Grand National 2021 Odds
Aintree Grand National | Saturday 10th April 2021
TIGER ROLL
Winner of the 2019 and 2018 Grand Nationals, Tiger Roll wrote himself into the history books as the first runner to win back-to-back Grand Nationals. Will he back for the treble in 2020?
NO. 1 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 111-52 | WEIGHT: 11-10 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
ANY SECOND NOW
Was on a roll last season and doing well until he fell in the Irish Grand National. But he has bounced back albeit in races much shorter in distance than the National. Has another couple of prep races in the works so expect odds to drop further if he does well.
NO. 28 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -62U31 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: T WALSH
0/0
BURROWS SAINT
Winner of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 2019, he gave Willie Mullins his first win in the race. He will only be 7 when the 2020 Grand National rolls around which may be a little on the young side for Aintree.
NO. 17 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 111-531 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
DEFINITLY RED
Ran in the 2017 race but pulled-up under jockey Danny Cook. Skipped the next two Grand Nationals but was back for the Becher Chase in 2019 where he finished 4th. Another good run in the Peter Marsh Chase in January and all eyes are now set on the 2020 Grand National.
NO. 18 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -54421 | WEIGHT: 10-10 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: B ELLISON
0/0
KIMBERLITE CANDY
Kimberlite Candy cruised into Grand National 2020 contention when winning last time out at Warwick. Over 3m5f, the 8-year-old won by a staggering 10L adding to his already impressive second-place finish in the Becher Chase in December. With no more runs planned, he’s a definite runner for the National.
NO. 36 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 935P-21 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: T LACEY
0/0
LE BREUIL
Winner of the National Hunt at the Cheltenham Festival, Le Breuil is definitely a serious Grand National 2020 contender. With stamina in bucket loads, age on his side, great form and able to carry hefty weights, he’s one to watch. Though it will be a tense wait to see if he actually makes the cut.
NO. 61 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1-P750 | WEIGHT: 9-13 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: B PAULING
0/0
MAGIC OF LIGHT
The Grand National always throws up a surprise and in 2019 it was the epic performance from 125/1 shot Magic Of Light. The mare romped home in second place and gave trainer Jessica Harrington a memorable debut as a trainer. Back again can she go one better and actually win the 2020 Grand National?
NO. 12 | JOCKEY:UNKNOWN | FORM: 2-3118 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J HARRINGTON
0/0
WALK IN THE MILL
The Becher Chase winner clearly loves Aintree. Despite only a couple of small prep races he finished 4th in last year’s Grand National. Already having another great season, he’s definitely one to watch.
NO. 39 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 34-P12 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: R WALFORD
0/0
ANIBALE FLY
What a chaser. Anibale Fly was 4th in 2018, 5th last year carrying top weight and in between managed second place in the Gold Cup. On less weight this time around, the 10-year-old could go far, despite not having the greatest season.
NO. 3 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 5-9883 | WEIGHT: 11-02 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: AJ MARTIN
0/0
BRISTOL DE MAI
A fantastic chaser who has notched up winning of over £708K to date. Has run in the Gold Cup twice and could be going for a third again in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival so whether or not he will also go to Aintree remains to be seen. Though not carrying top weight will boost his chances.
NO. 2 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 34-229 | WEIGHT: 11-08 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: N TWISTON-DAVIES
0/0
ELEGANT ESCAPE
Finished 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last season and opted for the Aintree Bowl over the Grand National. This season has been pretty decent and includes a third in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase and sixth in the Welsh National. Although he inexplicably lost pace and was pulled up last time out at Haydock, the first time it has ever happened in his solid career.
NO. 5 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -236P0 | WEIGHT: 11-02 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: C TIZZARD
0/0
POTTERS CORNER
Winner of the Welsh National in December, Potters Corner also won the Midlands Grand National back in March. A runner with buckets of stamina but may need the ground on the softer side to show his true potential in the 2020 Grand National.
NO. 29 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1-5P011 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: C WILLIAMS
0/0
RAMSES DE TEILLEE
Well handicapped last year, hopes were high for Ramses De Teillee. However, the distance proved too much for him and he was pulled up. Is on really good form this season with three wins from four starts, all at 3m+, though he is a horse that likes to plod around in the heavy ground so rain will be needed at Aintree.
