Boylesports – BET £20 GET £40 FREE !
Boylesports offer £40/€40 free bets when the customer places their first bet of £20 , Boylesports will double your stake with a free bet up to the maximum value of £20/€20 (EW 1-2-3-4-5)
Victor Chandler- FREE £10 Bet – Money Back If Your Horse Falls and (EW 1-2-3-4-5)
Victor Chandler are offering a £10 Free Bet to all new customers this week only. Join Victor Chandler and they match your first bet stake with a £10 Free Bet. If your selection FALLS, they refund your losing stake as a free bet. Maximum refund is £25/€25 per person per runner. £100/€100 per person in total.Also applies to Unseated Rider, Brought Down, Refused or Slipped Up.
Grand National Specials Betting Odds
The Grand National is almost here and Ladbrokes have a huge amount of specials available. Place bets on winning weight, age of winner, match betting, number of finishes and many more.
Group betting – Pick any of these groups of horses to complete the course
Group Void if any Non Runner, Singles Only with Ladbrokes
Group A – Cerium, Mon Mome, My Will, Priests Leap, State Of Play 16/1
Group B – Arbor Supreme, Comply Or Die, Madison Berlais, Pablo Du Charmil, The Package 20/1
Group C – Cloudy Lane, Dream Alliance, Joe Lively, Niche Market, Snowy Morning 20/1
Group D – Character Building, Conna Castle, Irish Raptor, King Johns Castle, Tricky Trickster 20/1
Group E – Backstage, Ballyholland, Black Apalachi, Made In Taipan, Vic Venturi 25/1
Group F – Big Fella Thanks, Don’t Push It, Eric’s Charm, Flintoff, Hello Bud 25/1
Paul Nicholls trained winner 5/1
David Pipe trained winner 5/1
Nigel Twiston-Davies trained winner 14/1
Irish trained winner 2/1
J P McManus to own the winner 6/1
Number Of Finishers Grand National Odds with Ladbrokes
Under 14 7/4
Between 14 and 18 inclusive 13/8
Over 18 13/8
Grand National Winning Distance with Ladbrokes
Under 5 Lengths 13/8
Between 5 and 8 Lengths inclusive 13/8
Over 8 Lengths 7/4
Age of 2010 Grand National Winner with Ladbrokes
7 Years Old 7/1
8 Years Old 4/1
9 Years Old 9/2
10 Years Old 13/8
11 Years Old 9/2
12 and Over 20/1
Grand National Winning Weight with Ladbrokes
11st 4lbs & above 7/4
10st 12lbs to 11st 3lbs 2/1
10st 11lbs & below 6/4
Grand National Luck! It’s All In The Stars!
The great British betting public seek inspiration in many forms when trying to pick a winner and Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National will be no exception as half the adult population attempt to find a winner in the famous race.
Some punters scour the horoscope pages this weekend to see if their luck is in for the National – but maybe they should check out the horse’s fortunes instead!
Bookies William Hill have worked out the zodiac of this year’s 40 runners and now you can have a flutter on their star signs!
William Hill spokeswoman Jennie Prest said, “Many people have traits attributed to their own sign, and there is no reason why horses should be any different! This year, Taurus is favourite – which coincidentally was the sign of last year’s winner Mon Mome.’’
WILLIAM HII BET: 4/5 TAURUS
9/4 ARIES
8/1 GEMINI
12/1 AQUARIUS
12/1 PISCES
100/1 CANCER
Star sign of the Grand Nationl winner
Taurus: Beat the Boys, Big Fella Thanks, Can’t Buy time, Character Building, Comply or Die, Conna Castle, Hello Bud, Irish Raptor, King Johns Castle, Madison du Berlais, Maljimar, Mom Mome, Niche Market, Palypso de Creek, Vic Venturi,
Aries : Backstage, Black Apalachi, Dream Alliance, Ellerslie George, Eric’c Charm, Flintoff, My Will, Nozic, Ollie Magern, Piraya, Snowy Morning, The Package,
Gemini: Ballyfitz, Don’t Push It, Joe Lively, Pablo du Charmil, Tricky Trickster, Pisces, Arbour Supreme, Ballyholland, Cerium,
Aquarius : Cloudy Lane, Made in Taipan, Royal Rosa, State of Play,
Cancer 
reists Leap
Here Come The Girls – Nina Carberry Handed Leading Grand National Ride!
