Will there be surprises in the 2022 Grand National?

Will there be surprises in the 2022 Grand National?


If you haven’t already noticed, we’re fast approaching one of the most popular events in British sporting culture. Even if you don’t follow horse racing in much detail, you will certainly have heard of the annual Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. After all, this is one of the most famous and historic races in the world, which has consistently turned horses and jockeys into household names.

First run way back in 1839, this race is classified as a grade one handicap steeplechase, covering an official distance of 4 miles and 514 yards, featuring 30 jumps as horses charge around two laps of the course. This race is also considered to be one of the most challenging in thoroughbred racing, due to the larger fences and greater difficulty of the jumps, compared to other events.

Known as “the ultimate test of horse and rider” in racing circles, even the Jockey Club considers the Grand National to be their most iconic event. “From Toronto to Tokyo this is the race the world stops to watch,” it is claimed at their official website, highlighting that more than 500 million people in 140 countries will watch the race itself, held on Saturday April 9th this year.

The favourites tipped for success

Given the history and prestige which surrounds the Grand National, along with the high level of difficulty the race itself presents, predicting potential winners is far from easy. Nevertheless, this is the unenviable task facing expert oddsmakers and tipsters each year, as they carefully examine the form books, looking at every detail to back their suggestions.

The 2022 Grand National could be a highly competitive race, if the tally of odd is any indication with a week to go before the race. Two favourites are pulling away insofar as betting from punters is concerned, with odds for both Any Second Now and Delta Work fairly tight, ranging anywhere between 8/1 and 10/1 for either horse to win.

Also in the frame according to the latest betting stakes is Escaria Ten, who is also valued at 10/1 odds across the majority of bookies. Interestingly, Any Second Now beat Escaria Ten by a nose at Fairyhouse in February, winning the Tote Bobbyjo Chase in Ireland. Meanwhile, Delta Work enjoyed an excellent win in the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham in March, finishing ahead of 2018 and 2019 Grand National winner Tiger Roll, in his final race before retirement.

For the bigger picture and the latest odds, rather than just rely on what the established bookies are pricing, now is a good time to scout out some new horse racing betting sites, ahead of the 2022 Grand National at Aintree. According to the latest reviews via SBO, the newer betting companies are putting up some of the most competitive odds, backed with appealing welcome bonus offers and promotions.

Repeat success for Rachael Blackmore?

For generations the national hunt racing scene has largely been dominated by male jockeys, although that all changed when Rachael Blackmore burst onto the scene. The 32-year-old from Killenaule in Ireland has more than proven her impressive riding abilities, making the ascent to the top of her profession, competing with great success in the toughest races.

Following numerous major wins in Ireland, Blackmore hit the British headlines last year in the saddle of Minella Times, the gelding she triumphantly rode to glory in the 2021 Grand National. This followed on from becoming the first woman to be the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, achieving six victories including the 2021 Champion Hurdle.

This year she heads to the 2022 Grand National on the back of another milestone, having become the first female jockey to ride a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, achieving this feat in the saddle of A Plus Tard. Despite her unprecedented success and once again riding Minella Times, quite surprisingly, this dynamic due aren’t amongst the favourites.

Although the odds are expected to shorten ahead of the big race, just over a week before the Grand National takes place, Blackmore and Minella Times are valued as outsiders. Prices range between 20/1 longest and 14/1 shortest odds, although this exceptional jockey and the horse trained by Henry De Bromhead should never be underestimated.