NO. 34 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -14110 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: D PIPE
0/0
ALPHA DES OBEAUX
A solid chaser but one that places far more than he wins. He has run in the Grand National before, back in 2018 but fell under jockey Rachael Blackmore. True to form he has run and placed in all four of his races this season so a definite each-way possibility for the Grand National 2020.
NO. 8 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 2-2333 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
BALLYOPTIC
His last two outings to Aintree haven’t been very successful. In fact he fell in both the Becher Chase and the Grand National last season. This season has started better with a solid win at Chepstow.
NO. 14 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -11401 | WEIGHT: 10-11 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N TWISTON-DAVIES
0/0
GIVE ME A COPPER
A win at Wincanton on his seasonal return and all talked was then aimed at the 2020 Grand National. Will need a few more runs under his belt to gauge his true form but things are looking good for a potential National run.
NO. 48 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 4F4-17 | WEIGHT: 10-01 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS
0/0
OK CORRAL
A mixed bag from Ok Corral this season as he failed to impress in his first two starts but came to life winning the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster last time out. The only issue is that he really performs best at 3m and struggles with the longer distances.
NO. 19 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1P-091 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N HENDERSON
0/0
ONE FOR ARTHUR
Winner of the 2017 National but missed out on the 2018 race due to injury. He returned in 2019 and ran another great race but ended up in 6th place, 26L behind Tiger Roll.
NO. 44 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: U6-45P | WEIGHT: 10-02 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: L RUSSELL
0/0
TALKISCHEAP
Lightly chased but well on his way to becoming a formidable stayer. A win at Sandown, over 3m5f, in April put him straight into contention for the Grand National.
NO. 15 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 251-3P | WEIGHT: 10-11 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: A KING
0/0
YALA ENKI
Moved from Venetia Williams to Paul Nicholls in October and has had two runs under his new trainer since, coming third in the Welsh National. Has previously had multiple Grand National entries but never actually run in the race.
NO. 16 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 7-0313 | WEIGHT: 10-11 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS
0/0
ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS
One for all the singers out there, Acapella Bourgeois is light on the wins and was well beaten last time out at Gowran Park, finishing 16L behind Total Recall. He’s not a bad horse, there’s just no middle ground – he either runs fantastic or just doesn’t turn up.
NO. 27 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -00261 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
BEWARE THE BEAR
Beware The Bear is a formidable chaser who has won some notable races including the Ultima Handicap in the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. He will get an entry for the 2020 Grand National but may also go back to Cheltenham first.
NO. 7 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 11P-48 | WEIGHT: 11-00 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N HENDERSON
0/0
KILDISART
As outsiders go, Kildisart is one to keep an eye on. Winning or placing in five of his six chase starts, his form is very good. However, it should be noted that he has only run once at more than 3m and that was back in April when he won a Handicap Chase at Aintree.
NO. 33 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -36652 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: B PAULING
0/0
PLEASANT COMPANY
Was second in 2018 and was back in 2019 to take his chances but unfortunately he unseated Paul Townend. While he may be back to contend the 2020 Grand National, it’s unlikely.
NO. 26 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 0U-095 | WEIGHT: 10-07 | AGE: 12 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
SUB LIEUTENANT
Has previously been entered but has never run in the Grand National. Took his chances in the Topham Chase last year instead and finished second. Hasn’t been seen yet this season but is a solid chaser though rarely tested beyond 3m1f.
NO. 20 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 2P2-74 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: H DE BROMHEAD
0/0
THE STORYTELLER
Didn’t have a great run first time back this season and has since been racing over hurdles. Last won a chase nearly two years ago and may also struggle with the distance.
NO. 13 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 38U162 | WEIGHT: 10-12 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
TOP VILLE BEN
With nine chases under his belt, he has won four and placed in two more so an excellent record over fences. A really classy runner, but one who performs better on the soft ground.
NO. 6 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 3-5313 | WEIGHT: 11-02 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P KIRBY
0/0
TOTAL RECALL
Went off as the 2018 favourite but was ultimately pulled-up and skipped the 2019 renewal. His form dipped a little last season but he was back to his winning ways this season taking the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on January 23rd.
