It may feel like 2020 has barely begun, but the Grand National is fast approaching. The annual event at Aintree will be taking place this year on 2-4 April, meaning that now is the time to get your dress sorted, buy your tickets, and, of course, start thinking about your betting strategy.
The Grand National is one of the biggest gambling events in the UK, with a record-breaking £300 million wagered during last year’s event. Whether you’re a lifelong Grand National attendee or looking to place your very first bet this year, it’s important to know exactly what it takes to bet smart. Read on to find out everything you need to know about horse betting on the 2020 Grand National.
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1. Betting on the Grand National: Essential Information
In keeping with the 170-year tradition of the race, the Grand National itself will be taking place on the first Saturday of April. This means that the main event itself will be taking place on Saturday 4 April 2020. The race will start at 5:15pm sharp, so this is your last chance to assess the odds and place your bet. In previous years, factors on the track have led to the start time being delayed by a few minutes, in which time bookmakers report thousands of bets pouring in. This should tell you that your betting strategy should be active until the very last second.
2. Who Are the Current Favourites?
While many seasoned gamblers believe that relying on favourites is a fool’s errand, they are called favourites for a reason. Horses with the best odds do have a tendency to win, as was the case with Hedgehunter, who came first back in the 2005 Grand National. This year, the latest odds on the Grand National have Tiger Roll pegged as the favourite, owing in part to his stellar performance in the past two Grand Nationals, coming first in both. Other hot tickets for 2020 are Burrows Saint, Magic of Light, and Walk in the Mill.
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3. Choosing a Horse
If you’re a rookie wagerer, it’s worth bearing in mind that the bookies’ favourites are not always the best choice. Their favourable odds mean that your potential returns are pretty low, whilst any horses that have been on top of their game for years are likely to perform worse with each passing race. One of the smartest ways to bet is to keep an eye out for jockeys that have lots of experience but who haven’t managed to make a big name for themselves yet. Historically, it is these jockeys that tend to pull a surprise win out of the bag. In addition, instead of focusing on the speed of a horse, a wise move is to wager based on the jumping stats of horses. Good jumpers always perform well on the Grand National track, so remember to keep this in mind when choosing a horse.
These Grand National betting tips should help place you in good stead for 2020. Remember, while winning bets is all well and good, don’t forget to have fun at one of the biggest events in Liverpool.