Best Grand National Sign Up Offers and Bonus

Written By: Richard Smith
Last Updated: April 11, 2024

Welcome to our Randox Grand National page where we have something for everybody. Below you will see a list of the best bookmaker sign-up offers for the Grand National.

Below that section though, we go into the history of the National and why this great sporting event is so important to the city of Liverpool.

And for you, true horse racing fans, read on as our resident expert Richard Smith analyses all of the racing with a pre-meeting run-through and daily form guide.

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Valid by

31/12/2022

Offer Terms

Full Terms and Conditions See full terms and conditions bellow 1. Terms and conditions a. For instructions on how to claim your free bet, go to ‘How do I find and use my free bet?’ on our website. b. When we convert currencies, we consider £10 to be equal to: €10 (euro) AU$20 (Australian dollar) CA$20 (Canadian dollar) CHf15 (Swiss franc) Kr80 (Danish krone) HK$115 (Hong Kong dollar) ¥1300 (Japanese yen) Kr120 (Swedish krona) S$20 (Singapore dollar) US$10 (US dollar) 2. General restrictions a. We expect you to be fair when you take part in promotions. We consider certain types of play to be unfair and to break these terms and conditions. These unfair types of play include the following. Using ‘minimal risk wagering patterns’ (that is, a set pattern of bets or stakes that unfairly minimises risks). Using more than one account in order to get more than the number of bonuses allowed for each customer. Sharing personalised promotions (that is, promotions only available to specific customers we offer them to) with others. This includes taking part in any personalised promotion forwarded to you by someone else when it was not intended for you. Taking part in a promotion that is not available in the country you live in. Colluding with other customers (that is, plotting with others to gain an unfair advantage). Using more than one account per person, per household or per IP address. b. If you take part in any play that we consider to be unfair, we may cancel any bonuses or promotions applied to your account, reclaim any bonus you have received as part of any promotion we have cancelled, and either: settle bets at the correct odds, not the bonus or promotion odds; void any free bets or bets funded by a bonus (that is, treat them as if they had never been placed); or remove any winnings relating to any bonus. 3. General conditions a. Regardless of anything else set out in these terms and conditions, you can withdraw funds from your main balance at any time, except where we must withhold the funds to meet our legal or regulatory obligations. b. You cannot take part in this promotion if we have previously banned you from taking part in promotions, or from betting or playing any games on our website. c. We can withhold or refuse to pay any winnings from a bonus if funds you paid into your main balance (including any amounts you have already used) are cancelled or denied by any payment service (for example, your card provider). d. We can change or cancel this promotion, or change these terms and conditions: without giving you notice, if the change or cancellation is needed because of any change in law or regulation; or by giving you notice beforehand, if the change or cancellation is for any other valid reason (for example, if there is a fault in the software or systems we use to provide this promotion, or we identify a mistake in this promotion or these terms and conditions). We can also award an equivalent bonus to the one referred to in this promotion. e. We will not be responsible for any technical, hardware or software failures, or any unavailable or lost network conditions which may result in incorrect information being displayed, or affect your ability to enter or take part in the promotion. If there is any dispute over your eligibility for the promotion, our decision will be final. f. Your use of our website, and your gaming or betting, is governed by our terms and conditions of using our website or telebetting service (the general terms). You must read the general terms and these terms and conditions before you take part in this promotion. If any of these terms and conditions conflict with the general terms, these terms and conditions will apply. g. These terms and conditions are governed by, and interpreted in line with, the laws of England and Wales. Any legal action in connection with these terms and conditions will be dealt with in the courts of England and Wales. h. This promotion is offered, managed and made available on our website (williamhill.com) by us, WHG (International) Limited.

Website

https://sports.williamhill.com/

Owner

William Hill PLC

Founded

1934

Headquarters

William Hill Global PLC, Tagliaferro Business Centre, Level 7, High Street, Sliema SLM 1549, Malta

Free bets will be paid as 3 x £10/€10 denominations once the first qualifying bet has been settled; free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed
Bet £10 Get £50 In Bonuses
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  • Free bets valid for 7 days
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Regulated By