Leading Lady Jockey Nina Carberry was this morning handed a momentous ride in this Saturday’s John Smith National when selected to ride strong contender Character Building in the famous race.
William Hill make Character Building a 16-1 chance to win Grand National – with Nina’s jockey booking already proving popular with punters.
Nina ranks as just one of four women who have completed the Grand National course after finishing ninth aboard Forest Gunner in 2006. William Hill make her a 4/5 chance to repeat the feat and finish the race on Saturday, and 4-1 for a top four finish.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’Nina is the first lady of race-riding, and more than matches the boys for guts and determination. This is the greatest chance a woman has ever had in the Grand National – and history could be made on Saturday.’’
As an added twist to the story, Nina will face off against her older brother Paul who rides King Johns Castle and Hills make her favourite of the two siblings at 4/7 to go further in the race.
Nina Carberry Grand National Specials
4/5 To Complete the course
9/2 A Top four finish
16/1 To win the race
Who will go furthest in the race? 4/7 Nina Carberry, 5/4 Paul Carberry
Record of Women in the Grand National:
1977 – Charlotte Brew lines-up as the first woman rider in the Grand National
1982 – Geraldine Rees becomes the first female to complete the Grand National aboard Cheers.
1994 – Rosemary Henderson finishes fifth on Fiddlers Pike
2005 – Carrie Ford finishes fifth aboard Forest Gunner
2006 – Nina Carberry completes finishing ninth aboard Forest Gunner.
| No. | Col. | Horses | Age | Weights | Trainers | Jockey | ||
| 22 |  |
Big Fella Thanks |
8/1
|
 |
8
|
10-12
|
P F Nicholls | Ruby Walsh |
| Big Fella Thanks ran sixth as a novice off a 3lb higher mark last year finishing each way for Boylesports who paid 6 ew grand national places in 2009, when he went a fair way to proving his stamina and resolution. Been trained with a repeat trip in mind and warmed up for his return with a fine victory at Newbury in March over a trip that seemed likely to be on the short side. Officially 5lb well in after that and should go well if he can keep errors down to a minimum. Champion trainer has yet to win this, but this looks his best chance. Ran creditable 6th when a novice last year and has Ruby Walsh on top. Ruby Walsh is regularly an asset over these fences. | ||||||||
| 2 |  |
Mon Mome (FR) |
10/1
|
|
10
|
11-7
|
Miss V Williams | Aidan Coleman |
| Mon Mome 100/1 emphatic 12 length winner last year at 100-1 and great third in Cheltenham Gold Cup last month. Looks set to make a bold defence of his crown, but has more on his plate this time from a 7lb higher weight mark, Has had a light campaign and Red Rum was the last back-to-back winner 36 years ago and only 2 back-to-back winners in last 140 years. | ||||||||
| 33 |  |
The Package |
14/1
|
|
7
|
10-7
|
D Pipe | Graham Lee |
| The Package has been expensive to follow but not done much wrong since being upped in trip, running a cracker when a staying-on second in the William Hill Trophy Chase at Cheltenham last time. Would be an interesting contender but will have to stay calm during the long preliminaries and no seven-year-old has won this since 1940. If Murphy rides, the hint could be worth taking. Good chance provided he handles preliminaries okay. | ||||||||
| 20 |  |
Snowy Morning (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
10
|
10-13
|
W P Mullins | David Casey |
| TIP BET TO WIN – Snowy Morning is one of two strong horses for Willie Mullins who also runs Arbor Supreme and won the 2005 National with Hedgehunter. Fine third place in 2008 but made errors and not at his best when ninth last year. This classy horse has been in decent form in Ireland this season and he looks the sort to definitely get round and could get a place. Tendency to make a mistake or two remains a worry, but not done much wrong this season over mostly inadequate distances, including when a good third to Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown at the end of February. Fits most of the grand national trends and one of the more likely contenders. David Casey, closest in ten attempts when third on him two years ago.TIP BET TO WIN | ||||||||
| 31 |  |
Arbor Supreme (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
8
|
10-8
|
W P Mullins | Paul Townend |
