By Callum Close
This week racing’s elite will gather in the North West of England for Britain’s most prestigious steeplechase – the Grand National.
The race will see 30 horses embark on two laps of the iconic Aintree Racecourse, with a gruelling 4m2f and 30 fences standing between starters’ orders and the winning post.
Watched by an estimated 600 million people across the world, the event is one of the most popular spectacles of the sporting calendar.
It has become part of British culture and even those who don’t bet or care for horse racing, turn their attention to Merseyside for the illustrious race.
From the roar of the crowd to the gathering of families around televisions, to the sweepstakes amongst colleagues and queues outside high street bookmakers, there really is nothing like the Grand National.
With 30 horses in the race, there is often betting value found at higher prices and shrewd bets on outside horses to place is a way many punters tackle the National.
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Kandoo Kid
One such horse could be Kandoo Kid, who currently trades at 20/1 to win the Grand National.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, the nine-year-old defeated Broadway Boy in the Coral Gold Cup back in November. It was his first of only two runs since placing at this meeting last year.
Nicholls confirmed his intentions to run him in the Grand National back in March, when he said: “As I’ve said all along, I had two aims to get him at his very, very best.
“One was the Coral Gold Cup and the other one is the National and we’ve now got five weeks to get him as we really want him.”
Kandoo Kid is unexposed at the trip having raced only once over a distance greater than three miles, and if he takes to the Grand National fences he could be a betting option at decent value.
Willie Mullins Outsiders
Infamous Irish trainer Willie Mullins showcased the depth of talent at his stable after Poniros won the Triumph Hurdle at 100/1.
Other 20/1 shouts include stablemates Meetingofthewaters and Grangeclare West – both trained by the Irishman – who offer more value than some of his more fancied runners.
The former is owned by the renowned JP McManus and despite being well-beaten in his three runs after placing seventh in last year’s race, the longer trip as well as experience over the National fences will aid his chance.
Grangeclare West runs in the Cheveley Park Stud silks and is lightly raced having raced only four times since December 2023.
The 22/1 shot Nick Rockett has been in good form for Mullins also, winning his last two races.
Other Chances
Elsewhere in the betting is Famous Bridge at a mammoth price of 80/1. Owned by the late Trevor Hemmings – whose colours were carried to victory by Many Clouds in 2015 – the horse won the Grand National trial at Haydock in February.
He is likely to run in the Scottish National, but should he be declared at Aintree his price will shorten quickly.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Hyland also can’t be ignored and at 25/1, he is one of the more fancied British runners.
READ MORE: Who will win the 2025 Grand National at Aintree? A look at the main contenders
