Grand National Runners & Form Guide

Number of Grand National Entries

Come April, the number of confirmed Grand National runners will have been whittled down to just over 40. The final 40 Grand National jockeys and horses are set in stone a day or two before the big race.

However, before then, you will have hopefully discovered some great value Grand National bets that are available at the best bookmakers.

How is the final list of Grand National runners decided?

The final 40 Grand National runners are determined through a fairly lengthy selection process. Horses must be 7 or older, plus they must have a handicap of 120+. Despite the race often featuring relative no-hopers, all entrants must have finished 1st-4th in a 3m+ chase. Official ratings are used to cut hundreds of National hopefuls down to a more manageable list.

For example, over 80 initial entries made it into the first cut for this year’s Grand National. Some 200 horses were cut to that initial figure. An official rating is then assigned to each horse, and running weights are allotted.

Non-runners were normally replaced during National week with reserves. However, from Grand National 2023 this process was discontinued and non-runners are no longer replaced.

Remember, it’s possible to find good antepost odds at many bookmakers that accept UK customers. You can find value on the big rides at various declaration stages. Plus, most online bookies offer refunds if your pick is among the Grand National non-runners.

Grand National Runners and Odds

Looking for a Grand National horse? Check out our list of current odds before the final declaration stage takes place. Remember, new UK customers can often claim some great welcome bonuses at bookmakers when they make their first bet.

Corach Rambler – 7/1
Noble Yeats – 8/1
Delta Work – 12/1
Any Second Now – 12/1
Mr Incredible – 14/1
Gaillard Du Mesnil – 14/1
Longhouse Poet – 16/1
Le Milos – 20/1
Galvin – 20/1
Capodanno – 22/1
The Big Dog – 25/1
Ain’t That a Shame – 25/1
Vanillier – 25/1
Conflated – 33/1
Lifetime Ambition – 33/1
Our Power – 33/1
Quick Wave – 33/1
Velvet Elvis – 40/1
Lord Lariat – 40/1
Royale Pagaille – 40/1
Coko Beach – 40/1
Ashtown Lad – 50/1
The Shunter – 50/1
Envoi Allen – 50/1

Who is Favourite for the Grand National?

Noble Yeats won the 2022 Grand National as a 50/1 outsider. The winning horse comes into the 2023 race as a firm 8/1 2nd favourite. However, it’s Corach Rambler who currently leads the betting and posese the most serious challenge to Noble Yeats’ crown.

What are the runners in the Grand National?

With one or two declarations to go, the field for the 2023 Grand National is starting to narrow. Get your free bets credited and check out some of our top picks below.

A Wave Of The Sea

Joseph O’Brien

Yet to race beyond three miles and stamina could be a big issue here. More hit than miss this season and was last seen when a 50/1 shot and pulling up at Cheltenham in the two-mile Grand Annual. Impossible to fancy, so look elsewhere for the winner.

Ain’t That A Shame

Henry De Bromhead

Yet to race beyond three miles in his ten-race career, though appears to stay that trip well as it was runner-up in the Munster National at Limerick last October. Dropped in trip when running out a comfortable winner over 2M 4F at Gowran Park recently and arrives here in fine form. Only lightly raced and may have further improvement to come for trainer who won race in 2021.

Any Second Now

T M Walsh

Has been placed in the last two renewals, 3rd in 2021 and runner up last year to Noble Yeats. Prepped, like last year, by winning the Webster Cup at Navan over 2m 4F in March. A pound higher than last year so is 18lb better off for 2 1/4L with last year’s winner Noble Yeats. Carries a big weight but looks sure to be thereabouts for JP McManus. Trainer won this back in 2000 with Papillon

Ash Tree Meadow

Pulled out.

Ashtown Lad

Pulled out.

Back On The Lash

Martin Keighley

Has been running predominately over the Cheltenham Cross Country fences for the past two years winning twice in handicap company over 3M 6F. Pulled up in the latest renewal of that race in March where his trainer stated his horse hated the soft ground. Hard to fancy and needs the rain to stay away.

Battleoverdoyen

Gordon Elliott

A winner of 5 of his 27 starts over fences but it’s been a while since he last won (July 2021 and 15 runs). No evidence that he will stay this far and it’s easy to overlook this rank outsider.

Born By The Sea

Paul Gilligan

Just 2 wins from 19 starts over fences in his career and this Irish trained 9 year old also has stamina to prove. Soundly beaten all four starts this season and impossible to give any chance too.

Burrows Saint

Pulled out.

Cape Gentleman

John Joseph Hanlon

Lightly raced Irish chaser who’s only run the eight times over fences. Joined current trainer from Emmet Mullins in December 2022 and only run the twice since when not showing that much in handicap hurdle and conditions chase. Yet to race beyond three miles and unlikely to be troubling the judge.

Capodanno

W P Mullins

Lightly raced over fences having only raced six times. Was a decent novice chaser last season winning the big grade one 3M novice chase at the Punchestown Festival in April. Only seen the once since when 3rd of 4 in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park in February and untried beyond three miles. One of six runners in race owned by legendary owner/punter J P McManus.

Captain Cattistock

Fergal O’Brien

Ten year old gelding who has won 5 of his 20 starts over fences and stays very well. Was runner up in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh when last seen in February, a race he won the previous year. No doubt he stays well but unlikely to get into the final field.

Captain Kangaroo

W P Mullins

Winner of the Cork Grand National last November but this eight year old Irish chaser has lost his form completely since and pulled up in the Midlands Grand National in March. Unseated at 9th on only taste of these unique fences in the Becher Chase last November and is unlikely to make the final field.