| Arbor Supreme looked a stayer going places in 2008, his wins included a defeat of Black Apalachi and another long-distance success at Fairyhouse. Back to form over an inadequate trip at Leopardstown in late February and his young rider is one for the future. Paul Townend, 19-year-old, who completed course on debut in race last year. Tough, consistent stayer who won’t mind soft ground. Has been well-backed in recent days and just the sort to be competitive in this race, especially off this weight – definite chance. | ||||||||
| 4 |  |
Black Apalachi (IRE) |
14/1
|
|
11
|
11-6
|
D T Hughes | Denis O’Regan |
| Black Apalchi is the leading Irish Grand National horses hope, despite failing to complete in the past two Grand Nationals. Bold jumper suffered an early fall in 2008 but was tanking along in the lead when unshipping his rider at the 22nd fence (second Becher’s Brook) last year. Easy winner of 2008 Becher Chase over the Grand National fences and looked as good as ever when runner-up to stable-companion Vic Venturi at Fairyhouse last time. Loves soft ground, but may have too much weight. Loves soft ground, but may have too much weight. | ||||||||
| 9 |  |
Niche Market (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
9
|
11-4
|
R H Buckler | Harry Skelton |
| Niche Market won the Irish Grand National in 2009 and several good races to his name this term especially at Newbury, when third to Denman in the Hennessy Gold Cup and second to Tricky Trickster in the Aon Chase. However but for a poor run at Cheltenham, he would have a major form shout. Handicapped to hilt now, but genuine sort who should take well to this course and Handicapped to hilt now, but genuine sort who should take well to this course. Seems to need decent ground to show his best. Harry Skelton, son of Nick Skelton, the legendary showjumper will take his first ride in the race. | ||||||||
| 24 |  |
Character Building (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
10
|
10-11
|
J J Quinn | Miss Nina Carberry |
| Character Building, only two grey horses have ever won the Grand National, The Lamb in 1868 and 1871 and Nicolaus Silver in 1961, but this one has long looked tailor-made for it. Unfortunately, setbacks have resulted in missing the past two Grand Nationals and he ran a lacklustre race at Cheltenham latest, when he had optimum conditions. Type to bounce back, though, and could go well for his new owners if he takes to the fences. Fancied for the race 12 months ago, but missed Aintree through injury. Has struggled on two outings this season, but capable at best and respect his chances | ||||||||
| 23 |  |
State of Play |
20/1
|
|
10
|
10-11
|
Evan Williams | Paul Moloney |
| TIP BET EACH WAY – State of Play, the 2006 Hennessy winner was a fine fourth in the National last year off a 5lb higher mark and might have finished second but for mid-race errors leaving him to play catch up. Usually a sound jumper and his trainer’s ploy of keeping him fresh not run since November and could be rewarded as he’s undoubtedly at his best after a break. His record since 2005 after a rest of four months or more reads 1112P and you can excuse that last figure as he was found to have a small problem afterwards. Would not want the going to get too soft. TIP BET EACH WAY | ||||||||
| 8 |  |
Tricky Trickster (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
7
|
11-4
|
P F Nicholls | Barry Geraghty |
| Tricky Trickster, a big money purchase and grand national favourite before running a shocker beat only one home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Does not have much time to recapture his form and no seven-year-old has won this since 1940. He had looked every inch a grand National winner pipping Niche Market close to home in the Aon Chase at Newbury in February having previously landed the four-mile National Hunt Chase in fine style at Cheltenham last year Montelimar, his grandsire, was the sire of recent Aintree heroes Hedgehunter and Monty’s Pass. Barry Geraghty, won on Monty’s Pass in 2003 and placed on three other occasions. Rejected by Ruby Walsh here. | ||||||||
| 3 |  |
Vic Venturi (IRE) |
20/1
|
|
10
|
11-6
|
D T Hughes | Paddy Flood |
| Vic Venturi defeated fellow Grand National runner Black Apalachi in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February, which came just five days after the National weights had been announced, means that he is officially 8lb under weight. However, that race took less winning and his victory in the Becher Chase over the National fences in November could be a red herring as there were only six runners left after two fences and his jumping lacked conviction. Stamina is a worry because he has not lasted home in two Irish Nationals. Paddy Flood, who has ridden twice in the grand national fell at the first fence last year. Not certain to stay the full distance. | ||||||||
