How To Pick a Grand National Winne

When Mon Mome romped home in the 2009 Grand National as a rank 100/1 outsider pundits everywhere were stunned. It just proves that picking a National winner is very difficult but the good news is that it’s not impossible. We can show you a couple of things to look out for when selecting your horses.

1. Weight is critical to Grand National Success

Hedgehunter became the first winner since Corbiere to carry over 11st to victory. A pound here or there over 11st should not be a major worry but do not bet on a horse to win if it carries over 11st 3lbs. The simple fact is only one other horse in history has managed to win with that kind of weight and that was Red Rum! The 2008 Grand National winner, Comply or Die, weighed 10-09 and the 2009 winner, Mon Mome, weighed 11-00!

2. Stamina is a major factor

The Grand National is a grueling race for any horse but only those with experience winning at over 3 miles can be expected to be in the running at the end of this race. Not all horses entered will actually have won in previous races over long distances but try to pick one that has at least finished and placed in one. Don’t rule out horses that have previously entered and completed the Grand National, even if they finished nowhere.

3. The age of the horse is very important

Experience counts for much in the National. Eleven out of the last 17 winners were aged ten or above but nine is the new ten and horses are so well trained now that nine year olds are very much in favour. First, second and third place in both the 2008 and 2009 Grand Nationals were all nine years old. Eight is a little on the young side and don’t back any seven year olds as it’s been 67 years since one won and few even finish the course!

4. Nationality of the horse

Previously I would have suggested that you forget the French bred horses and despite the tremendous win from Mon Mome in 2009, I still stand by that because regardless of what people may say, they just can’t go the distance in this race. Irish and British horses are specifically trained day in and day out, all year around, for this kind of steeplechase so go with one of them!

Summary Every now and then a major upset happens at the Grand National and the rule book goes out the window but if you want to give yourself the best chance of picking a winner then consider our tips… Go for a nine/ten year old horse that weighs approx. 10-07 to 11 stone, who has run and finished at least one previous race of at least three miles, entered with an experienced jockey and, if possible, make it Irish or British! And finally… sign up with an online bookmaker to avoid the queues at the local bookies on saturday morning. Paddy Power are giving new customers a free bet if you sign-up today.

So for the late announcement! So finally A.P. McCoy ended his Aintree Hoodoo on DON’T PUSH IT. The relief was clear to see on A.P.’s face as he crossed the finishing post. I took the photo of jockey AP McCoy (above) at Bangor Races, on that day he had a bad fall, however his ride in the Grand National was perfection, well done Tony!