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Grand National Betting Sites

Written by Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.
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Find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated Grand National horse racing betting sites. Each bookmaker has been thoroughly checked by our team using real-money accounts.

  1. MyBookieRating: 4.9
  2. BovadaRating: 4.8
  3. XBetRating: 4.7
  4. EverygameRating: 4.6
  5. BetUSRRating: 4.5
  6. VaveRating: 4.4

Once you have familiarized yourself with the remarkable history of the Grand National and the betting options this major horse racing event provides, you need to choose a reliable online sportsbook to put your knowledge into practice. Based on several key features, we have conducted extensive research and present our selection of the Top 8 Grand National Betting Sites. All selected bookmakers have a proven record of providing a secure betting environment, so you do not have to worry about the safety of your funds and sensitive information. Keep reading and select the bookie that best suits your betting style and level of experience.

Grand National Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Grand National Betting Sites

SportsbookSports on OfferMin DepositMin WithdrawalMin BetBonusesBonus Wagering RequirementsIn-Play BettingLicenses
BovadaAmerican Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports•$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin Lightning•$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank Wire$0.50

• 75% Welcome Crypto Bonus up to $750
• 50% Welcome Fiat Deposit Bonus up to $250

5x deposit + bonus (both types of Welcome Bonus)

Yes

The Union of the Comoros

bet365Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports$/€5-10$/€5-10$/€0.10

Open Account Offer

Open an account with bet365 today and bet on a huge range of markets with the world’s favourite online sports betting brand.

Yes
888sportFootball, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports$/€10$/€10$/€0.10

Deposit and bet €10 and get €30 in Free Bets on First Bet

  • Min €10 deposit
  • Min odds 1.5 on any sports
  • 3x €10 Free Bet tokens valid for 7 days
Yes
Sports InteractionBasketball, Football, Tennis, Hockey, Soccer, eSports, and 30+ other sports$10$10$1

$500 No Sweat First Bet
125% Deposit Match Bonus up to $750

$500 No Sweat First Bet: $10 min deposit, bonus is granted if the user’s first bet does not win, bonus bet must be wagered within 7 days after claiming, minimum odds of 1.5
125% Deposit Match Bonus up to $750: WR of 6x the deposit and bonus amount (odds of 1.5), users have 60 days to meet the wagering requirements, $10 min deposit

Yes
EverygameFootball, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, and 17+ other sports$6 - $20$100 - $150$1

• 50% Sign-up Bonus up to $200, bonus code WELCOME200
• 4 x $100 free bets
• $50 Weekly Free Bet on Losing Parlay Bets

• 12x deposit + bonus amount at min. odds of -200 (1.5) (Sign-up Bonus)
• All free bets must be fully wagered

Yes

No official license information

UnibetHockey, Soccer, Cricket, eSports, Golf, and 30+ othersports€5€15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods€0.10

Welcome Offer:
Deposit €/£10, Receive €/£40

Welcome Offer:
3x the bonus amount

Yes
XBetBasketball, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MMA, Motor Sports, and 16 other sports• $45 - Mastercard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2Person• $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25)$2 ($100 for telephone bets)

• 50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200
• 100% Crypto Welcome Bonus up to $200
• 5% Crypto Re-Up Bonus up to $100
•7% Horse Rebate

• Min $50 Deposit; 10x Playthrough (50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200)
• Min Deposit $50; 10x Playthrough (100% Crypto Welcome Bonus up to $200)
• Min Deposit $50; 1x Playthrough (5% Crypto Re-Up Bonus up to $100)
• No playthrough requirement (7% Horse Rebate)

Yes

Costa Rica

BetOnlineHockey, Tennis, Soccer, Volleyball, and 24 other sports•Cards - $25; •Crypto - $10; •Money Orders - $300; •P2P - $100•Crypto - $20; •Wire Transfers and Courier Checks - $500; •P2P - $50; •Money Orders - $1,000•$1 online •$25 for phone wagers