| 7 |  |
Comply Or Die (IRE) |
16/1
|
|
11
|
11-5
|
D Pipe | Timmy Murphy |
| Comply or Die was the Grand National winner in 2008 and again ran well in 2009 when beating all bar winner Mon Mome. 1lb lower mark this time and no reason to expect anything but another challenge because he’s got few miles on the clock and has again been trained specifically for the Grand National, seen just twice this term. Timmy Murphy has ridden him in past two races but could switch to The Package, who runs in the same colours. Graham Lee, who won on Amberleigh House in 2004, will ride whoever he rejects. | ||||||||
| 6 |  |
Don’t Push It (IRE) |
20/1
|
|
10
|
11-5
|
Jonjo O’Neill | A P McCoy |
| Don’t Push It, since making Denman roll up his sleeves at Cheltenham towards end of 2006, his jumping has been inconsistent with problems. He may put it all together in a big race one day and his win at last year’s Grand National meeting in a competitive handicap on the Mildmay course also offers encouragement. On the negative side, he showed little zest over hurdles at Cheltenham on his most recent start. Tony McCoy has never finished closer than third in 14 attempts, or novice Grand National jockey Richard McLernon has never ridden in race. He doesn’t look the best handicapped runner in the race. | ||||||||
| 17 |  |
Backstage (FR) |
25/1
|
|
8
|
11-0
|
G Elliott | D J Condon |
| Backstage enhanced his reputation during the summer winning but the handicapper took exception raising him an aggregate of 29lb. Still possible that he has more to offer and his trainer won the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch. He may need a sound surface to show his best and that he made little impact in last year’s Aintree Fox Hunter Chase, albeit gaining some experience of the National fences. Well beaten over hurdles on heavy going on his latest start. | ||||||||
| 35 |  |
Irish Raptor (IRE) |
33/1
|
|
11
|
10-7
|
N A Twiston-Davies | Paddy Brennan |
| Irish Raptor is one of six horses for the Gold Cup-winning trainer and regarded as stable’s first string. Loves the Grand National fences and won last season’s Topham Chase, having finished runner-up in it a year earlier. Is bred to stay well, his brother Frantic Tan was a big-race winner over 3m 5f but stamina has looked an issue in past. Paddy Brennan is yet to get farther than the 22nd after four attempts, but there must be question marks over the trip and stiff task off this handicap mark. Major player if stamina holds out and trainer very bullish. | ||||||||
| 32 |  |
Maljimar (IRE) |
33/1
|
|
10
|
10-8
|
Nick Williams | Daryl Jacob |
| Maljimar reserves his best efforts for Cheltenham and was unlucky not to win at the Festival last season. However, he can make the odd blunder and does not strike as being a thorough stayer. Daryl Jacob, fourth on Philson Run in 2007, unseated from him following year. Top class handicap form at his best, but stamina has looked to be an issue over an extended three miles, so a concern here, but class could keep him in contention for a long way. Could be interesting if ground dries out. | ||||||||
| 16 |  |
Ballyholland (IRE) |
33/1
|
|
9
|
11-0
|
C A McBratney | Andrew McNamara |
| Ballyholland took his form to another level when winning the Galway Plate in smooth style over 2m 6f in July and ran a pleasing race behind Tranquil Sea at Leopardstown in late February. Sure-footed jumper, better than ever last summer. Never tackled long distances, though, and his stamina is a huge doubt and unknown quantity here. Acts in the mud but well served by good ground. Andrew McNamara, completed for first time in four attempts last year, won Irish National on Monday. Has been well backed in recent weeks, but no evidence he needs a long trip and best form on better ground. | ||||||||
| 27 |  |
King Johns Castle (IRE) |
40/1
|
|
11
|
10-9
|
A L T Moore | Paul Carberry |
| Kings John Castle, Grey horse ran a great race when splitting Comply Or Die 1st and Snowy Morning 3rd in the 2008 Grand National, when such as Cloudy Lane, Mon Mome and Black Apalachi were also in the line up. A knee injury prevented him trying to go one better last year, though, and efforts this campaign mostly over hurdles have been nothing to get excited about. However, don’t write him off with Paul Carberry renewing association who rode him two years ago and also won on Bobbyjo in 1999. | ||||||||
