Grand National Trends: Age Matters

Last updated February 1st, 2021

Sue Smith - Grand National age trendsThe minimum age for horses in the Grand National is now seven-years-old, but what is the optimum age of the winner? Past trends demonstrate a distinctive peak age range and imply that horses of certain ages are best avoided.

We take a look at the past trends and draw conclusions from the pattern of winners’ ages. Are theremore…

Grand National Breeding Trends: Rise of the French Bred

Last updated February 12th, 2020

Nicky HendersonLooking at a horse’s breeding can definitely improve your chances of picking a winner, but that doesn’t mean targeting the progeny of specific sires. There have been stronger, location-based trends in the past and a new one appears to be developing.

British-bred horses dominated the list of National winners until 1999 when the Irish-bred Bobbyjo’s victory formore…

Grand National Trainer Trends: Evan help us

Last updated February 12th, 2020

Evan WilliamsYears ago there were definitely trainers to follow in the Grand National. Fred Rimell, the five-time champion trainer had an enviable record. He won it with ESB in 1956, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, Gay Trip in 1970 and finally with Rag Trade in 1976.

The legendary Vincent O’Brien, another champion trainer, won it with three different horses inmore…

Jockey Trends: Grand National Jockeys To Follow

Last updated February 12th, 2020

Richard JohnsonIt is the horses that have to jump the 30 fences in the Grand National but some jockeys seem much better at helping them than others. Following the top performers in conventional jumps races is not always a good idea when it comes to Aintree. So are any of the top jockeys worth following?

The record-breakingmore…

Trends of the Grand National Weights

Last updated February 12th, 2020

David ElsworthThe Grand National is a handicap and that means horses carry weights according to the official handicapper’s opinion of their respective merits. The best horses carry more weight than those with apparently less ability.

The handicapper is a single man whose job it is to frame the weights of the race. His theoretical aim ismore…

Crocks Can Win: Red Rum, Aldaniti, Silver Birch

Last updated February 12th, 2020

Ginger McCainWhen you are looking through the Grand National runners, don’t necessarily shy away from horses that have had physical problems and overcome injuries. Many winners would not have passed a thorough vetting yet they still provided fairytale outcomes, securing themselves legendary status in Aintree’s rich history.

The most successful Grand National horse ofmore…