Welcome Offer: 50% up to $250 in free bets and 100 free spins

•Minimum deposit of $50 with code FREE250
•1x wagering requirement
•Valid for 30 days
•Available to US players only

Yes

Panama Gaming Control Board

BetUSRFootball, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Basketball, Cricket, and 23 other sports• Bitcoin - $20 • P2P - $100• Bitcoin - $25 • Bank Wire - $100$1 ($0.50 for Exacta bets)

100% Welcome
Bonus up to
$1,500 plus 25 free spins

• 20x for sports
bonus
• 40x for casino
bonus
• $50 minimum
deposit

Yes

No licensing information

Best Grand National Betting Sites

  1. Bovada

    Bovada logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    The Union of the Comoros
    Min Deposit
    •$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin Lightning
    Min Withdrawal
    •$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank Wire
    Withdrawal Time
    • Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour • Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Bitcoin logoBitcoin Cash logoTether logoEthereum logoLitecoin logoVisa logoMastercard logoMatchPay logoBank Transfer logoCheck by Courier logoBovada Voucher logoBitcoin SV logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    •Live Chat: Yes •Email: service@bovada.lv •Phone: N/A
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileLinkedIn profile
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    • Well-established brand
    • 20+ sports
    • Decent selection of horse racing events
    • Various bonuses and promotions
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Curaçao licensing

    Bovada is a well-known sports betting brand among American punters. The bookie operates within the established Bodog family. Although it is intended for the US market, it offers a diverse portfolio that includes sports such as soccer, a common fixture on European betting platforms. However, its leading disciplines are basketball, baseball, American football, and, last but not least, horse racing, which has a separate section on the main betting site.

    The first things punters see when they enter Bovada’s racebook section are the next five races available for betting and a short selection of trending events. Each racing card includes the following information: starting positions, horse and jockey names, morning-line odds, and a drop-down menu containing the betting markets available for the event. Buttons for Win, Place, and Show are displayed by default, while the other options require a couple of additional clicks.

    Bovada aims to retain its existing users and attract new punters by providing a selection of promotional offers. Most are not restricted to particular sports, so you can take advantage of them even if you bet only on horse racing. The listed promotions include the Sports Welcome Bonus, Bitcoin Welcome Bonus, Refer-a-Friend promotion, and Rewards Program.

  2. bet365

    bet365 logo
    Visit Review
    Licenses
    Min Deposit
    $/€5-10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€5-10
    Withdrawal Time
    Cards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoSkrill 1-Tap logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoBank Transfer logoInstadebit logoiDebit logoAstropay logoInterac logoApple Pay logoMaestro logoiDeal logoKlarna  logoMiFinity logo
    Sponsorships
    UEFA Champions League
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes; Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com; Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
    Facebook profileX profileLinkedIn profile
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    • Multi-jurisdiction licensing
    • Various payment methods
    • Lots of horse racing events
    • Wide range of bet types
    • Loyalty program
    • Dedicated mobile applications

    bet365 is a well-regulated global sports betting operator with one of the largest registered user bases. The bookie holds licenses issued by the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Government of Gibraltar, as well as several local regulatory bodies.

    The accepted currencies and payment methods are tailored to the countries where the brand operates, making bet365 a preferred option for many betting enthusiasts. What is more, all transactions are fee-free unless currency conversion is involved. Cryptocurrencies cannot be used to fund betting accounts. However, this should not be a major concern, as the available e-wallets and online banking services allow instant deposits and withdrawals within 24 hours.

    Critics of online horse racing betting argue that it takes some of the thrill out of the pastime. However, several top bookmakers offer high-quality live streams that can add excitement when wagering from home. bet365 is one of those sportsbooks and offers a special feature for avid Grand National punters. Through its Price Promise feature, the bookie guarantees that it will offer the best odds on all Aintree races broadcast live on ITV. Special T&Cs apply, so check with bet365 for further details.