NO. 11 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: P-8631 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
TRAFFIC FLUIDE
Traffic Fluide spent quite a lot of time out injured and until recently hadn’t been seen racing since November 2018. He went to Ascot in February but fell at the last in the four horse race. Doubtful he will have the stamina needed for the 2020 Grand National.
NO. 43 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: /21-F0 | WEIGHT: 10-03 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: G MOORE
0/0
VINTAGE CLOUDS
Unfortauntely, despite high hopes, Vintage Clouds didn’t make it passed the first fence in 2019. Connections then took him to the Scottish National where he finished in 6th place.
NO. 25 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 5P3158 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: S SMITH
0/0
BORICE
Winner of the Galway Plate in 2019 but will have to step up in trip this season to ensure he can get around the Aintree course. A solid chaser with plenty of potential.
NO. 53 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -1110P | WEIGHT: 10-00 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
CHEF DES OBEAUX
Moved from Nicky Henderson to Willie Mullins in October and has had three runs for his new trainer, none of which were particularly great. Needs a bit more time to be a serious Grand National contender.
NO. 41 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: P-45PP | WEIGHT: 10-03 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
HOGANS HEIGHT
A nice chaser who has some decent wins but in much smaller races. His biggest win by far came at Aintree in December when winning the Grand Sefton Chase but could still be outclassed in the 2020 Grand National.
NO. 54 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 11-715 | WEIGHT: 10-00 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J SNOWDEN
0/0
JURY DUTY
He unseated in the Grand National but was run a couple of weeks later in the Irish Grand National but was pulled up by jockey Robbie Power. We should definitely see him back in 2020.
NO. 23 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: P-6400 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
MALL DINI
Was entered last year but didn’t run and has had a quiet year in terms of racing with only three runs throughout the whole of 2019. Pulled up last time out, last May and hasn’t been seen since.
NO. 69 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 362-P | WEIGHT: 9-11 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P KELLY
0/0
TAKINGRISKS
If experience is your top criteria for backing a 2020 Grand National runner you could do worse than Takingrisks who has had 18 chase runs! Plus he has either won or placed in 11 of them including the Scottish National last April.
NO. 52 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1-5165 | WEIGHT: 10-01 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: N RICHARDS
0/0
CABARET QUEEN
Moved from Dan Skelton to Willie Mullins back in September and has had four runs out under her new trainer. The first two were promising with a win in the Munster National but has since pulled up in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase and fell in the Paddy Power Chase.
NO. 58 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 21PF00 | WEIGHT: 9-13 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
CLASS CONTI
Second last time out at Gowran Park, but realistically will struggle with the Grand National 2020 given that he has only, this season, started running at 3m. Will need soft ground or heavy ground and a lot of stamina.
NO. 42 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1-P5F2 | WEIGHT: 10-03 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: W MULLINS
0/0
COGRY
One of the most experienced potential runners in the 2020 Grand National, Cogry has notched up 33 of them. He was won or placed in roughly half of them including a second place in the Scottish National in 2017, as well as 16 runs at Cheltenham. Has the potential to do very well.
NO. 64 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: U-312P | WEIGHT: 9-12 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: N TWISTON-DAVIES
0/0
DALLAS DES PICTONS
Unless you have an affinity with Dallas, I wouldn’t be rushing to back this horse in the 2020 Grand National. He’s too young, almost never runs at more than 2m5f and will only qualify by the skin of his teeth based on a win at 3m back in Feb 2019. Another year maybe, but not in 2020.
NO. 47 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -153U4 | WEIGHT: 10-01 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
DEATH DUTY
Not a particularly uplifting name to give a horse but there we go! As for the 2020 Grand National, yes Death Duty will qualify after a 4th place finish last time out but other than that, he is very much a 2m4f runner where he does very well. As for going the full 4m2f in the National, highly unlikely.
NO. 31 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1F/440 | WEIGHT: 10-05 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
DOUNIKOS
Ran but pulled up in last year’s race under jockey Jack Kennedy. He then went to Fairyhouse for the Irish Grand National but pulled up in that as well. Has only run once this season, at Punchestown in October and was 5th from six runners. Will go to Cheltenham first before any Aintree decision is made.