Valid by

31/12/2024

Offer Terms

Terms and Conditions 1. New internet and mobile customers only. 2. The promotion is only available to customers from the UK (including Northern Ireland). 3. Only your first bet with Betfred counts towards this offer. 4. Your first bet must be placed at a cumulative price of evens (2.0) or greater. Any bet type will qualify but must have a total stake of at least £10. 5. Your first bet must be placed and settled within 7 days of registration. 6. Customers who register on 09/04/24 will be excluded from this offer. 7. You must deposit and bet a minimum of £10 in one bet transaction at odds of even or greater. For example, two £5 single bets of evens or greater will not qualify as they are two separate bet transactions. 8. Betfred.com reserves the right to withhold the rewarding of any Free Bet payment if a customer’s identity cannot be verified using our standard checks or, if we have reasonable grounds to believe that the account holder is not the person who has created the account or is operating the account. In these cases, Betfred may request a valid government issued photo identity (passport/full driving licence) and proof of address (bank statement/utility bill) dated within the last 3 months, along with a photo of yourself holding a passport or full driving licence so that you can be clearly identified alongside your photo ID (a selfie). Failure to satisfy verification of your identity will result in the non-payment of your bonus. 9. Your first bet must be placed on Sportsbook markets. (Totepool, Games, Casino, Numbers, Lotto, Virtual, Poker and Bingo do not qualify). 10. Cashed out bets do not count towards this offer. 11. In most cases, the Free Bet amount (2 x £20) will be credited to customer accounts within 10 hours of the qualifying bet being settled. However, bonus payments may be delayed should further account validation be needed. 12. Minimum and Maximum Free Bet amount is £20. 13. All Free Bets are valid for 7 days after issue. Any free bet amount left unused after 7 days will be removed. 14. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns and are non-withdrawable. 15. One welcome offer per address/IP address/device or mobile number. Previous account holders are not eligible for the offer. Anyone opening a Betfred.com account that has previously held an account with us that is closed does not qualify for the offer. 16. Only one welcome offer per new customer. Customers can either qualify for the Bet £10, get £50 in Free Bets offer OR one of the Games, Lotto or Virtual new customer offers, not both. 17. Customers depositing using prepaid Visa’s and Mastercard’s, or e-Wallets will not qualify for this promotion. 18. These terms and Conditions are additional to and operate in conjunction with the General Betfred Terms and Conditions. 19. Betfred.com reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Please note: The terms & conditions at the time of sign up will still apply. Any term changes after date of sign up will not be applicable. 20. Gamble responsibly. For more info visit www.begambleaware.org or telephone Freephone Helpline: 0808 8020 133 21. Over 18’s only.

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Which Are The Best Types of Offers to Take Advantage Of For The Grand National?

Grand National Betting Offers: First Race of the Day Refund On Losing Horses

If you’re planning on betting on more than one day at The Grand National meeting, this offer is perfect as it gives you a refund if you fail to pick the winning horse. The free bet is given in 24 hours, usually sooner. Your refund can be used on any sport, so don’t worry if the meeting is over by the time you get your refund from Thursday’s first race.

The Grand National 2024 Non-Runner No Bet

It makes sense to place your bets with a bookmaker that offers their customers the insurance of getting a refund for any horse that fails to start the race. Nobody wants to see their fun £5 bet going down the drain due to not getting a run. The majority of big bookmakers will be offering this for 2024, but it’s always worth checking.

Price Match For The Grand National Meeting

Odds on horses can fluctuate widely so depending on how much you stake on horse racing, getting better odds can make a big difference to your winnings. Leading bookmakers will match any better odds with their nearest business rivals to ensure you get paid out at the best possible odds. No code is needed for these usually.

So having online accounts with a number of bookmakers gives you the best opportunity to grab the best price on your selections for Aintree.

Latest & Best Odds Guaranteed For The Grand National

The vast majority of UK bookmakers will offer the best odds guaranteed (B.O.G) throughout the meeting, as they normally do for UK and Irish racing. It’s one of their standard offers, aside from the sign-up bonuses. If your horse starts the race at better odds than you took at the time you placed your bet, the bookmaker will pay you any winnings at the higher odds. Perfect for Aintree betting offers. You won’t need to enter any sort of code to receive these latest special prices.

Betting On The Grand National 2024: Getting Free Bets

Aside from the bonuses and offers for the 2024 Grand National like the new customer free bets on offer, watch out for free bets on each race where you place a pre-race wager and then get some free bonuses to use on the next race. Look out for promo codes, bonuses, and the odd discount code along with any bookmaker specials on their own blog.

We are often asked which bookies give the best Aintree Grand National meeting offers. The ones that consistently seem to offer the best prices, place terms, special offers and bonuses are Bet365, Betfred, Betfair and William Hill. These four usually stand out.