  3. 888sport

    888sport logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Min Deposit
    $/€10
    Min Withdrawal
    $/€10
    Withdrawal Time
    • Visa and Apple Pay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoNordea logoBank Transfer logoiDebit logoBoleto logoAstropay logoSofort logoecoPayz logoNeosurf logoWebMoney logoInstant banking logoInterac logoMuchBetter logoApple Pay logoRapid Transfer logoOp-Pohjola logoVerkkopankki logoPankkisiirto  logoLuxon Pay logo
    Sponsorships
    National Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FC
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A
    LinkedIn profile
    Chart loading...
    • Rich sports selection
    • Several language versions
    • Instant deposits
    • Extensive horse racing coverage
    • Live streaming for UK racing
    • Easy-to-use apps

    888sport is an award-winning gambling brand whose online sportsbook is a preferred platform for many betting enthusiasts around the globe. In addition to its A-to-Z list of featured disciplines, the bookie has separate buttons for the most popular sports, namely soccer, tennis, and horse racing. Given that 888sport covers numerous racing events across multiple tracks, it may not always be easy to find a particular race. In such cases, punters can use the handy search bar to search by sport, team, or competition.

    Fans of online sports wagering will be pleased with the large selection of disciplines available on both 888sport’s main betting site and its dedicated mobile applications. Furthermore, there are several sports-related promotions, including a welcome bonus, price enhancements, free-bet promotions, and others. If you want to diversify your online betting experience, you can wager on events presented in the Politics and Novelty Bets categories.

    Thanks to the extensive range of accepted deposit options, punters are likely to find at least one familiar payment method. Minimum and maximum transaction limits differ among the various methods. The lowest required deposit is $10, while the maximum threshold is tailored to the status of each account. There are fewer withdrawal methods, but they still provide sufficient choice, including bank cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and online banking services.

  4. Sports Interaction

    Sports Interaction logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Min Deposit
    $10
    Min Withdrawal
    $10
    Withdrawal Time
    • Bank cards - 3-5 banking days • E-wallets - within 8 hours • Bank Transfers - 3-5 bankig days • Instant Banking - instant
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoecoPayz logoPaysafecard logoNeosurf logoMuchBetter logoInterac Online logoiDebit logoInstadebit logoeCheck logoApple Pay logoInterac logo
    Sponsorships
    NHL
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes email: Contact Us Form Phone: N/A
    X profileInstagram profileYouTube chanelTikTok profile
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    • Superb industry reputation
    • User-friendly interface
    • Generous welcome bonus
    • Regular and virtual horse racing sections
    • Good selection of payment solutions
    • Extensive help page

    Established in 1997, Sports Interaction, also known as SIA, is a trustworthy online bookmaker geared exclusively toward the Canadian market. It holds licenses issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the Jersey Gambling Commission, which help ensure that its services are legitimate and that it provides a fair betting environment. All sensitive information is protected through end-to-end SSL encryption.

    Sports Interaction provides its registered users with a strong in-play section. When opened, it shows all events currently available for betting, with a separate tab for each sport. There is also a schedule covering the next five days, allowing you to plan your betting activity more easily. We like that events can be filtered not only by discipline and date but also by bet type. Thus, if punters prefer a specific betting market, such as the Trifecta in horse racing, they can find the available options within seconds.

    SIA has not developed a downloadable sports betting application, but this should not be a major concern because the web-based app is fully functional and does not sacrifice features, sports markets, bonuses, or payment methods. The available options include locally popular financial services such as iDebit, Interac, and Instadebit, in addition to widely accepted credit cards, prepaid vouchers, and other methods.

