odds, even if the starting price is greater than when you wagered. Whether it be Grand National place betting or Grand National ante post betting, punters will want to know that they are taking advantage of the best odds. When it comes to betting on the Grand National, the following are the best bookmakers when for leading prices:
Cloth Cap @ 4-1 (5.0) (QuinnBet)
Burrows Saint @ 9-1 (10.0) (Betfred)
Any Second Now @ 11-1 (12.0) (MansionBet)
Minella Times @ 12-1 (13.0) (QuinnBet)
Kimberlite Candy @ 12-1 (13.0) (MansionBet)
Secret Reprieve @ 14-1 (15.0) (Spreadex)
Discorama @ 18-1 (19.0) (Betfred)
Magic of Light @ 20-1 (21.0) (Spreadex)
The Storyteller @ 20-1 (21.0) (QuinnBet)
Farclas @ 22-1 (23.0) (MansionBet)
25-1 (26.0) Bar. Prices correct at time of information.
Grand National online betting comes with a variety of markets. Selecting the best betting site for Grand National wagers is tricky, due to the number which now offer different options. The following are the markets which generally attract the most attention from horse racing fans and punters:
One of the most popular methods of betting for Grand National is to back which horse you believe will win the big race. While this is risky, given the large number of runners and riders, the potential rewards are significant. Each entrant is offered a price to come out on top, which will likely change right up until race day. Ante post bets are placed before the final race card is announced. While the odds can be more appealing when betting in advance, punters risk losing their stake if their pick doesn’t end up featuring at Aintree. The final lineup is announced shortly before race day. This is why many Grand National betting sites offer no runner no bet promotions.
Visit SBK for ‘win only’ bets
Grand National place betting gives punters a little more insurance. Betting on the Grand National winner is difficult. Here, winnings will be received if your pick finishes in a place position, normally between 1-4. Some Grand National betting sites offer extra places, meaning earnings are available on those finishing in 5th and 6th positions sometimes. Winnings on each way bets are paid out at 1/4 or ⅕. The higher the finish, the bigger the returns.
Visit QuinnBet for ‘each way’ bets
Betting on the winner and runner up is increasingly popular, however punters must be aware that they must get it on the right order when placing a forecast bet. With horses often changing positions multiple times during the run in, it takes good horse racing knowledge and luck to pull this bet off.
Visit Spreadex for ‘forecast’ bets
Many bettors will stake a small amount on a tricast. This bet type involves predicting which runner will finish in first, second and third place, in the correct order. The likelihood of this bet winning is small. A number of other tote betting options are available, including exactas and swingers.
Visit MansionBet for ‘tricast’ bets
The Grand National is unlike any other horse race in the world. However, it’s unpredictable nature makes betting on the race difficult. Many of the starting race card will not make it to the end of the race. So, how can punters give themselves the best possible chance of beating the bookies when it comes to Grand National betting? The following tips will help you on the way!
It is not uncommon for certain horses and jockeys to regularly do well at the Grand National. So, be sure to keep a close eye on those who have good history at Aintree. Tiger Roll won the race in both 2018 and 2019, while others have regularly finished in placed positions. So, look at the last five Grand Nationals and consider anyone who may be running in 2021 too.
Picking the winner from a field of 40 is tricky. As such, it is a lot safer to place each way bets. Focusing on runners who have a history of being sound jumpers and proven stayers could well be worthwhile. Backing a small number of runners with such bets could well bring about positive returns, especially when extra place offers are in play at Grand National betting sites.
Betting on the favourites is often costly for punters. Over recent years, very few favourites have won the Grand National. So, instead look out for lesser known names who could achieve a place finish. The favourites in Grand National betting are generally priced at between 10/1 and 12/1. Such odds do not generally deliver good value, given the risks involved.
Before placing any bets on the Grand National, take time to search for the best prices. There is nothing stopping you signing up at more than one Grand National betting site. It can also be worthwhile waiting until race day to place bets. Odds comparison sites make it easy to see who is currently offering the best betting odds.
The Grand National is the pinnacle for any horse racing trainer. While big name jockeys often struggle at Aintree, this is not always the case with trainers. As such, looking at the experience of trainers and owners is also worthwhile. For example, champion trainer Gordon Elliott won with Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.
Aintree Racecourse was first opened in 1829. Based in Liverpool, the Grand National takes place annually at Aintree. The race is held over a distance of 4 miles and 777 yards. The course features 16 fences, with two laps deciding the winner. The Grand National was first held at Aintree in 1839, with 75,000 fans now being able to attend. Red Rum holds the record for the most Grand National wins (3). Meanwhile, the most horses to ever finish the race was 23 in 1984. In terms of recent winners, the table below provides all relevant details:
For those in the UK, the Grand National broadcast live by ITV. Millions tune in each year to watch the race, hoping to see their pick romp home for victory. However, a select number of Grand National betting sites also stream the race live. For punters looking to watch the race via their online bookie, the following UK betting sites are worth checking out:
The Grand National is one of the oldest and most famous horse races in the world, ranked even higher than the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. While its history is almost unrivalled, it has become one of the most popular sporting events for betting customers in recent years. The Grand National is big business for bookmakers, with the majority of punters backing their favourite runners and riders online. So, whether you are looking to bet on Ladbrokes Trophy winner Cloth Cap to come out on top or 1000/1 rank outsider Yorkhill with an each way bet, this Grand National betting guide provides everything there is to know. Be sure to check out the Grand National betting sites listed, with each being completely safe and legal.
The 2021 Grand National will take place at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, 10th April. The race is scheduled to get underway at 5.15pm.
Grand National ante post odds are introduced by online bookmakers almost as soon as the race is over. As a result, punters can back runners up to 12 months in advance in many cases. Prices will fluctuate right up until race day.
Many Grand National betting tips are written by horse racing experts, including owners, trainers and jockeys. However, there are no guarantees that tips will help you in placing winning bets.
Yes! While wagering on the Grand National is enjoyable and exciting, the main goal is to win money. However, the nature of the race means that this is not easy.
Yes. ITV streams the race live online, while a handful of Grand National betting sites also cover the famous event. Those looking to watch it via their bookie will have to place a qualifying bet.
Each way bets are the wager of choice for many. Such bets give punters more insurance, with winnings being granted to those backing placed finishers. However, race winner bets and tote betting is also popular.
Yes. All of our recommended Grand National betting sites offer some form of welcome offer. Meanwhile, free bet, money back and enhanced odds offers are also introduced in the build up to the race.
The course at Aintree is 4 miles and 2 ½ furlongs in distance. Runners and riders must navigate two laps and 30 fences.
James is a freelance writer who specialises in the world of sports and iGaming, producing engaging and accurate content for online publications, including news articles, reviews, press releases and social media marketing.
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