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UK Gambling Commission

Valid By

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Offer Terms

These Promotion Terms and Conditions including any applicable instructions on www.unibet.co.uk (“Promotion Terms”) apply to all Unibet promotions. By entering you accept and agree to be bound by these Promotion Terms. In addition, Unibet’s standard Terms and Conditions and Rule Book (“Standard Terms”) also apply (available at www.unibet.co.uk). In the event of any difference between these Promotion Terms and the Standard Terms, these Promotion Terms will prevail. 1. This bonus, offer or promotion (“Promotion”) is available to individuals aged 18 years and over who have registered as customers of Unibet. 2. No employees of Unibet and its affiliated companies, or family members of employees and affiliated companies, may take part in Promotions. 3. Unless confirmed otherwise by Unibet in writing: (i) Promotions are available once only to any registered account, which shall mean no more than one bonus per user, IP address, computer device, family, residential address, telephone number, credit or debit card and/ or e-payment account, e-mail address, and environments where computers are shared (university, fraternity, school, public library, workplace, etc.); and (ii) Promotions cannot be used in conjunction with, or to qualify for, any other Unibet.co.uk promotional offer. 4. Unibet reserves the right acting reasonably and without prior notice and in accordance with its eligibility requirements, bonus abuse policy and internal trading risk policy to: (i) withhold, restrict or cancel this Promotion from individual account holders; and (ii) reclaim any bonus funds, enhanced payments or winnings from bonus funds. 5. Except as outlined in these Promotional Terms, amendments to Promotions will not be made after you are opted in, unless you accept any such amendments. 6. Unibet may, at any time, make minor amendments to this Promotion to correct typographical errors or to improve on clarity or customer experience and may cancel this Promotion for legal or regulatory reasons. 7. Unless otherwise specified in writing, in the event that you are required to travel to take part in any event, you are responsible for making all your own arrangements (including insurance). 8. Unibet accepts no responsibility whatsoever for system or connection problems that might affect any end user during any of these Promotions. 9. Unibet’s decisions in respect of any matter(s) concerning a Promotion are final, subject always to your right to refer a decision to Unibet’s complaints policy as described in the Standard Terms. 10. This Promotion is operated by Platinum Gaming Limited a company registered in Gibraltar with its registered office address at Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar.

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Owner

Kindred Group

Founded

1997

Headquarters

Kindred London Ltd, Kindred House, 17 Hartfield Road, LONDON, SW19 3SE, United Kingdom

18+ begambleaware.org. New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first sports bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C’s
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  • Qualifying bet must be struck at odds of EVS or 2.00
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  • Offer only available to new customers
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Regulated By

UK Gambling Commission under account number 39576

Valid By

31/12/2023

Offer Terms

What you get: On placement of your qualifying bet: £10 Football free bet. £10 Football free bet on Bet Builder only. £10 Football free bet double, treble or higher. £10 Football free bet treble or higher. All of which: * can be used on any football market unless stated in the restrictions; * must be placed at accumulated odds of 3.00 or greater; * can be used as one whole bet or as a number of smaller bets; * will only return profit exceeding your total stake; * must be placed separately from real cash bets; and * can not be used on virtual sports * will expire 7 days after accreditation if not used.

Website

https://www.betvictor.com/

Owner

BV Gaming Limited

Founded

1946

Headquarters

Suite 23, Portland House, Glacis Road, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA

18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £5 at odds 2.00+ within 7 days, no cashout. Get 4x £10 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. Plus a £10 Slot Bonus, selected games, wager 20x to withdraw max £250. 7 day bonus expiry. Card payments only. Click for T&Cs
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Bet £10 Get £50 In Bonuses
  • Bet £10 Get £50 In Bonuses
  • First bet must be placed at a cumulative odds of evens (2.0) or greater
  • Free bets valid for 7 days
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Regulated By

UK Gambling Commission under account number 39544. Licensed by the Gibraltar Government and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (RGL no. 036 & 038)