  5. Everygame

    Everygame logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    No official license information
    Min Deposit
    $6 - $20
    Min Withdrawal
    $100 - $150
    Withdrawal Time
    * Bitcoin and ecoPayz - 48 hours* Checks (the US only) - 5 business days* Bank wires - up to 15 business days* SEPA - up to 4 business days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoPaysafecard logoBank Transfer logoBitcoin logoLitecoin logoecoPayz logoeZeeWallet logoNeosurf logoBitcoin Cash logoDiscover logoAmerican Express logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Email: bet@everygame.eu Phone: Scheduled calls only
    X profile
    Chart loading...
    • Fast and secure transactions
    • Good selection of US horse races
    • Tempting bonuses and promotions
    • US punters accepted
    • No native applications
    • 24/7 customer support

    Casual bettors may be surprised to learn that Intertops, now known as Everygame, is one of the most experienced operators in online gambling. There is a simple reason for the potential confusion: on December 1, 2021, the well-known online bookmaker announced that it was rebranding as Everygame. The name change did not affect its ownership or range of services, but it supported the brand’s ambitions to establish a global presence.

    Like other established online bookmakers, Everygame knows that one of the first things punters investigate before joining a betting platform is the selection of bonuses and promotions. In this regard, the bookie provides a welcome bonus spread across the first three deposits, followed by several permanent and short-term incentives, as well as a traditional refer-a-friend promotion.

    Despite its stated desire to expand further into the European market, Everygame currently maintains a horse racing category that primarily covers events held at US tracks, such as Del Mar, Saratoga, and Monmouth Park. However, exceptions may be made for major races such as the Grand National, subject to an individual announcement shortly before the event begins.

  6. Unibet

    Unibet logo
    Review
    Licenses
    Min Deposit
    €5
    Min Withdrawal
    €15 - credit/debit cards; €10 - other methods
    Withdrawal Time
    Cards - 1 to 3 days; Direct Banking - 1 to 3 days; E-Wallets - up to 12 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoNeteller logoSkrill logoPayPal logoPaysafecard logoTrustly logoBank Transfer logoMaestro logoVisa Electron logoInterac logoApple Pay logoiDeal logo
    Sponsorships
    Middlesbrough FC, Cheltenham Festival, NHL Sweden, F.C. Copenhagen, PFL Europe Division
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes;Email: info@unibetsupport.com;Phone: 0808 1686635
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileYouTube chanelLinkedIn profile
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    • UKGC licensing
    • High withdrawal limits
    • 30+ sports
    • Huge racing section
    • Live streaming
    • Downloadable mobile apps

    With over 20 years of experience and millions of active users, Unibet hardly needs a detailed introduction. This online bookmaker offers a wide range of betting opportunities, although the availability of specific events may vary depending on the bettor’s country of residence. The leading disciplines in Unibet’s portfolio are horse racing, soccer, American football, ice hockey, and rugby. We also like that sports such as darts and snooker, which are often considered niche, receive extensive coverage in terms of both events and betting markets.

    Regarding horse racing, the bookmaker has compiled one of the most extensive selections we have encountered while exploring modern online racebooks. In addition to the usual horse racing destinations, you can try to predict the outcomes of races held in Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. The website displays events scheduled for the next five days, so Grand National-related offers may appear only shortly before the annual race.

    Unibet provides sportsbook bonuses and promotional offers designed exclusively for fans of online horse racing betting. Interestingly, US residents can access the relevant information readily, while Australian punters must log in to their accounts before viewing the bookie’s current offers due to legislative regulations.

  7. XBet

    XBet logo
    Bet Now Review
    Licenses
    Costa Rica
    Min Deposit
    • $45 - Mastercard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2Person
    Min Withdrawal
    • $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25)
    Withdrawal Time
    For customers with verified accounts - within 48 hours
    Deposit Methods
    Mastercard logoBitcoin logoPlayer/Person-to-Person Transfer logoVisa logoLitecoin logoBitcoin Cash logoEthereum logoSolana logoCardano  logoTether logoShiba Inu logoDogecoin logoBinance Coin logoBank Transfer logo
    Sponsorships
    N/A
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: Yes Contact Us Form Phone: 1-855-219-5809
    X profileInstagram profile
    Chart loading...
    • Accepts cryptocurrencies
    • Wide variety of sports
    • Lots of horse racing events
    • Horse rebate promotion
    • Competitive odds
    • High-quality customer service