| 12 |  |
Cloudy Lane |
40/1
|
|
10
|
11-3
|
D McCain Jnr | Jason Maguire |
| Cloudy Lane attempts to provide the McCain family with a fifth Grand National win. Faded to finish sixth in 2008 when well in at the weights and fell at the Chair on the first circuit in 2009. Usually a great jumper but, despite being 7lb lower in the ratings than last year, his window of opportunity has probably passed. Jockey Jason Maguire, no higher than sixth after eight attempts. May not truly stay this extended distance and despite family connections, easy to pass over. | ||||||||
| 21 |  |
Can’t Buy Time (IRE) |
33/1
|
|
8
|
10-13
|
Jonjo O’Neill | Richie McLernon |
| Can’t Buy Time fell at the eighteenth, in last year’s Grand National but usually a sound jumper and largely progressive profile. Good winner at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but disappointed at Newbury latest and his stamina is a niggle because he ran out of steam when fourth to Tricky Trickster over four miles at Cheltenham last season. Rejected by Tony McCoy in favour of Don’t Push It. | ||||||||
| 14 |  |
My Will (FR) |
40/1
|
|
10
|
11-2
|
P F Nicholls | Nick Scholfield |
| My Will has only one win since 2005 but overcame making errors to finish third in the grand last year, but beaten over 50 lengths in the Gold Cup last month and may not have the pace to challenge this year.. May not get away with making similar mistakes for a second time and. Not in same form as when third off 2 lb higher, whilst his jumping didn’t convince that day and it could prove even bigger issue without Ruby Walsh’s assistance this time. Nick Scholfield, has completed in rear, only two rides in race. | ||||||||
| 11 |  |
Dream Alliance |
40/1
|
|
9
|
11-3
|
P J Hobbs | Tom O’Brien |
| Dream Alliance chased home Denman in the 2007 Hennessy Gold Cup and refound that form when coming back from injuty to a surprise win in this season’s Welsh Grand National. Did not reproduce that when running poorly behind Silver By Nature who he had beaten into second at Chepstow at Haydock on his latest start and as his jumping can let him down is overlooked. Tom O’Brien was second on McKelvey in 2007 but not completed past two years. | ||||||||
| 38 |  |
Hello Bud (IRE) |
40/1
|
|
12
|
10-6
|
N A Twiston-Davies | Sam Twiston-Davies |
| Hello Bud, bold-jumping front-runner. Llast season won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. Has been harshly handicapped as a result and was a good third in the Servo Chase at Cheltenham in November and out of sorts since, including when last of 5 finishers in Becher Chase here. Not been doing enough since to warrant really close attention. Sam Twiston-Davies, 17-year-old son of trainer, has first ride in race. Fair bet to get round, but not quick enough to win | ||||||||
| 26 |  |
Eric’s Charm (FR) |
40/1
|
|
12
|
10-9
|
O Sherwood | Wayne Hutchinson |
| Eric’s Charm has been with Oliver Sherwood’s Lambourn yard since 2002 and more than paid his way. Will be trying this test for this first time as a 12 year old. Reserves his best for Sandown but was a game winner of a veteran’s chase at Newbury last time and is among those who are well treated at the weights. His tendency to jump right must count against him, though, and he was an early faller the only previous time that he has tackled the National fences. Wayne Hutchinson, thirteenth last year after being unseated at first on debut in race. Enthusiastic front runner who is better than ever despite his advanced years. Fell sixth in 2008 Topham only previous try over these fences. | ||||||||
| 1 |  |
Madison Du Berlais (FR) |
50/1
|
|
9
|
11-10
|
D Pipe | Tom Scudamore |
| Madison Du Berlais developed into top-class chaser in 2008/9 with three wins. Well handicapped, but not as good this year, including the Racing Post Chase on last start when tried in blinkers.. This looks to be a huge task under top grand national weight. Fell in 2008 and fell first Canal Turn in 2007. Red Rum was the last to carry top weight to victory in 1974. Tom Scudamore never closer than eighth in nine attempts. His Dad, Peter Scudamore never won the race. | ||||||||
| 39 |  |
Flintoff (USA) |
50/1
|
|
9
|
10-5
|
Miss V Williams | Andrew Tinkler |