Valid By

31/12/2024

Offer Terms

Terms and Conditions 1. New internet and mobile customers only. 2. The promotion is only available to customers from the UK (including Northern Ireland). 3. Only your first bet with Betfred counts towards this offer. 4. Your first bet must be placed at a cumulative price of evens (2.0) or greater. Any bet type will qualify but must have a total stake of at least £10. 5. Your first bet must be placed and settled within 7 days of registration. 6. Customers who register on 09/04/24 will be excluded from this offer. 7. You must deposit and bet a minimum of £10 in one bet transaction at odds of even or greater. For example, two £5 single bets of evens or greater will not qualify as they are two separate bet transactions. 8. Betfred.com reserves the right to withhold the rewarding of any Free Bet payment if a customer’s identity cannot be verified using our standard checks or, if we have reasonable grounds to believe that the account holder is not the person who has created the account or is operating the account. In these cases, Betfred may request a valid government issued photo identity (passport/full driving licence) and proof of address (bank statement/utility bill) dated within the last 3 months, along with a photo of yourself holding a passport or full driving licence so that you can be clearly identified alongside your photo ID (a selfie). Failure to satisfy verification of your identity will result in the non-payment of your bonus. 9. Your first bet must be placed on Sportsbook markets. (Totepool, Games, Casino, Numbers, Lotto, Virtual, Poker and Bingo do not qualify). 10. Cashed out bets do not count towards this offer. 11. In most cases, the Free Bet amount (2 x £20) will be credited to customer accounts within 10 hours of the qualifying bet being settled. However, bonus payments may be delayed should further account validation be needed. 12. Minimum and Maximum Free Bet amount is £20. 13. All Free Bets are valid for 7 days after issue. Any free bet amount left unused after 7 days will be removed. 14. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns and are non-withdrawable. 15. One welcome offer per address/IP address/device or mobile number. Previous account holders are not eligible for the offer. Anyone opening a Betfred.com account that has previously held an account with us that is closed does not qualify for the offer. 16. Only one welcome offer per new customer. Customers can either qualify for the Bet £10, get £50 in Free Bets offer OR one of the Games, Lotto or Virtual new customer offers, not both. 17. Customers depositing using prepaid Visa’s and Mastercard’s, or e-Wallets will not qualify for this promotion. 18. These terms and Conditions are additional to and operate in conjunction with the General Betfred Terms and Conditions. 19. Betfred.com reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Please note: The terms & conditions at the time of sign up will still apply. Any term changes after date of sign up will not be applicable. 20. Gamble responsibly. For more info visit www.begambleaware.org or telephone Freephone Helpline: 0808 8020 133 21. Over 18’s only.

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Founded

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Headquarters

5/2 Waterport Place, Gibraltar,

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Extra Places

One of the key things to look out for, especially if you like to bet EW are the bookies that offer enhanced places. Why bet the first four places when some are offering six or seven places? And for the big handicaps, you will see a number of bookies paying up to 8 places.

From our experience, the top four bookmakers, the ones who offer the best prices, place terms, and special offers are Bet365, Betfred, Betfair, and William Hill.

THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL BETTING GUIDE

The city of Liverpool is famous for The Beatles, The Liver Birds, Liverpool Football Club, and Cilla Black, but it is most famous for The Grand National

In April the city is taken over by one event and that is the famous Grand National.  The Grand National has a steep history and this horse racing spectacle is watched by millions the world over.

Thirty fences and a gruelling four-and-a-quarter miles await the horses and jockeys.

There have been some famous winners down the years and of course, the one that will be eternally etched in the history of the race is Red Rum. Make sure to check out the best Grand National sign-up offers and see if you can pick this year’s winner.

USING DATA TO FIND THE WINNER

Going back 15 years and picking the winner of The Grand National would have been more like trying to pick the winning numbers on the national lottery.

However a lot has changed and the race is now run over a shorter distance, fences have been modified with many ditches now taken out or the landing sides leveled to eliminate the risk of injury to horses and jockeys.

Some think these changes go too far. This is all about opinion.

HOW HAVE CHANGES TO THE GRAND NATIONAL AFFECTED BETTING?

In 2023 Corach Rambler won the race carrying 10st 5lbs which is just 2lbs above the bottom weight. Corach Rambler was rated 146 which means the lowest-rated rival in the 2023 Grand National would have been rated 144

When Bindaree won the Grand National way back in 2002 he carried just a pound less (10st 4lbs) than Corach Rambler did, however, he was rated ten pounds inferior so if he was around last year he would not have even gotten into the race.

If we compare 2016 (Rule The World) who was rated 148 and carried 10st 7lbs and then we look at 2003 winner Monty’s Pass who carried the exact same weight but was also rated 9lbs lower. Another who would not have got into the equivalent race in 2016.

This goes to show how the race is now set up for classier higher-rated horses nowadays.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

We talked about weights, and if we look at the trends since the year 2000 we can see some interesting trends.

