No race is quite like the Grand National. Every year, the British public sits up and takes notice as the blue-riband Aintree showpiece takes centre stage, with everyone gathering around their televisions to watch the action unfold.
As sporting events go, the Grand National is one of the oldest in existence, having been inaugurated all the way back in 1839. It’s that sense of tradition that makes it so loved in the modern age, as it’s an event that crosses generational divides to bring everyone together.
In pure racing terms, it’s the unpredictability of the Grand National that makes it so alluring for sports fans. It’s one of the toughest tests a horse can endure, and that’s why it’s so difficult to try and predict which entry is going to win, as one wrong step could be the difference between winning and losing.
Nonetheless, we’ve had a look at some of the early contenders. Read on,as we look atthe horses worth keeping an eye on.
Snow Leopardess
A horse whose odds have shortened in recent weeks, Snow Leopardess is the current 14/1 favourite to win the Grand National — as much as any horse can truly be considered a favourite. The mare has produced some fine form this season, recording three wins out of three, and that’s why many are tipping her to produce a strong performance at Aintree.
Galvin
Galvin is a horse who has gone from strength to strength this season, and it’s no surprise that he is heralded as a possible winner of both the Gold Cup and Grand National on sites like https://www.betdaq.com/exchange/horse-racing/100004. Since Gordon Elliott returned from his ban, he has managed to make Galvin a genuine contender for the biggest races, and it wouldn’t be too great a surprise if the eight-year-old triumphed in the Grand National.
Any Second Now
You have to go back nearly a year to find Any Second Now’s last win, but with plenty of experience of running at distances of three miles and more, there’s every chance that the 10-year-old could deliver the goods at Aintree. His last outing in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park saw him finish a distant 31 lengths behind the winner Royal Kahala, but it could prove that Any Second Now is saving his best for April.
Run Wild Fred
With a win over a distance of three miles under his belt this season, Elliott will also have hopes that Run Wild Fred can deliver a strong showing in the Grand National. That victory came in a Handicap Chase at Navan, delivering on his status as pre-race favourite. Run Wild Fred is a horse who doesn’t boast a tremendous overall record in terms of race wins, but anything can happen in the Grand National.
Burrows Saint
Last year saw Burrows Saint make his maiden appearance in the Grand National, and he finished a respectable fourth, although he was a long way behind winner Minella Times. That experience should put him in good stead for another crack at it this year, as trainer Willie Mullins chases his second Grand National win after Hedgehunter’s 2005 triumph.