| Flintoff, Half-owned by famous cricketer of the same name, Andrew Freddie Flintoff. Stays well and has made the frame in valuable marathons in the past, but inconsistent and probably needs the mud to be seen to best advantage. Winless for three years but a likely runner after skipping the Irish National, though placed in 2009 Midlands National at Uttoxeter. | ||||||||
| 29 |  |
Ballyfitz |
66/1
|
|
10
|
10-9
|
N A Twiston-Davies | David England |
| Ballyfitz, honest stayer horse, winner at 2008 Cheltenham Festival over hurdles and was a decent novice chaser last year, but jumping has been an issue and that could find him out over these unique fences, but without a win over fences since November 2008. Fifth in the Welsh National before plugging on to be fourth in the Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock. The big fences could be too much for him. David England, failed to complete both attempts and very difficult to fancy here as a result. | ||||||||
| 5 |  |
Joe Lively (IRE) |
66/1
|
|
11
|
11-6
|
C L Tizzard | Joe Tizzard |
| Joe Lively is a fine jumper with four wins at Cheltenham. Weighted up to his best and has lacked usual enthusiasm this season, finishing well held in the William Hill Trophy Chase. Needs the big fences to relight his fire. Jockey Joe Tizzard, who has partnered the horse in 23 of his 25 races has a bad Grand National record, completing only once from 11 attempts. Without a win since January 2009 , this 11 year old likes to race with the pace. Not sure to be suited by this extreme test and others are preferred. | ||||||||
| 37 |  |
Palypso De Creek (FR) |
50/1
|
|
7
|
10-6
|
C E Longsdon | Tom Siddall |
| Palypso De Creek, trained in France up until this season. Looks a good recruit to judge by his second to Our Vic in the Peter Marsh. However, he did not look a potential Grand National winner on his penultimate start, when fourth of five finishers in the Becher Chase, not taking a cut at several of the fences and running out of steam. Tom Siddall, first ride in race. Live outsider for a small stable. Interesting each-way option | ||||||||
| 25 |  |
Ellerslie George (IRE) |
66/1
|
|
10
|
10-10
|
Nick Mitchell | Christian Williams |
| Ellerslie George, front-runner horse put up a personal best when repelling all challengers at the Badger Ales, Wincanton in November but handicapper’s response was hefty and, more significant, he has not taken to Aintree on two past visits. Could give his jockey a fun ride without being involved at the finish. | ||||||||
| 13 |  |
Nozic (FR) |
50/1
|
|
9
|
11-3
|
P F Nicholls | Liam Treadwell |
| Nozic will be capable of making an impact off his current rating but it’s unlikely to be in the Grand National because he’s not a stayer and seemed to resent the big fences when running in last year’s Topham. Will carry the hopes and expectations of The Sun newspaper horse and Coral bookmakers for the day and to be used as a prize. Liam Treadwell, who made it first time lucky when winning on Mon Mome last year. Capable at his best, but not very consistent, a doubtful stayer. | ||||||||
| 18 |  |
Beat The Boys (IRE) |
66/1
|
|
9
|
11-0
|
N A Twiston-Davies | Brian Hughes |
| Beat the Boys is one of four grey grand national horses left in the race. Has a patchy record as his form figures reveal he’s won five of his past 12 races and can dominate by making all in smaller fields, but unlikely that such tactics will work in the National. He has been pulled up in just as many. High enough in the weights and has also had jumping issues. Brian Hughes has his first ride in the race. Not one to rely on, with suspect jumping/temperament likely to hold him back here. Rank Outsider. | ||||||||
| 19 |  |
Preists Leap (IRE) |
100/1
|
|
10
|
11-0
|
Thomas O’leary | Philip Enright |
| Preists Leap is a dual winner of the Thyestes Chase but well held in this season’s renewal and, overall, his wins-to-runs ratio is poor. Difficult to see him improving on the fourteenth place, beaten 75 lengths in this race last year ridden by Philip Enright. Only 5 lb lower than the 2009 race and easy to oppose after uninspiring 2009/10 campaign so far, not fluent when well held in cross-country event at Cheltenham last time. | ||||||||
| 34 |  |
Piraya (FR) |
100/1
|
|
7
|
10-7
|
D Pipe | Johnny Farrelly |
| Piraya, his win at Warwick in February, on the eve of the weights being announced, has sneaked him into the race. However, has since trailed home last of nine finishers in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton and not hard to look elsewhere. Johnny Farrelly, completed last year and a fall in 2008. Ex-French chaser who has shown bits and pieces of good form in this country, but stamina is a serious issue as best form has been up to two and half miles and easy to oppose here. | ||||||||