Since 2000 there have been 16 winners that have carried under 11st and of the 7 that have carried more than 11st then only two of those have carried more than 11st 5lbs including Neptune Collonges in 2012 and the popular but ill-fated Many Clouds who was one of the most popular winners in modern times when carrying the welter burden of 11st 9lbs in 2015.

No horse had carried more to victory since Red Rum in 1974. This puts into context why Many Clouds performance was lauded, and why his sad loss was mourned by many a staunch racing fan.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER……OR IS IT?

In the same period since the year 2000, we have seen the following winners.

7 years old – 1 winner

8 years old – 5 winners

9 years old – 7 winners

10 years old – 5 winners

11 years old – 4 winners

12 years old – 1 winner

So just looking at those numbers we can see that 11 and 12-year-olds have a poor record and the statistics clearly say we are more likely to see a winner aged between 8-10 years old.

However, take this a step further, and the last 8 runnings have all been won by a horse aged less than 10, with 6 of those carrying less than 11 st, with only two of them being favourites

BACKING A FAVOURITE OR AN OUTSIDER?

With data showing that the race is now set up more for the classier horse, one would think that the times of finding big-priced winners have now passed, but is that correct?

Since 2000 there have been only four winners that have returned at a starting price of less than 10/1 which tells us to look for value outside of single figures.

During the same period, we have seen 9 horses return at an SP of between 10/1 and 16/1 and a further 7 horses return at SP’s of between 20/1 and 33/1.

And real outsiders have obliged three times in the same period with Noble Yeats winning at 50/1 in 2022, Auroras Encore winning at 66/1 in 2013 and Mon Mome winning at odds of 100/1 in 2009.

The above data clearly tells us that backing horses in the 10/1 – 33/1 price range is where the winner will likely come from.

As we get closer to the race, we’ll be coming back to this article and updating with a shortlist of runners who match the above stats and hopefully, we can point you in the direction of the potential winner.

THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL TIPS

If this is your first time visiting Ontheballbets then you will not be aware of our coverage of all of the big racing festivals where our relevant expert Richard Smith runs you through every race during the meeting.

You can see Richard’s analysis of other big meetings including the recent Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, The Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup and The Breeders Cup.

He’ll be posting race analysis on the evening before each day’s racing at Aintree.

Daily AINTREE Previews 2024

A quick overview of each day of The Grand National meeting taking place from the 11th – 13th of April will be available on the evening before each day’s racing below.

Our pre-meeting analysis is below. But this will be changing in the run-up to the meeting as the entries are firmed up.

Day 1 – RANDOX OPENING Day – Thursday 11th april 2024

Ready yourself as punters go wild at the start of the opening race, it’s not quite the same as The Cheltenham Roar but the locals certainly know how to enjoy their racing.

As per every day during the week, racing begins at 1.45 pm and the Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase opens proceedings on the first day, with the two-mile four-furlong novice chasers competing. However, Day 1 is highlighted by the William Hill Bowl at 2.55 pm and then the William Hill Aintree Hurdle at 3.30 pm.

With weather conditions continuing on the wet side and the ground likely to be heavy over the three days, it means some of the field sizes will be small. But what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality

Scheduled races:

13:45 – Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 3f 200y
14:20 – Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 209y
14:55 – William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 210y
15:30 – William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 4f
16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (National Course) Class 2, 2m 5f 19y
16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 1m 7f 176y
17:15 – Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) Class 1, 2m 209y

Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 3f 200y

The 2024 Aintree Festival begins with the Manifesto Novices Steeplechase and here we see just five runners going to post with Grey Dawning the short-priced favourite at Evens.

This gelding cemented his status as the leading British-trained novice when beating Ginny’s Destiny by 2 lengths at the Cheltenham Festival 4 weeks ago and looks to have the measure of that rival once again.

He may not have finished improving but will likely need to take another step forward if he is to beat IL ETAIT TEMPS 11/4 WIN, who also ran well when second in The Arkle Chase at Cheltenham and he gets the vote to frank the form of his stablemate Gaelic Warrior who won that race.

Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 209y

I doubt anybody would begrudge Nicky Henderson a big winner here at Aintree and his Sir Gino 4/5 is looking to make amends after being scratched from the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham when Henderson’s horses were well and truly under a cloud. It is still a watch-and-see with the Seven Barrows handlers’ horses, but this one would prove very difficult to beat if showing up in the same form as he did at Cheltenham on his last run.

