UK Horse Racing Tips

The Crabbie’s 2014 Grand National is almost upon us. On April 5, this Aintree spectacular will once again get the nation talking, tuning in and having a flutter. Whether it’s an office sweepstakes, a tip from a friend or relative who ‘wins every year’, or a horse that amazingly has the same name as your long dead parrot we can’t help but find a reason to place a bet and get involved.

There is such history to this prestigious event, it epitomises tradition. Although officially starting in 1839 many view the winner of the first ‘unofficial’ Grand National to be The Duke. Without The Duke the Grand National as we know it probably wouldn’t even exist today. Moving on to 1927, the BBC covered the event for the very first time, heralding a new era for the festival, and bringing it to an audience of millions. That year the race was won by Sprig , perhaps not a name many of us would know. That’s certainly not true of three time winner Red Rum though, two of which were back to back. Trained by Ginger McCain the staggering achievements of Red Rum took the National to new heights.

Today interest in the even is as high as ever, and this year punters may well be spurred on by the fact that last year’s winner, Auroras Encore, won at an incredible 66-1, and 130-1 on Betfair. Suited by the ground on the day and given every chance by jockey Ryan Mania , the Sue Smith trained 11 year old took first place, followed by Cappa Bleu in 2^nd at 12-1 and Teaforthree 3^rd and 10-1.

This year’s Grand National looks to be a competitive affair. Teaforthree, trained by Rebecca Curtis stands out of the crowd somewhat, which is likely why it’s currently 10-1 favourite with most bookmakers. Curtis says of the ten year old, “He is in great form and has come out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup really well.” Second favourite is the Paul Nicholls trained Tidal Bay. Along with Rocky Creek, Tidal Bay is his main hope for the National. He’s likely to be ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, a big plus as this pairing has already resulted in a win this season. For a more ambitious punt, I wouldn’t rule out Tony McCoy’s Double Seven at 33-1. Despite the odds he’s won five times this year and if the ground is good he’s in with a shot.

So, if I was forced to give a finishing order for the top four places I’d go: Teaforthree (10/1) , Tidal Bay (10/1),  Double Seven (33-1) and Same Difference (40-1) and if that pays out and you bet on it feel free to buy me a house.

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