Although the Cheltenham Festival is only days away, and the focus is heavy on contenders such as Annie Power, the start of March also means April is drawing ever closer, and that means only one thing: The Grand National. Since its humble beginnings in the 1800s, this National Hunt Race event has been one of the racing calendars crowning jewels, with many runners and jockeys eager to add their names to an already impressive list of past winners.
As expected with such a high profile affair, all eyes soon turn to who will secure what win; spread out over three days, there is a varied selection of steeplechasing that grip and wow spectators. Opening day on the 7th April begins with a flurry of Grade One contests to whet punters appetites, accompanied by live music and a wide array of entertainment, the first day promises to be as enthralling as the last.
The momentum continues to build with what’s been dubbed ‘Fabulous Friday’, aka Ladies Day. Whether you’re an avid horse racing fan or not, Ladies Day is a social occasion virtually everyone is familiar with, thanks to its dynamic mix of striking outfits, demonstrating that there is as much action off the track as there is on. A competition that is all its own, the leading fashionista will receive the Style Award, while the jockeys will compete to champion feature races, such as the Melling Steeple Chase.
Last but certainly not least, there is the Grand National itself, a race that has made the name Red Rum synonymous with the Aintree venue. This Grade Three event always gets the crowds going as thousands of people tune in to watch, or are there to see the drama for themselves. However, as the Grand National odds are slowly leaking online, and more people immerse themselves in the hype on sites such as Bookies.com, the closing day extravaganza is becoming as tangible as if the 9th April was already upon us.
By having a thorough account of who has the more favourable odds, trusted brands can help even the most inexperienced punter make an informed choice. This national affair is one that captures the hearts of non-betters as much as avid fans, and as such the latest information on who is tipped for what becomes even more crucial.