However, he will not have it easy with the admirable filly KARGESE 11/4 WIN (receives 7lbs), who is sure to make a race of it, and gets our vote.

She travelled so strongly in the Triumph Hurdle when runner up, and the thought is that this speed test will really suit her. She has already shown she can handle very soft ground and looks a little bit of value from a betting perspective.

William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 210y

“The Bowl” as it is commonly known by regular race fans is a race for horses that have run in The Gold Cup at Cheltenham and we have the second and fifth here, Gerri Colombe and Bravemansgame. Both had hard races at Cheltenham and it remains to be seen if they can produce their best, particularly Bravemansgame who has had a tough yet productive season.

The horse that everybody will have an interest in is Shishkin who was another Henderson horse to be pulled out at Cheltenham, so he will come here a fresh horse, and that me be a blessing in disguise.

Remember, he won this last year and has every chance to go back-to-back.

However, we like the look of CORBETTS CROSS 7/2 WIN who was mightily impressive at Cheltenham. He needs to take a step forward, but he is a chaser going places.

William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 4f

The Aintree Hurdle on Day 1 is the consolation for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and gives the horses that need a stronger test of stamina the chance to shine.

No Champion Hurdle “also-rans” lineup this year but we do have two-time Coral Cup winner Langer Dan from the Dan Skelton yard taking his chance. He is an admirable horse but does look well outclassed here and a more likely winner is the Willie Mullins-trained Impaire Et Passe who has hit the frame on each of his three runs this season.

The Mullins horse was placed behind BOB OLINGER 15/8 WIN in The Matheson Hurdle earlier in the season and it is the Henry De Bromhead runner who gets a strong vote to confirm that form.

N.B. Betfred are paying 3 places on this race.

Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (National Course) Class 2, 2m 5f 19y

Sam Whaley-Cohen had an enviable record over the big Aintree fences and anything he rode had to be taken seriously, and the same can be said of Derek O’Connor and Patrick Mullins, and these two are on the top two in the betting with It’s On The Line priced up at 4/1 and the highly rated Annamix priced up at 6/1 for the Mullins team.

It’s very likely the winner will come from one of these two, but the one that looks a bit more value is TEA CLIPPER 16/1 EW.

He has had two runs at Aintree in big fields and has hit the frame on both tries. He is also proven on genuine soft ground and could be sneaking under the radar just a little.

N.B. Bet365 are paying 5 places on this race

Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 1m 7f 176y

Always a fiercely contested handicap with a big field of 15 runners taking part.

We are bound to see plenty of the usual suspects in this and looking at the recent race at Cheltenham there are a few that look of interest.

Unexpected Party won the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and he had another of today’s rivals Path D’Oroux behind in third that day. The latter is 6 lbs better off with the winner at Cheltenham and must have a solid chance of reversing that form.

Those two are going to be the pick of many punters, but the one we is HELTENHAM 8/1 EW. He comes here on a hat-trick and looks to have been primed for this after skipping Cheltenham.

He clearly likes a flat track and the layout of the course should suit this strong traveller.

N.B. William Hill are paying 4 places in this race

Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) Class 1, 2m 209y

Always a very competitive race and always a big field for punters to get stuck into but there is one horse that will have clearly been saved for this after not running Cheltenham due to the ground and that is the Willie Mullins horse Baby Kate who is unbeaten in two starts.

Another highly promising mare is the Skelton runner Honky Tonk Highway who is also unbeaten.

But we like one at a huge price and NOT NOW NATHANIEL 40/1 EW gets our vote.

She was a winner on debut at Newcastle before putting up and improved effort at Newbury when finishing third in a nice race at Newbury. That run came on heavy ground and she is sure to love tomorrow’s underfoot conditions.

N.B. William Hill and Betfair are paying 4 places in this race.

Conclusion

As always a cracking day’s racing, and for punters, make sure to check out all of the best Grand National sign-up offers from all of the bookmakers and make sure that you hunt out the best place terms if you are betting in the big field handicaps, with many bookmakers going 5 and 6 places.

Day 2 – randox Ladies Day – friday 12th april 2024

We kick off day two with a competitive novice chase but today is all about the Melling Chase at 3.30 pm and the Topham Chase which follows at 4.05 pm.

Today is Ladies Day and the girls in Liverpool certainly take the opportunity to get dressed up for the occasion.

Hopefully, we’ll be in for another cracking day of racing on Day 2.

