More than a Race: A Grand National Treasure
The Grand National is one of racing’s most iconic events. Over 150,000 people attend the three-day festival every April, the majority of which line the stands at Aintree Racecourse for the big race on a Saturday. That race, of course, is the Grand National. First run in 1839, the steeplechase event is not only one of the most-watched races in the world, it’s one of the toughest. What’s more, it’s a British sporting icon.
Indeed, every year an estimated 600 million people tune in to watch the Grand National. Of the 50+ million who watch in the UK, over 13 million have a flutter on the race, according to a Reuters report in 2021. Bookmakers respond to this interest in kind by setting odds, running promotions and offering Grand National 2023 ante-post tips from experts such as Tony Calvin. In fact, unlike any other horse racing, betting sites curate as much content as possible ahead of the Grand National.
A True Test of Skill and Determination
"Horse racing" (CC BY 2.0) by Paolo Camera
Experts such as Calvin were singing the praises of Gaillard Du Mesnil (16/1 ante post odds) ahead of the race in 2023, but choosing a winner isn’t easy. Why? Because approximately 85 horses are initially tipped to run the Grand National every year. That number gets whittled down after another iconic event in racing, Cheltenham Festival. By the time we get into April, the number of starters is 40. That’s a lot of runners and riders in one race.
To make it even tougher to predict, the Grand National is run over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, and there are 30 jumps to clear. In common parlance, it’s known as the “ultimate test” for horses and jockeys. That shows in the race results. No Grand National has ever finished with all 40 runners. In fact, according to the Jockey Club, the most horses to finish was 23 in 1984. All of these things make the Grand National a punter’s dream. Because anything can happen, Grand National odds tend to be more varied than any other race.
Entertainment for Everyone
"Pantomime Horse Grand National" (CC BY 2.0) by srboisvert
Even hotly tipped ante-post favourites such as Gaillard Du Mesnil are way out at 16/1. Come race day (April 15 in 2023), some horses will set off at over 100/1. These odds make it a popular race to bet on for the casual observer. People who don’t usually wager money on racing will often have a flutter on the Grand National because even a small bet can return a healthy profit. As noted in Reuters’ 2021 article, 33% of the UK’s adult population speculate on the Grand National, taking the total amount wagered to over £100 million. Of course, it’s not just the betting activity that makes the Grand National a national treasure.
It’s been broadcast on British radio since 1929 and free on terrestrial TV in the UK since 1960. Today, these broadcast mediums are complemented by online coverage. Live streams of the race are available around the world and, at the last count, people in 140 countries could watch the Grand National. By all of these measures, the race is iconic. It’s an enduring part of British culture, not just for people in Britain but the world at large. Just as we’re forever associated with the Royal Family, afternoon tea and Wimbledon, the Grand National is woven into our tapestry, and that’s why it’s more than a race.
Main image credit: "Horse racing" (CC BY 2.0) by Paolo Camera