    If you are looking for a user-friendly online betting platform with a racebook covering horse races from different parts of the world, Xbet is worth considering. Its main website combines a sportsbook and casino, with separate Live Betting and Racing tabs that reflect the bookie’s priorities. Horse racing fans who set up accounts with Xbet can wager on multiple events in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, France, South Africa, Japan, and Sweden. Such variety is uncommon among online gambling platforms.

    The number of available betting markets is not fixed and generally depends on the popularity and ranking of each horse race. For Win, Place, and Show bets, punters must enter the stake amount in a box next to the entrant’s name and then add it to the bet slip. Minimum and maximum betting limits depend on the race rather than the bet type, so always check the requirements before placing a horse racing bet through Xbet.

    The selection of accepted payment methods is one area that could be improved. The available options are relatively limited, especially for withdrawals, for which betting enthusiasts can choose between bank wires, e-checks, and Bitcoin. Of these, only cryptocurrency transactions offer a relatively short processing period of 48 hours, while the other methods may take a week or two.

  8. BetOnline

    BetOnline logo
    Licenses
    Panama Gaming Control Board
    Min Deposit
    •Cards - $25; •Crypto - $10; •Money Orders - $300; •P2P - $100
    Min Withdrawal
    •Crypto - $20; •Wire Transfers and Courier Checks - $500; •P2P - $50; •Money Orders - $1,000
    Withdrawal Time
    •Wire Transfer - up to 15 days; •Courier Checks - Up to 15 days; •Crypto - 1 to 24 hours; •Money Orders - 7 days
    Deposit Methods
    Visa logoMastercard logoDiscover logoAmerican Express logoBitcoin logoBitcoin Cash logoEthereum logoBank Transfer logoLitecoin logoAvalanche logoBinance Coin logoCardano  logoDogecoin logoPolygon logoPlayer/Person-to-Person Transfer logoTether logoRipple logoShiba Inu logoSolana logoStellar  logoUSD Coin logoTron logoMoney Order logoCheck by Courier logo
    Sponsorships
    La Liga Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) Matchroom Sport Golden Boy
    Contact Details
    Live Chat: YesEmail: help@betonlinecs.agPhone: 1-888-426-3661
    Facebook profileX profileInstagram profileTelegram accountYouTube chanelTikTok profile
    Chart loading...
    • Choice of modern and classic website layouts
    • User-friendly interface
    • Huge selection of payment solutions
    • Special racebook promotions
    • Extensive help page
    • 24/7 customer support

    For over two decades, BetOnline has offered sports betting services primarily to gambling enthusiasts in North America. Despite the lack of a reputable license, the number of complaints has decreased in recent years, suggesting that the bookmaker is moving in the right direction. One area in which it surpasses many competitors is its selection of payment methods. Its cryptocurrency options are not limited to Bitcoin and Litecoin, and punters can also use Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, P2P transfers, and other methods.

    BetOnline’s website includes racebook, sportsbook, casino, poker, and esports sections, providing users with several forms of entertainment. Regarding horse racing, at the time of writing, the bookie features events held in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, South Africa, and Sweden. Keep in mind that the availability of individual races is subject to change, so check the section each time you visit the website.

    In addition to the promotions available to all BetOnline users, two are specifically designed for horse racing fans. The first offer provides daily rebates, with the percentage depending on whether wagers are placed online or by phone. The other perk is a risk-free bet if your first wager through BetOnline’s racebook is unsuccessful.

Grand National Betting Overview

The Grand National is not only the most prestigious horse racing event in Europe but also the one with the biggest prize fund in the steeplechase sector: £1,000,000. Just over half of that amount goes to the winning horse’s owner, and enough is left to reward even the 10th-place finisher. The financial figures are also impressive in terms of online sports betting. In 2021, wagering activity reached a record, with stakes totaling more than $137,000,000 in the UK alone.