Scheduled races:

13:45 – Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 210y
14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 2m 4f
14:55 – TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 103y
15:30 – My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 3f 200y
16:05 – Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 2m 5f 19y
16:40 – Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 149y
17:15 – Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ And Amateur Riders’) Class 2, 2m 103y

Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 210y

We kick off Day 2 with a novice chase and once again we see the form of the Arkle from Cheltenham being put to the test with today’s favourite Inowhatyurthinkin trying to gain back-to-back wins after taking the Kim Muir At Cheltenham last month.

He had previously finished third behind Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior in the Faugheen Novices Chase at Limerick in December, and just a length in front of him was Thursday’s impressive scorer Il Etait Temps.

He is a deserving favourite but was well beaten two runs back behind HEART WOOD 9/2 WIN, and it is the De Bromhead runner who gets a strong vote here.

William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 2m 4f

Another big field handicap with 22 runners set to face the starter and the favourite is Kateira from the Dan Skelton Yard. This one put up an eyecatching run at Kempton four weeks ago, and the stable is already in fine form this week.

Others near the top of the market with strong chances include Theatre Man who is coming back to the smaller obstacles, and the Willie Mullins-trained Ocastle Des Mottes who looks possible blot on the handicap.

However, we like the look of a very unexposed horse and that is TRONADOR 40/1 EW. Won this in 2021 and ran well again when 8th of 21 in 2022. Has had three runs this season, and is another horse taking a step back to the smaller obstacles and he is only 2 lbs higher than that 2021 win.

Trained by Gordon Elliot, he looks overpriced.

TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 103y

A couple of placed horses from the Cheltenham Festival head the betting here with Mystical Power and Firefox both strongly fancied.

Mystical Power was a fine second in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the festival with Firefox just over three lengths behind.

There does not seem to be any reason why that form should be reversed and Mystical Power is a worthy favourite.

However, the vote goes to DYSART ENOS 9/2 WIN who is unbeaten in six races and was robbed of a try at the festival after going lame on the morning of the race. She was a very impressive winner of the Mares bumper here last year and had Golden Ace nine lengths back in second that day and she looks like one of the bets of the meeting.

My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 3f 200y

Protektorat won the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and had Envoi Allen back in second and there should not be much between the two of them with a preference for Envoi Allen who will enjoy this speedier test.

Jonbon is the favourite here and he was unlucky not to win on Festival trials day at Cheltenham back in January. He made a shocking mistake late on and probably would have won but for that.

These three all hold solid chances but at a bit more value, the pick is CONFLATED 10/1 EW. A horse with a ton of ability who has not always delivered but gets an ideal race set up today with plenty of pace in the race.

Randox Supports Race Against Dementia Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 2m 5f 19y

We are back over the National fences and it’s the turn of the pros this time around, and last year’s winner Bill Baxter is back for another crack after causing a 20/1 shock last year. You won’t see that price this year and he is one of the market leaders at around the 5/1 mark.

Cheltenham winner Shakem Up’Arry from the Ben Pauling yard and the Willie Mulins-trained James Du Berlais are both in here with a strong chance, but with a number of bookies offering six places then we want to hint for a little bit of value and we have two big double figure runners.

RICHMOND LAKE 28/1 EW was a winner here back in December but took a fall last time when held. Back at a track he runs well at and off a 3 lb lower mark, he looks very interesting for Donald McCain.

The other big-priced runner we like is CELEBRE D’ALLEN 28/1 EW who was in the process of running a big race at Cheltenham before being hampered and unseating in the Kim Muir. He was 8th of 29 in this last year but the much slower ground conditions are going to be right up his street.

Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 149y

This is a tough race to analyse, as quite simply, THE JUKEBOX MAN 3/1 WIN looks a standout after his gallant run in the Albert Bartlett last month at the Cheltenham Festival.

A repeat of that run will find him tough to beat with ground conditions a big plus point.

Alder Hey Handicap Hurdle (Conditional Jockeys’ And Amateur Riders’) Class 2, 2m 103y

We finish off Day 2 with a 19-runner handicap hurdle and plenty in here that look unexposed.

Two of those come from the big yards with Brucio of particular interest. She had won her two previous starts well before being bought down at the first at Kelso last time. She is clearly an improving mare and looks well-treated here.

The other unexposed horse is Ballee from the Hobbs/White set-up. This one unseated last time after a couple of wins, and with a 7 lb claimer on board has to be of interest at around the 10/1 mark.