NO. 32 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1PP-5P | WEIGHT: 10-05 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
FINGERONTHESWITCH
A very experienced chaser, this horse is out running every few weeks and has already run 10 times this season alone. Has never unseated his rider and rarely falls so he is consistent but will probably be outclassed for the 2020 Grand National.
NO. 80 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 32212P | WEIGHT: 9-7 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N MULHOLLAND
0/0
FITZHENRY
Could be one to watch for the Grand National 2020 as he has done quite well this season coming second in both the Troytown Handicap Chase and the Paddy Power Chase this season. Both were over 3m, run on soft ground in a large field of runners. Worth an each-way consideration.
NO. 71 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 532206 | WEIGHT: 9-10 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P NOLAN
0/0
JETT
has recently starting dipping into 3m+ races, running in three this season. Had a good win at Punchestown in October but didn’t fare so well when stepped up in class at Leopardstown. A good chaser but the competition may be too tough on the day.
NO. 9 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 271264 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: J HARRINGTON
0/0
JOE FARRELL
Just made the cut in 2019 and with some good form behind him, it looked like he could run a solid race. However, he pulled up after he started to weaken four out. But even then he was just in the middle of the pack and never really contended.
NO. 72 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: PP-373 | WEIGHT: 9-10 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: R CURTIS
0/0
LAKE VIEW LAD
We tipped him for the Grand National but knew that the distance would always be a question mark. And so it was as he was pulled up by Henry Brooke when he got hampered by a faller. That aside he was doing well and could come back again in 2020.
NO. 24 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 3P-533 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: N ALEXANDER
0/0
ROARING BULL
Wasn’t really in contention until his most recent win at Leopardstown in the Paddy Power Chase. That boosted his OR so now he would make the cut but at just 7-years-old, it’s a big ask.
NO. 74 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -3015P | WEIGHT: 9-10 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
SNUGSBOROUGH BENNY
Was 4th in last year’s Irish Grand National, and followed that up with a solid third place in the Galway Plate. Has only run once this season, in a 3m hurdle where he finished 9th. Has never won a chase longer than 2m7f so may struggle with the distance.
NO. 46 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: -93696 | WEIGHT: 10-02 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: L CUSACK
0/0
ASO
There’s every chance Aso will be heading to Cheltenham for the Ryanair Chase, a race that he finished second in last season. A good performance there and he could be rested for the rest of the season. He has also never won a race longer than 2m5f.
NO. 4 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 2-3547 | WEIGHT: 11-02 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: V WILLIAMS
0/0
CRIEVEHILL
Ended last season with a decent 4th place finish at the Cheltenham Festival in the Kim Muir. Started this season well with wins in class 3 and 2 races at Wetherby and Haydock but was well beaten last time out at Ascot when facing other potential 2020 Grand National runners such as Regal Encore, Acting Lass, Kildisart and Give Me A Copper but the going was very heavy and didn’t suit him.
NO. 22 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 4-1199 | WEIGHT: 10-08 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: N TWISTON-DAVIES
0/0
PEREGRINE RUN
Has a great chasing and hurdle record but hasn’t actually qualified for the 2020 Grand National. He hasn’t finished in the top four in a chase at least 2m7½f in distance.
NO. 10 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 114215 | WEIGHT: 10-13 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: P FAHEY
0/0
RAVENHILL
Ravenhill is very much a Summer horse, though he did come second in September in the Kerry National. Has run once at more than 3m and that was a hurdle in June 2018 so there is a question mark over his stamina.
NO. 73 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 2152F1 | WEIGHT: 9-10 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
REGAL ENCORE
Has plenty of Grand National experience and was 8th in 2017 and 7th when he ran again in 2019. Mixed form so far this season but did win at Ascot last time out so still has plenty to offer.
NO. 55 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 082P13 | WEIGHT: 10-00 | AGE: 12 | TRAINER: A HONEYBALL
0/0
SAINT XAVIER
An interesting potential contender, Saint Xavier spent most of his racing career in France before moving to Paul Nicholls yard in November 2019. He has only run twice for his new trainer with a rocky start at Cheltenham before winning at Kempton last time out. But that was a very small novice hurdle with only 3 runners.
