Enduring heartfelt disappointment at the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Grand National, coronavirus put a stop to festivities, but the world-renowned races are back at Aintree to the delight of the entire industry. A virtual event was held instead, but that’s hardly the same, is it?
The cancellation robbed Tiger Roll of a three- year hat trick on the famous course, and sadly the Gigginstown owners have withdrawn the beloved horse from the races this year due to an ‘unfair weight burden’. However, there’s still a remarkable force of runners who are looking to make their name on 10 April.
Favourites to watch in 2021 Grand National
Bookies’ favourites can have the tendency to change throughout the run-up to the main event, however early indications taking in to account the departure of Tiger Roll say a current betting favourite is Cloth Cap.
Trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by Trevor Hemmings, Cloth Cap is a winner for the Ladbrokes Trophy, and has showcased an improved performance. Certainly, placing them a solid foothold to remain in the favourites at least.
Close behind Cloth Cap other runners to pay attention to for Aintree include Any Second Now and Burrows Saint.
As for history in the making, one participant to watch is Rachael Blackmore who will be riding Minella Times, Blackmore has continually been pushing to the limits in a bid to be the first ever female jockey to win the Grand National.
Grand National Sports Betting
Almost everyone in the UK, and plenty of people tuning in from overseas enjoys sweepstakes and sports bets during the week of the Grand National. This is one of the most exciting horse racing betting events in the country, and if you are not part of a sweepstakes group, then get online for a free bet. There are betting odds, betting offers, betting tops, and you will find a full race schedule along with a list of runners to help you turn your free bonus grand National bet into real money or more bonus bets! Make sure you use your first bonus bet on one of the Day 1 Grand National races because if you win, you will have more bonus money to bet on other horses and races!
Getting to know the track
Just like in many other sports like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the track itself often offers the biggest influence on the outcome of a race.
Covering four and a half miles, a maximum of 40 racers generally take part and this is the race for gaining immortality in the racing world.
Despite whether participants are newcomers, or even highly experienced riders, the fences of Aintree are not for the faint-hearted and can change the course of the race in a heartbeat.
One jump to watch out for is Becher’s Brook. As one of the most famous jumps in horse racing riders take on this obstacle twice, and although it has previously been remodelled for safety reasons, it maintains its reputation for being one of the ultimate tests on the course.
The Chair is another jump to watch out for, though perhaps not as remarkable as Becher’s Brook, the elevated terrain on the landing side needs riders and horses to get organised quickly to maintain speed and accuracy throughout the remainder of the race.
Late bettings with prior virtual show
Experienced at its fullest in 2020 due to the cancellation of the real event, a virtual race of the steeplechase is being created to broadcast on 9 April, which is also set to be repeated prior to the main race on the 10 April. The best odds may not be available when left so late, but CGI could prove useful.
There are more interesting articles in our section on Horse Racing.
