Favourites for the Grand National 2024

Looking at the Odds: The Favourites for the Grand National

That’s enough history for now; let’s look forward to this year’s runners to predict who will win the coveted Grand National. As always, it’s a packed field, and we will likely have special offers around the race closer to the date. You’re spoilt for choice when making your predictions, but here are the favourites for the Grand National in 2024. 

Corach Rambler - 5/1*

10-year-old Corach Rambler is the reigning champion, and many people’s selection to make it two Grand National race wins in a row to write its name in history. The Irish horse has collected over £750,000 in prize money for its owners throughout their careers. Only one race has been run this year by the horse Lucinda Russell trains, but early odds suggest they’re in strong condition to impress. 

I Am Maximus - 8/1*

Can this French Bay Gelding thrive under the stewardship of the legendary trainer Willie Mullins? If the form is anything to go by, we think they stand a great chance. Jockeyed by Jody McGarvey, it’ll be fascinating to see if I Am Maximum can add to the two race jump wins they already have this season. 

Vanillier - 8/1*

Although their percentage of jump wins compared to the races they’ve won is worse than I Am Maximus, Vanillier is given the same odds in what is bound to be an intriguing battle among the favourites to see who avoids disappointment. It’s been a while since Vanillier finished first, but there’s much optimism this time. 

Panda Boy - 12/1*

Another of the Irish contingent that regularly places, even when the odds of them winning have been longer. JJ Slevin will almost certainly be riding Panda Boy in the Grand National, which is one to keep an eye on at favourable odds. 

Mahler Mission - 12/1*

A runner with plenty of promise to surprise on the track. Trained by John McConnell, this horse has been off the track for 133 days, placing 2nd in his last race at Newbury 2nd December 2023.

The History of the Grand National

Certain historians believe 1829 was the first event. Still, controversy surrounds whether the editions between 1836 and 1838 should count as Grand Nationals since that moniker was only used from 1839 onwards, despite the same race measurements and appeals to include them.  

Lottery was the first official winner at the Grand National in 1839; back then, the horses and jockeys had to jump stone walls. Today, the Grand National is Europe’s most lucrative jump race, dishing out a prize of over £1 million and is ever-increasing. 

Only one horse in history has won the Grand National three times, achieving two of those wins consecutively: Red Rum. A poll showed that Red Rum is the most famous horse in British history, more famous than Black Beauty. 

You have to go back a long time to find the most triumphant jockey; George Stevens won the event 5 times from 1856 to 1870, an impressive record that may stand for some time. Three trainers have won the Grand National 4 times: George Dockeray, Fred Rimmel, and Ginger McCain, who owed 3 of those successes to Red Rum. 

In 1990, Mr Frisk blitzed the course to set a Grand National record time of 8:47.80. With the advancements in training, it’s remarkable that this time still stands and shows what a feat it was. 

One of the exciting aspects of the Grand National is the long odds given to horses and the temptation for punters that it could be their lucky day. In fact, the largest pre-race odds you could get on a horse that won was 100/1, occurring five times throughout the race’s history. Conversely, Poethlyn was a shoo-in to win in 1919, finishing first with starting odds 11/4. 

2 laps of the course need to be run, covering a total distance of 4 miles and 514 yards, and 16 fences are to be hurdled. It’s a daunting task for any racer and is an actual test of the endurance and stamina among the elite horses and jockeys in the sport. The difficulty and drama were exemplified in the 1928 race when only 2 horses from the entire field managed to finish. 

At 7 years of age, Mahler Mission has been in strong form for 2 years, finishing extremely well each time and being a relentless contestant. Ben Harvey has been the latest jockey to partner with Mahler Mission and has continued the good work others put in before him, so don’t rule out this young battler. 

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Grand National FAQs

When is the Grand National taking place?

The Grand National is an annual jump horse race that takes place every year in April. In 2024, the Grand National will start at around 3 pm UK time on Saturday 13th April.

Why is the Grand National such a big event?

The Grand National has been part of the UK’s sporting culture for nearly two centuries. It’s renowned because of its prestige, difficulty, prize money, and cultural importance to British sport.

*All odds are correct at the time of writing and subject to change. 

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