The one we like at bigger odds though is PARTY VIBES 22/1 EW. This one was 6th of 17 last time when taking a step up in class and would have maybe hit the frame but for being badly hampered at the last. She had won her two previous starts, and back in handicap company, could have more to offer.

Conclusion

As always a cracking day’s racing and for punters, make sure to check out all of the best Aintree sign-up offers from all of the bookmakers and make sure that you hunt out the best place terms on The Topham and the other big field handicaps, with many bookmakers going 5 & 6 places.

Day 3 – Randox Grand national Day – saturday 13th APRIL 2024

So here we are at Day 3 and it’s the one we have all been waiting for with a huge field going to post for the world’s most famous steeplechase. And before the big event, we have our appetites wettened with The Liverpool Hurdle for the 3-mile-staying hurdlers.

The final day of the meeting begins with a handicap before we get into the main graded action with three hurdle races.

Scheduled races:

13:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 3m 149y
13:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 4f
14:30 – William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) Class 1, 3m 210y
15:05 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 149y
16:00 – Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 4m 2f 74y
17:00 – My Pension Expert Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 1m 7f 176y
17:35 – Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) Class 1, 2m 209y

William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 3m 149y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm.

Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 2m 4f

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

William Hill Handicap Chase (Registered As The Freebooter Handicap Chase) Class 1, 3m 210y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) Class 1, 3m 149y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) Class 1, 4m 2f 74y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

My Pension Expert Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) Class 1, 1m 7f 176y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) Class 1, 2m 209y

Selections will appear here Friday 12th April by 8pm

Conclusion

It really is another fascinating race for the big one. Make sure to check out all the latest offers here at Ontheballbets with many bookmakers offering plenty of promotions on the 2024 Grand National.

The Aintree Grand National Meeting Is One Of The Biggest Horse Racing Meetings In The World

Although there are many big meetings at weekends and during the season within the national hunt calendar, it is the early April Grand National meeting that is regarded as one of the biggest national hunt racing meetings of the year.

Trainers To Watch This Year When Using Your New Customer Offers

Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are likely to be fighting it out for the top trainer accolade at Aintree as they were at the recent Cheltenham Festival and at the time of writing they still had nearly 19 entries between them for the big race. This is sure to be whittled down closer to the race, but expect them to be there with strong teams.

Of course, last year’s winner Corach Rambler runs for the ladies and last year’s winning trainer Lucinda Russell will be trying to complete a unique double.

Factors To Take Into Account When Betting On The Grand National

Ground conditions – During early Spring, there is often a tendency for underfoot conditions to be quicker than during the depths of winter. ‘Good to Soft’ ground often prevails and this does not always suit horses campaigned with success in the mud (‘soft’) during the preceding months. Save your sign-up offers and free bets to use on horses that are proven on the prevailing ground conditions.

The famous run-in after the last as horses are rounding the famous “elbow” and into the final one-and-a-half furlongs is one of the most taxing home stretches in all of racing.

Even if your horse is ten or even fifteen lengths back over the last, things can change dramatically on the run-in, as proven by Red Rum’s win in 1973 and more recently when Neptune Collonges got up in the shadows of the post to win in dramatic fashion.

You have surely heard the saying “Horses for courses” and never could a statement be more true. You’ll want to look at horses that have jumped around the National fences before as you need a horse with experience of these unique obstacles.

Maybe the last two winners, Corach Rambler and Noble Yeats are ones to take note of.

The Bookies – There is so much competition among the bookmakers during The Grand National meeting, even on the High Street, that it pays to watch the offers available. Money-back when the favourite wins is one to note especially with several favourites winning on the first two days in recent seasons.

Final Tip

Make sure to check out all the reviews on Ontheballbets and make sure whatever you are betting on, gamble responsibly.

Other Major Race Meetings

As well as Aintree and The Grand National, our expert Richard Smith covers all of the big race meetings from across the World, and you can also read his thoughts on Cheltenham, Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, with more coming later this year, including the Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, The Breeders Cup and The Melbourne Cup.

Richard Smith
Richard Smith

I am a total sports fan, in particular horse racing, football and golf, and have been writing about these and other sports for a number of years. I have had the chance to attend many of the biggest horse racing events in my time and my sporting claim to fame has to be winning the inaugural RacingTV Tipstar contest back in 2014. When not watching or writing about sports and sports betting I like to take an interest in cryptocurrency, and last but not least spending time and playing with my two young grandchildren.

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