Grand National Betting Guide: Top Tips for the UK’s Biggest Horse Racing Event

The Grand National is the one race in the UK calendar that gets a bet from people who don’t bet on anything else all year — which is exactly why a few basic tips go a long way. Here’s how to approach it.

Do Your Form Research

With 30-plus runners, the National rewards a bit of homework: recent form, course experience (Aintree’s fences are unlike anywhere else), and how a horse has handled a big field before. Trainers with a strong record in the race specifically are also worth noting — some yards consistently produce National contenders. Our history of the Grand National is a good starting point for context on the race itself.

Consider Each-Way Betting

Picking the outright winner from such a large field is genuinely hard, which is exactly why each-way betting is so popular for this race — see our guide to horse racing odds if you’re not familiar with how it works. Some sportsbooks offer enhanced each-way terms specifically for the National, so it’s worth comparing before you bet.

Watch the Going

Ground conditions at Aintree can shift a horse’s chances significantly — some horses handle soft, testing ground well, others need firmer conditions to perform. The going is usually confirmed close to race day, so it’s worth checking before you finalise a bet rather than basing it purely on earlier form.

Compare Sportsbook Offers Before the Race

Welcome offers and each-way enhancements around the National are typically some of the most competitive of the year, so it’s worth comparing a few sportsbooks rather than defaulting to the first one you think of. See our guide to choosing a sportsbook for the Grand National for what to check.

Whatever your approach, bet within your means and enjoy the race. Compare UK-licensed sportsbooks for the latest Grand National offers and each-way terms.