Grand National History Highlights

Grand National HistoryThe race was first held in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, near Liverpool, England. Since then, the handicap steeplechase has been held annually over a distance of about 6.9km (4 miles 514 yards). In the modern edition of the race, 40 horses complete two laps and jump 30 fences before crossing the finish line.

Unlike other prominent, high-value horse races, the Grand National gives horses trained by smaller operations a chance to win, as history has shown more than once. One such competitor was the only three-time champion, Red Rum, but we will tell you more about him later in the article. Here is a more recent example. Until 2017, few horse racing fans had heard of Deborah Thompson and Belinda McClung. The two women were not well known among punters either, but that changed dramatically when their horse, One For Arthur, won the Grand National at odds of 14-to-1.

Red Rum, the Legendary Steeplechaser

Red Rum, The Legendary SteeplechaserEvery major sporting event has at least one prominent competitor whose performances over the years have earned iconic status and become part of the event’s history. Examples include Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Michael Schumacher in F1, and Michael Jordan in the NBA. As for the Grand National, for more than 45 years, no one has managed to come close to Red Rum’s achievement of three titles in 1973, 1974, and 1977.

Red Rum is perfect evidence of how important trainers are in horse racing. Originally trained for flat-track races, Red Rum was considered a horse without exceptional ability or prospects for high-level performance by the age of 7. However, in 1972, something prompted small-time trainer Ginger McCain to buy Red Rum and begin looking after him in run-down stables.

Just a year later, the “crippled” horse began its journey to glory with a surprising win at Aintree Racecourse. In 1974, with odds of 11-to-1, Red Rum claimed his second title. After two consecutive second-place finishes and already at the age of 12, the horse was considered by bookmakers to have little chance of winning the Grand National in 1977. Red Rum not only finished as the winner but did so with a commanding lead, once again proving wrong those who had underestimated him. After retiring in 1978, the horse became a national celebrity and a merchandising inspiration that brought considerable revenue to its owners. When Red Rum died in 1995, he was buried close to the winning post at Aintree Racecourse: “no higher on Earth possible.”

Another notable horse that left a mark on Grand National history is the first back-to-back winner, Abd El Kader (1850 and 1851). In 1850, bookmakers did not even give a starting price for Little Ab and his jockey, placing them in the ‘any price these others’ category.

How to Place a Bet on the Grand National

How To Place a BetGiven the intense competition in the online sports betting industry, bookmakers now use different methods to stand out and attract punters. These include unique features, tempting promotions, and easy-to-use betting platforms. However, when it comes to wagering on a horse race, the process is similar across most sportsbooks and includes the following steps:

  1. Setting up an account/logging in

    Once you choose an online bookmaker, go to its main website and find the button inviting you to register or log in. It is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. After selecting it, you will be asked to enter personal details, including at least your name, country of residence, and email address. The more strictly regulated the platform is, the more detailed the information you may be required to provide. You may need to enter a phone number, attach a copy of an ID, and complete other verification steps. Longer account verification procedures can be inconvenient, but they help protect your funds and sensitive information, so it is better to choose a sportsbook with appropriate security measures.

  2. Find the available horse racing events

    Depending on their approach, bookies may place horse races in the A-to-Z list on their betting sites and mobile applications or in a separate section called Racebook, Horses, Horse Racing, or something similar. If you do not immediately see the Grand National, this does not necessarily mean the sportsbook does not cover it. Some platforms display only events currently available for betting, while others organize races into several subsections. If you are unsure, contact customer support, and one of its representatives will assist you.

  3. Choose the exact Grand National betting market

    The range of horse racing bet types differs greatly among online bookmakers and individual events. Prestigious races such as the Grand National, which have large prize funds and are held once a year, tend to offer a greater variety of markets. There may be special wagers on outcomes such as First Fence Fallers, Winning Distance, and others. If you intend to place a particular bet, check beforehand whether it is available on the relevant platform.