| 30 |  |
Ollie Magern |
100/1
|
|
12
|
10-9
|
N A Twiston-Davies | Tom Molloy |
| Ollie Magern, brave little battler over the years whose best moments have been in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Not the force of old and decidedly unreliable nowadays, never dangerous from 2 lb lower at Cheltenham last time. Also lacks size for Aintree fell second in 2009 race, shame that connections are tempted to try again. Tom Molloy, first ride in race. Veteran front runner who got no further than the 2nd fence last year and hard to see him being involved in the finish this time around. | ||||||||
| 10 |  |
Made In Taipan (IRE) |
100/1
|
|
8
|
11-4
|
Thomas Mullins | N P Madden |
| Made in Taipan would be a bigger shock than Mon Mome last year and has no form over extreme distances and looks sure to struggle to complete the course. Smart and consistent over much shorter, but has his work cut out over this sort of journey. Several creditable efforts this term, though seemsunsuited by hectic big-field handicap at Cheltenham last month and also very doubtful stayer, unproven beyond 2½m. | ||||||||
| 15 |  |
Pablo Du Charmil (FR) |
100/1
|
|
9
|
11-2
|
D Pipe | Danny Cook |
| Pablo Du Charmil has a good record when fresh but his latest effort on only start since May 2009 after a break ended with a heavy fall at Cheltenham. Unproven beyond three miles ad all previous form suggests that this trip is way behind his best, unlikely to relish such a severe test. Danny Cook, first ride in race. Major surprise if he manages to get round. | ||||||||
| 28 |  |
Conna Castle (IRE) |
100/1
|
|
11
|
10-9
|
J J Mangan | S W Flanagan |
| Conna Castle, trainer won the Grand National in 2003 with Montys Pass but difficult to see him repeating the trick with this horse. Has accumulated plenty of prize money but usually races over much shorter and on lengthy losing run. Not won since a prolific 2007/8 campaign and is often let down by his jumping including last time and very doubtful stayer, raced mainly at 2m / 2½m. Beat current Champion Chaser Big Zeb in a Grade One back in 2008. | ||||||||
| 36 |  |
Cerium (FR) |
66/1
|
|
9
|
10-5
|
Paul Murphy | |
| Cerium ran a blinder when fifth in last year’s Grand National, especially that he suffered a fractured skull in running. Difficult to fathom exactly where that run came from not won since 2006 and had fluffed his lines in a claiming chase just two runs earlier and dangerous to bank on a repeat. Never a threat on his return when well held in the Gold Cup. K Mercer, fifth on him last year after successive falls. Repeat prospects look remote. | ||||||||
| 40 |  |
Royal Rosa (FR) |
100/1
|
|
11
|
10-5
|
J Howard Johnson | |
| Royal Rosa finished third in the Becher Chase here in November but sole win over fences (from 16 starts) was at expense of one other finisher in a novice event at Wetherby in 2006. | ||||||||
Grand National Facts and Figures 2010
• William Hill estimate a £1billion betting week with the World watching Tiger Woods return in the US Masters golf, plus Champions League, FA Cup Semi-Finals & Football league fixtures at the weekend.
• Nearly half the UK adult population will bet on the Grand National, either in a shop, over the phone or on the internet, at an average of £8 per bet.
• One punter will be hoping for Character Building to oblige after a £1500 bet at 20-1 could scoop them £30,000.
• Grand National Day is the one day of the year where women bet nearly as much as the men. One in three Grand National bets are placed by women.
• William Hill telephones will be staffed with 600 operatives who will receive over 250,000 calls. Making them busier than both the emergency services and American Express combined!
• If all the Grand National betting slips were placed end-to-end they would stretch all the way from Aintree to Las Vegas the Worlds gambling capital and back. A distance of over 5000 miles!
• The Grand National horses will run almost two circuits of the 2 mile Grand National course, but if the £250million in stakes was arranged in 20 notes around the Grand National course, they would circle the famous track over 1000 times!
• The total weight of £250million pound coins exceeds 2375 tonnes, outweighing the English Capital’s iconic London Eye by nearly 300 tonnes!