NO. 37 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 6-7123 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS
0/0
SHATTERED LOVE
A good chaser who has won or placed in 12 of her 18 starts over fences. The issue is that all, bar one, were in races around 2m4f. Of the five races more than 3m in distance, she has only won one and didn’t place in any of the others, including the Gold Cup last season where she was 9th.
NO. 30 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 517326 | WEIGHT: 10-06 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: G ELLIOTT
0/0
TOUT EST PERMIS
A solid chaser who despite only being 7-years-old is on good form and capable of turning in good performances. That said it has been nearly a year since he last won a chase and that was only over 2m4f. His run in the Irish National last season resulted in an 8th place finish.
NO. 21 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 424453 | WEIGHT: 10-09 | AGE: 7 | TRAINER: N MEADE
0/0
VALTOR
Valtor is an exceptional horse with bags of experience. With 36 starts over fences, he has won or placed in 18 of them, earning over £475K throughout his career. Last season he ran in the National but was a long way off the winner, finishing in 18th place. However, this year he will carry 16lbs less and we know he can get around those fences!
NO. 38 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 0-1532 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: N HENDERSON
0/0
WARRIORS TALE
Warriors Tale has run in last two Grand Nationals but was ultimately pulled-up in both. Has only had one run this season and that was on Feb 19th at Doncaster where he finished 6th from wight runners. Will carry less weight in the 2020 Grand National which may help his prospects.
NO. 40 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 1P0P-6 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 11 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS
0/0
DOUBLE SHUFFLE
Ran in the 2017 Grand National but was pulled-up and in the following years opted for the likes of the Aintree Bowl and Grand Sefton at the Festival instead. He may have plenty of experience but from 25 starts over fences has only won twice and the last of them was in 2016.
NO. 35 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: P0-857 | WEIGHT: 10-04 | AGE: 10 | TRAINER: T GEORGE
0/0
ROMAIN DE SENAM
Normally runs quite a lot but has only been seen once this season. That was at Kempton on Feb 22nd where he gave a mediocre performance to finish 8th, 27L behind the winner. Has only started at 3m twice and has never won or placed at more than 2m7f.
NO. 45 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 12-148 | WEIGHT: 10-02 | AGE: 8 | TRAINER: P NICHOLLS
0/0
SOUPY SOUPS
Was second in the Badger Beers Chase behind Give Me A Copper in November, his best result to date given the class and distance. He definitely has potential but the 2020 Grand National may be a big ask.
NO. 83 | JOCKEY: UNKNOWN | FORM: 72122P | WEIGHT: 9-06 | AGE: 9 | TRAINER: N MULHOLLAND
0/0
The 2021 Randox Health Grand National will take place on Saturday 10th April. We are currently updating the runners and odds for the race.
UNDERSTANDING ODDS
What’s It All About
Odds are, in essence, a very simple representation of the amount of money returned on a winning bet, but they also signal a horses expected chances of winning.
However, as you can see from the odds at the top of this page, not all horses are priced at 40/1. This is because some horses in the race are known to be better than others and the really good horses attract lots of bets. Bookmakers don’t like to take lots of bets on one horse, because if that horse wins the bookmaker will lose money! So the bookmaker will offer more attractive (larger) odds on other horses in an effort to get people to back those instead.
The Bookie will always aim to make a profit regardless of the outcome of the race and that’s why you will see the odds fluctuating right until they’re off.
For many people, the appeal of the Grand National is down to the fact that longshots have won the race in the past. Winners have returned victorious at odds of 100/1 including Mon Mome in 2009 and famously Foinavon in 1967.
In 2013 Auroras Encore backers cheered when he powered to a nine-length victory at 66/1. The 2014 winner Pineau De Re was quoted at odds of 40/1 in the days leading up to the race but on the morning of the National his best odds shortened to 25/1. In fact, the average odds of the winning horse since 1990 have been around 20/1.
If you’d like to know more about placing a bet on the big race then read our guide to betting each-way (Click Here).
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do The Numbers In Odds Mean?
You’ll most often see odds displayed like this: 5/1, 10/1, 25/1 and all the way up to 100/1 and sometimes even higher. But what do these numbers represent?
In the examples above the first numbers: 5, 10, 25 and 100 represent the returned amount for a winning £1 bet. A winning £1 bet at 10/1 will return £10 plus you’ll also get your original £1 stake back.
