Hi Reader

The Grand National is a held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near to Liverpool.

First run in 1839, as the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, it is a handicap chase over an official distance of about 4 miles 2+1⁄2 furlongs, with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.

It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2017. The course over which the race is run features much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks. Many of these fences, particularly Becher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn, have become famous in their own right and, combined with the distance of the event, create what has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider".

Big Saturday Race Preview And Tips

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Following the result of the race, there are made availble to the public. Too late to back the winner or change the result at that time!

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Grangeclare West Looks Standout in Aintree Grand National

The horse race that the world watches in the millions is the Aintree Grand National. A fantastic spectacle and test for horse and jockey over more than four and a quarter miles.

It must have been such a hard decision for Paul Townend to jump ship from Grangeclare West to ride I Am Maximus. Grangeclare West won the Bobbyjo Chase snugly and that race has become a big pointer towards winning at Aintree having been won by Nick Rockett, I am Maximus & Any Second Now in recent years.

Patrick Mullins comes in for the plum ride on Grangeclare West. Patrick won last year’s national on Nick Rockett and has proven himself very good over the national fences. A poor jump over the final fence proved costly last year so fingers crossed for a clean round this year for this well fancied inform horse.

Champion Owner JP McManus has a strong hand with six good chances. Following this race last year, I said to myself that Iroko will win the national when a year older and stronger. He ran so well last year for a seven-year-old to finish fourth on ground faster than ideal. All this season the National has been the plan with Iroko running better than ever if we ignore his flop in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

That poor run was subsequently put down to a dirty scope. Dual Trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero had planned to run at Kelso like last season before he got re-routed to the Ultima Chase. There is rain forecast overnight and the more the better for Iroko who would love soft ground. The handicapper has him rated 5lbs higher than last season which is fine for a maturing eight-year-old. Jonjo O’Neill Jr. rides Iroko like he has done all throughout his chasing career.

Dangers are many among the 34 runners. Those that were on my shortlist included Final Orders, Spanish Harlem, Johnnywho & I Am Maximus. Fingers crossed for good luck in running and that all horses return safe and sound.

Aintree 4:00

0.5 point each way Grangeclare West 9/1 Betfred, Boylesports, Betvictor & PricedUp, 6 places.

0.5 point each way Iroko 16/1 generally, 6 places.

Best of Luck,

Nicky

Big Saturday Races Past Results

A full listing of all our Big Saturday Feature Race selections and results can be found by clicking the button below.

Usually, there are two selections in the big field handicaps.

Latest Big Saturday Race Winner was Urban Lion at 12/1

2026 running total -10.25 points or -£205 to to £10 ew stakes.​