  4. Add your selection to the bet slip

    Once you have made your decision, click on the relevant odds, and the selection will be added immediately to your online bet slip. Enter the amount you wish to stake, and the system will automatically calculate your potential payout.

    As explained above, horse racing betting odds are not always fixed, especially for future events. If this applies to your Grand National wager and you do not want to proceed if the odds become less favorable, look for the option “Accept All Odds Movements” and uncheck it. Depending on the bookie’s policy, there may also be options such as “Accept Higher Odds Only” and “Accept No Odds Movements,” giving you greater control.

  5. Place your bet

    Carefully review the information in the bet slip. If everything looks correct, confirm your wager. That is it. All you have to do now is wait for the race to end and see whether your Grand National prediction was correct.

Grand National Betting Tips

Grand National Betting TipsThe Grand National is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about events in horse racing and, at the same time, one of the most difficult to predict. Suffice it to say that in 2022, as many as 25 of the 40 starting horses dropped out during the race. One of them was the 2021 winner, Minella Times, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, the first female jockey to win this steeplechase. Here are three essential factors to keep in mind when betting on the Grand National:

  1. Top-weight carriers hardly ever win the race. Grand National handicappers determine how much weight each participant must carry based on its current ranking. This means that the best horses must jump while carrying the heaviest loads. In a grueling race like the one at Aintree Racecourse, this is a severe test of stamina and can sometimes prove too demanding. In 2021, Tiger Roll had a chance to become the second horse after Red Rum to win three titles, but his owner withdrew him from the race, calling the rating “absurd and unfair.”
  2. Horses aged 9-12 are considered best suited to the Grand National. The explosiveness and speed of a young horse may be an advantage on a flat racecourse, but this does not necessarily apply to large fields with high fences, such as the Grand National. Such events require experience, strength, and stamina. When choosing an entrant to bet on, we advise first excluding the 15 lowest-ranked horses and then filtering the remaining runners by age.
  3. The current condition of Aintree Racecourse is important. If you have done your research properly, you will know that certain competitors perform better on softer ground, while others prefer firm or good ground. Checking the weather forecast in the days preceding the event may provide a useful hint, so do not skip this step.

Grand National FAQ

  1. What are the longest odds of Grand National champions?

    As mentioned in our article, the Grand National is one of those famous horse races that gives entrants without big-budget operations backing them a chance to win. The highest-paying underdogs to claim the title are Tipperary Tim (1928), Gregalach (1929), Caughoo (1947), Foinavon (1967), and Mon Mome (2009), all at odds of 100-to-1. These achievements are recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

  2. How much was the biggest Grand National betting win worth?

    In 2003, Monty’s Pass won the Grand National, much to the delight of his owner, Mike Futter. Futter not only received his share of the prize fund but also netted well over £1 million from multiple individual bets.

  3. What is the average winning time for the Grand National?

    The race takes approximately 10 minutes, although the slowest and fastest winning times are quite far apart. In 1839, Lottery took 14 minutes and 53 seconds to cross the finish line, while record holder Mr Frisk completed the race in 8 minutes and 47.80 seconds. It is worth mentioning that the racecourse was shortened by a little over 300m in 2013, but the record still stands.

  4. Is it a good strategy to bet on the favorite to win the Grand National?

    History has shown that the horse considered the favorite to win at Aintree Racecourse has succeeded in only 17% of the events held since 1984, when the field size was limited to 40.

  5. Who is the most successful jockey in the history of the Grand National?

    With five victories between 1856 and 1870, George Stevens ranks above all other jockeys who have competed at Aintree Racecourse. However, those victories are from a much earlier era, so we also looked at more modern results. Ruby Walsh, Leighton Aspell, and Davy Russell, who rode Tiger Roll, are three talented jockeys with two Grand National victories each.

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