Occasionally you’ll see short priced odds like this: 5/2 or 6/5 the numbers look different, but the principle is the same. For example 5/2 is another way of saying 2.5/1 if you bet £1 at 5/2 and your horse wins you’ll get £2.50 in return (plus your stake).
How Does Each Way Betting Affect Odds
When you back a horse eachway you’re betting it will finish in either 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th positions. (BETFAIR usually payout on eachway bets to 5 places in the Grand National – please check before betting.)
If you make a £10 Eachway bet the total cost will be £20, that’s because you’re actually making two bets with the bookmaker, one bet that the horse will finish 1st and another that it will place in either 2nd, 3rd or 4th position (and 5th with Betfair). Of course you can lower your stake to ‘£5 eachway’ and then the total cost of the bet will be reduced to just £10.
Lets say you’ve had a £10 eachway (£20 total cost) at odds of 10/1 and your horse romps home in first place – how much do you win? Well, you’ve got £10 @ 10/1 = £100, PLUS you also get 1/4th the quoted odds on the place part of the bet, which is £10 @ 2.5/1 = £25 giving you a total of £125 and don’t forget you also get your original £20 stake returned too.
Should your horse finish in either 2nd, 3rd or 4th position, known as a ‘place’ you will win £25 plus the £10 ‘place’ part of your original £20 stake will be returned. You might be wondering why you only get £25 back in winnings if the odds are 10/1 and your bet was £10, shouldn’t that be £100! Well no, the bookmakers only pay out a 1/4th of the quoted odds on horses that finish 2nd, 3rd or 4th and because your horse didn’t finish 1st you will lose the win portion of the original stake.
How Often Does The Favourite Win The National
In the last 100 hundred years only 12 favourites have actually won the Grand National. Six of them have come in the last 20 years notably: Tiger Roll (2019), Don’t Push It (2010), Comply Or Die (2008), Hedgehunter (2005), Earth Summit (1998) and Rough Quest in 1996.
Nearly all these horses have gone off at 7/1, except for Tiger Roll who went off at odds of 4/1, which on the face of it seems miserly odds for such a high-risk race.
Do Longshots Have A Real Chance
Five 100/1 winners have won the race in the last 100 years. Below you can see the odds of the winners since 2009
- 2009 Mon Mome 100/1
- 2010 Don’t Push It 10/1
- 2011 Ballabriggs 14/1
- 2012 Neptune Collonges 33/1
- 2013 Auroras Encore 66/1
- 2014 Pineau De Re 25/1
- 2015 Many Clouds 25/1
- 2016 Rule The World 33/1
- 2017 One For Arthur 14/1
- 2018 Tiger Roll 10/1
- 2019 Tiger Roll 4/1
Where Can I Get The Best Odds
This is a tricky question to answer. It’s certainly worth shopping around for a price on a specific horse, especially if that horse is considered a longshot.
I often see horses priced a 40/1 with one bookmaker which can be backed at 66/1 or even 80/1 with another. At the other end of the market, the difference in odds is usually small.
It’s worth noting that promo offers and enhanced eachway place terms offered by some bookmakers could easily outweigh a small difference in odds.
Odds & Payout Table
| Odds | Stake | Win | Eachway (place) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/1 | £5 | £30 | £11.25 |
| 8/1 | £5 | £45 | £15 |
| 10/1 | £5 | £55 | £17.50 |
| 16/1 | £5 | £85 | £25 |
| 20/1 | £5 | £105 | £30 |
| 25/1 | £5 | £130 | £36.25 |
| 33/1 | £5 | £170 | £46.25 |
| 40/1 | £5 | £205 | £40 |
| 66/1 | £5 | £335 | £87.50 |
| 80/1 | £5 | £405 | £105 |
| 100/1 | £5 | £505 | £130 |
Amounts shown in the table include returned stake. Eachway places assume 1/4 odds will be paid by the bookmakers and also include place portion of stake returned. If you back a horse eachway for £5 the total bet is £10 (£5 win & £5 place). If your eachway selections wins add the place amount and win amount together to get your total return.
You might like to read more about…
Pick A Winner
Finding a horse with the potential to run a big race at Aintree in this year’s race.
Bet Calc
Work out your winning bets with our free Bet Calculator tool.
