2016Crabbie’s Grand National
It’s the biggest event in the horse racing world. The Grand National, sponsored by the alcoholic ginger beer company Crabbie’s, is where bets are placed, good times are had, but most importantly where racing legends are made. Here’s a rundown of what the event will comprise, for anyone who will be attending or following along, as well as our favourites and the odds if you fancy a flutter.
Current Best Grand National Odds Here.
Favourites and Odds
The Grand National features the best of the best racers and horses. Whether you’re new to horse racing or the Grand National, or you’re a seasoned professional, knowing the odds and knowing who’s more likely to win can improve the experience of gambling immensely. Here are the ten favourites that you should keep an eye out for when participating. They all have a good to fair each-way chance and could even win.
Many Clouds: 7/1 Check now?
Previously won the 2015 Grand National, with back to back wins and a third national victory for the owner Trevor Hemmings.
The Last Samurai: 10/1 Check now?
Previous successes in the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster and the Aintree Showcase.
Holywell: 12/1 Check now?
Had a good win in 2014 at Cheltenham and Aintree.
Silviniaco Conti: 12/1 Check now?
It didn’t look like Silviniaco Conti would take part in the Grand National until an incredible win in the Betfair Ascot Chase.
The Druids Nephew: 14/1 Check now?
Performed well in last year’s Grand National but fell at the 26th fence.
Saint Are: 16/1 Check now?
Finished two lengths from the winner in the 2015 Grand National. Saint Are hopes to do one better this year and bring home the prize.
Shutthefrontdoor: 16/1 Check now ?
Was the favourite in the Grand National last year, but ultimately came fifth. Nonetheless, he’s back this year and has something to prove.
Ucello Conti: 16/1 Check now ?
Half brother of Silviniaco Conti, has had three runs and came second in one of them.
Boston Bob: 20/1 Check now ?
Ridden by top jockey Ruby Walsh and the big winner in the Bobbyjo Chase, a strong outside contender.
Gallant Oscar: 20/1 Check now ?
In recent outings he unseated the jockey. Nonetheless, he has shown promise in previous races.
Grand Opening
The first day of this world famous three day event will set the stage for some of the best racers and racehorses competing in this historic engagement. It will involve 4 Grade One contests which feature the best horses and some of the biggest prizes. There are only 30 such races all season, so these 4 can hardly be missed.
There will also be top class live music from a range of popular musicians and bands. During the Grand Opening, and then throughout the Grand National, will be Brian Cummins as well as the Wondertones, providing music and entertainment. There will be music at the illustrious Sunloch and Golden Miller restaurants with Scott Chapman. There will also be a professional magician providing thrills and spectacular close-up card tricks throughout the day, a great draw for families and children of all ages.
But the main headline event on the Grand Opening will undoubtedly be the alternative rock band Toploader, who will be playing their greatest hits including ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ from 17:25 to 18:40. These acts and much more will take place at the Pavilion Stage in the Equestrian Centre.
There will also be an after-party in the Red Rum garden featuring Brian McFadden. Brian McFadden is a well known singer-songwriter in the pop and soft rock genre with multiple number one hits to his name including ‘Just Say So’ and ‘Like Only a Woman Can’. The intimate and scenic venue promises to add an unmissable atmosphere to McFadden’s musical talents.
A Punter’s Panel in the Parade Ring will give interested racing enthusiasts a view of the races from a professional perspective, featuring colour commentary from a spokesperson for Betfred, William Kennedy, Boxer Paul Smith and soprano singer Laura Wright. It will prove to be a gripping event which will help to get people up to par on what the races mean and how they are unfolding as they occur.
Ladies Fabulous Friday
Fabulous Friday affords racegoers some elegance as they are able to take part in the style stakes alongside the Aintree racecourse stage. As well as a style award winner, there will be the opportunity for the best dressed fashionista to be crowned most fashionable. The races to look out for on the day will be the Steeple Chase, Melling Steeple Chase and the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.
The entertainment for the day will include the musical talents of the well loved British pop band The Feeling, known for their popular hits ‘Never Be Lonely’ and ‘Fill My Little World’. They’ll be performing these and many more tracks from their new album at the Aintree Pavilion throughout the day.
The after-party, from 17:25 to 18:00 will include live performances from the electronic string quartet Escala. Blending classical music with electronic instruments, their powerful set is not to be missed. DJ Anton Powers will also be performing. The Punter’s Panel will feature discussions with Betfred, Katie Walsh, Sky News presenter Charlie Webster, and Formula One correspondent Tom Chapman
Grand National Day
The Grand National Day is the final hurdle of this illustrious three day event. It will be the showdown for the previous successful racers to compete for the top prizes. This is the day when horse racing history will be made. 40 horses and jockeys will vie for victory, jumping such famous fences as Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and The Chair.
The entertainment for the Grand National Day will be completely unscripted, with music from the Wondertones and Brian Cummins. The band The Diamond Boys will also be performing live music in the Hall of Fame in the afternoon. To round off the day and look back on the highlights from the races, there will be a Punter’s Panel for commentary from Jason Maguire, the entertainer of Phoenix Nights fame Paddy McGuiness, Sam Warburton and John Aldridge.
If you want to see the latest betting odds for the 2016 Crabbies Grand National click here for the best Grand National odds