• The Grand National is truly a world event as William Hill have taken bets from as far afield as Australia, Bermuda, China, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan with the British troops joining in the British tradition.
• 25 bets per second will be struck on William Hills website in the hour leading up to the National, a total of 90,000 in the sixty minutes before 4.15pm Grand National start time.
Britain’s annual Grand National betting bonanza is just three days away as the Nation prepares for the running of the John Smiths Grand National 2010.
Betting giants William Hill estimate a week-long £1billion betting boom as the Country winds its way out of the recession and embraces the three-day Grand National meeting, in addition to Tiger Woods return in the US Masters Golf. Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals plus a full weekend of Football league, and a host of other sporting events will further add to business.
Current ante-post Grand National favourite Big Fella Thanks will have the bookies running scared with die-hard punters backing the Paul Nicholls-trained, and Ruby Walsh-ridden gelding for weeks now, with stablemate Tricky Trickster, 2009 winner Mon Mome, and ‘rags to riches’ runner Dream Alliance all preparing to hit the bookies’ satchels hard.
David Hood, spokesman for William Hill, said: ‘’This will be a week of reckoning for the bookies – with an intense amount of betting activity surrounding the Grand National, Tiger’s return, and the major football action. After last year’s incredible 100-1 winner, the bookies were in clover – but we fear a strike-back as punters search for revenge.’’
John Smith’s Grand National (NRNB): 7-1 Big Fella Thanks, 10-1 Mon Mome, 14-1 Arbor Supreme, Black Apalachi , The Package, Tricky Trickster, 16-1 Niche Market, Snowy Morning, 20-1 Backstage, Can’t Buy Time, Character Building, State Of Play, Vic Venturi, 25-1 Don’t Push It, Whinstone Boy, 28-1 Comply or Die, 33-1 Ballyholland, Chief Dan George, 40-1 Dream Alliance, Irish Raptor, Johns Castle, Maljimar, My Will, 50-1 Ballytrim, Cloudy Lane, Galant Nuit, Hello Bud, King Offshore Account, Palypso De Creek, 66-1 Abbeybraney, Ballyfitz, Belon Gale, Cerium, Eric´s Charm, Flintoff, Joe Lively, Madison Du Berlais, Nozic, Officier De Reserve, Over The Creek, Silver Birch, Treacle, 100-1 According To John, Beat The Boys, Chiaro, Conna Castle, Duers, Ellerslie George, Faasel, Kings Advocate, Knowhere, Lorum Leader, Made In Taipan, Merigo, Mr Pointment, Ollie Magern, Oodachee, Pablo Du Charmil, Pak Jack, Piraya, Pomme Tiepy, Preists Leap, Royal Rosa, Wee Robbie, 200-1 Offaly ALL QUOTED (EW 1/4 1,2,3,4)
Grand National market movers 2010 Odds are shortening on Character Building 16-1 from 20-1, Whinstone Boy 20-1 from 25, Chief Dan George 25 from 33, Eric´s Charm 50 from 66
The John Smiths Grand National 2010 is unique sporting event. It is the horse race of dreams, the stuff of legends. No wonder the grand national steeplechase receives more attention than any other horse racing event. Since the inaugural running in 1839, when Lottery etched his name in grand national history as the first Grand National winner, victory in the Grand National 2010 has been the pinnacle of ambition. Owners, trainers and jockeys worldwide are fascinated by the thought of capturing the Aintree race.
It is the most famous horse race in the world and one of the biggest tests for racehorses and riders. Eastern European countries and Russia have sent horses to compete, while the Irish, America, French, Australia and Japan are just as keen to win the JohnSmiths Grand National 2010. The formidable home challenge takes some beating around two circuits of the Grand National course, length four and a half miles in all. The course has numerous famous grand national fences that are an integral part of Grand National history; Bechers Brook, the Canal Turn and the Chair, in all its awesome grandeur, are fences known around the globe.
Phrases of commentators such as “crossing the Melling Road” are built into people’s subconscious, while there is also the ‘elbow’, with the winning post in sight, where many a potential victor has felt the last reserves of stamina ebb away and with it, immortality.
There is nothing quite like that sensation of heart-clutching, wriggling expectation as the 40 horses for the John Smiths Grand National is persuaded into a fair line, ready to tackle the first of 30 grand national fences, with more focus on the often unfortunate starter than anywhere else.
