The Ultimate Guide to the Ladbrokes Grand National

The Ladbrokes Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world and one of the most challenging horse races in existence. Every year, 40 horses and their jockeys tackle the gruelling 4-mile course at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The race is known for its spectacular jumps, including the iconic Becher's Brook, and its unpredictable finish.

History of the Ladbrokes Grand National

The Grand National was first run in 1839, and it has been held annually ever since, except for during the two World Wars. The race was originally known as the "Grand National Steeplechase," and it was open to both amateur and professional jockeys. In 1873, the race was renamed the "Grand National," and it became a professional-only event.

The Grand National has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Red Rum, who won the race three times in the 1970s. Other famous winners include Arkle, Desert Orchid, and Tiger Roll.

The Course

The Grand National course is 4 miles and 4 furlongs long, and it features 30 fences. The fences are made of spruce and birch, and they are placed at various intervals throughout the course. Some of the most famous fences include:

• Becher's Brook: This is the most famous fence on the Grand National course. It is a large, open ditch with a drop of about 4 feet.
• The Canal Turn: This is a sharp turn that comes after Becher's Brook. It is often difficult for horses to make the turn without losing their balance.
• Valentine's Brook: This is a wide, open ditch that comes after the Canal Turn. It is often the first fence that horses fall at.
• The Chair: This is a large, imposing fence that comes near the end of the course. It is often the last fence that horses fall at.

The Race

The Grand National is a handicap race, which means that the horses are assigned different weights to carry based on their past performances. The weights are designed to make the race as fair as possible, but they can also make a big difference in the outcome.

The Grand National is a very challenging race, and only the best horses and jockeys can win it. The race is often won by a horse that has a combination of speed, stamina, and jumping ability.

Betting on the Ladbrokes Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most popular betting races in the world. Millions of pounds are wagered on the race each year, and there are a variety of different ways to bet.

The most common way to bet on the Grand National is to place a win bet. This means that you are betting on a horse to win the race outright. You can also place a place bet, which means that you are betting on a horse to finish in the top three.

There are also a number of different novelty bets that you can place on the Grand National. These bets can be anything from betting on the colour of the winning horse to betting on the number of horses that will fall at Becher's Brook.

Tips for Betting on the Ladbrokes Grand National

If you are planning on betting on the Grand National, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:

• Do your research. Make sure you know as much as you can about the horses and jockeys in the race.
• Consider the odds. The odds can give you a good indication of which horses are the favourites and which are the underdogs.
• Don't bet more than you can afford to lose. Betting on horse racing is a risky business, so only bet what you can afford to lose.

Stories and What We Learn

Over the years, there have been many memorable stories about the Grand National. Here are a few of the most famous:

• Red Rum's three wins: Red Rum is the only horse to have won the Grand National three times. He won the race in 1973, 1974, and 1977.
• The 1967 race: The 1967 race was one of the most dramatic in Grand National history. The race was won by Foinavon, who was a 100-1 outsider.
• The 2018 race: The 2018 race was won by Tiger Roll, who became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Grand Nationals.

These stories teach us that anything is possible in the Grand National. Even the most unfancied horses can win the race, and anything can happen on the day.

Tips and Tricks

If you want to improve your chances of winning money on the Grand National, here are a few tips:

• Bet on horses that have a good record over the Grand National course.
• Bet on horses that are in good form.
• Bet on horses that are ridden by experienced jockeys.
• Don't bet on too many horses.

FAQs

Q: When is the Ladbrokes Grand National held?
A: The Ladbrokes Grand National is held on the first Saturday in April.

Q: Where is the Ladbrokes Grand National held?
A: The Ladbrokes Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.

Q: How many horses run in the Ladbrokes Grand National?
A: 40 horses run in the Ladbrokes Grand National.

Q: How long is the Ladbrokes Grand National course?
A: The Ladbrokes Grand National course is 4 miles and 4 furlongs long.

Q: What is the most famous fence on the Ladbrokes Grand National course?
A: Becher's Brook is the most famous fence on the Ladbrokes Grand National course.

Q: Who has won the Ladbrokes Grand National the most times?
A: Red Rum has won the Ladbrokes Grand National three times.

Tables

Table 1: Past Winners of the Ladbrokes Grand National

Table 2: Most Successful Jockeys in the Ladbrokes Grand National

Table 3: Most Successful Trainers in the Ladbrokes Grand National

Conclusion

The Ladbrokes Grand National is one of the most famous and prestigious horse races in the world. The race is a gruelling challenge, but it is also one of the most exciting and unpredictable races in the sporting calendar. If you are looking for a race that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then the Grand National is the race for you.