Carefully Selected

W P Mullins

Smart novice chaser back in season 2019/2020 and following a lengthy absence of over a thousand days bounced back with a win in the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park in January off of a mark of 147. Slightly disappointing when only 4th in the Bobbyjo Chase a month at Fairyhouse. Has stamina to prove.

Chris’s Dream

Pulled out.

Cilaos Emery

Pulled out.

Cloudy Glen

Venetia Williams

Races in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings who’s won this prestigious contest a record three times. Winner of the 2021 Ladbroke Trophy at Newbury but lightly raced since and hard to fancy on his latest effort when pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham won by Corach Rambler.

Coko Beach

Gordon Eliott

50/1 chance when 8th (beaten 66L) in last year’s renewal. Jumped well when winning Punchestown’s Gran National Trial in February by 5 1/2L but has been re-assessed and will have to race off of a 3lb higher mark than last year. Bidding to become the fourth grey to win this famous race and first since Neptune Collonges won in 2012.

Conflated

Pulled out.

Corach Rambler

Lucinda Russell

Current favourite following his winning defence of the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Unpenalised here so is 10lb ahead of his handicap mark and if staying looks sure to be thereabouts. Ran 4th beaten 19L in last season’s Classic Chase over 3m 5F which is the furthest he’s tried. A major player for his Scottish handler who took this in 2017 with One For Arthur.

Darasso

Joseph O’Brien

Another J P McManus owned contender. Has mixed chasing with hurdling this season winning over the bigger obstacles at Thurles last December. Yet to race beyond three miles so has a definite question mark over his ability to stay this far and his owner appears to have better claims with others here.

Darrens Hope

Robert Murphy

Irish mare who won a grade two chase at Punchestown last November beating Minella Crooner at 20/1. That was over 2M 6F and has yet to try distances beyond 3M so stamina could be an issue here. Looking to become the first mare since Nickel Coin in 1951 to win the Grand National though is highly unlikely.

Defi Bleu

Gordon Elliott

Another of the Gordon Elliott/ Gigginstown battalion who’s best ever runs have come over the furthest distances he’s run over when runner up in the Cork Grand National last November and third in the Punchestown Grand National Trial in February. Todays trip could well suit and one of the better big outsiders if making the cut.

Delta Work

Former smart chaser who mostly plies his trade in the Cross Country races at Cheltenham nowadays. Won the last two renewals of the Cross Country race at the Cheltenham Festival over 3M 6F. Was third in this race last season ( beaten 22L by Noble Yeats) and is a pound lower now so twenty pounds better off with the winner. Versatile and can play a hand in the finish.

Gordon Elliott

Diol Ker

Noel Meade

Owned by Gigginstown Stud this 9 year old Irish chaser should stay well. Best recent effort came when runner up in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, only going down by the shortest of heads. Soundly beaten since in the Punchestown Grand National Trial but will be staying on when others have cried enough.

Dunboyne

Gordon Elliott

Another of the Elliott battalion who steps up to a marathon trip for the first time here. Arrives in decent enough form having been placed in valuable 3M 1F handicaps at Gowran Park and Cheltenham. Best form on soft ground so any rain would be a big help. Very unlikely to give Elliott his third National win

Enjoy d’Allen

Ciaran Murphy

Another J P McManus owned, Irish trained runner. Only made it as far as the first when unseating his rider in last year’s race when a 20/1 chance. Shown precious little in three chases and two hurdle contests since and is hard to fancy that much.

Envoi Allen

Henry De Bromhead

Has bounced back to form this season winning the Ladbrokes Champion Chase in November and following a poor run in the King George VI Chase the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival. Escapes a penalty for that latest win which was gained over 2m 4 1/2f and has his stamina to prove stepping up a mile and a quarter.

Escaria Ten

Gordon Elliott

Went off 25/1 for race last season only to weaken quickly two from home eventually finishing 9th beaten some 75L. Shown little since including when pulling up in Plate Handicap at Cheltenham Festival in March. Hard to fancy much especially the way he weakened last year.

Eva’s Oskar

Tim Vaughan

An out and out stayer who won at Cheltenham last December over 3 1/4M. Ran a credible 20L 4th in Eider Chase last time over 4M 1 1/2 F. Trained in Wales and a big outsider here though will be plugging on when others have had enough.

Fakiera

Gordon Elliott

Lightly raced Irish chaser who’s yet to win over fences in ten starts. Runner up over 3m 5F in Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse last December was his best run this season. 50/1 chance when pulling up in NH Chase at Cheltenham Festivalon latest start. Unlikely to break his maiden over fences here.

Fantastikas

Nigel Twiston Davies

It’s been a while since he’s shown any real form and although he’s very well handicapped over park fences is likely to be way out of the handicap proper if making the final field which looks slim. Very hard to fancy and a big outsider.

Farclas

Pulled out.

Fortescue

Henry Daly

A winner of 6 of his 18 chases and appears to stay this trip. Best run this year when 4th in Becher Chase to Ashtown Lad last December. Only 28/1 last year in this race when unseating his rider four from home when looking well beaten. A long shot who is hard to fancy.

Franky du Berlais

Peter Bowen

6 wins from 26 starts over fences for this ten year old trained in Wales. Last won at Uttoxeter a year ago. Not shown much this season and refused last in Cheltenham’s Cross Country race at the Festival when a well beaten off third. Hard to fancy this long shot.

Franco de Port

Pulled out.

Frontal Assault

Pulled out.

Fury Road

Gordon Elliott

Placed in two grade one chases in Ireland this season prior to a credible 6th in the Ryanair under Davy Russell. Has yet to race beyond three miles and is another who has stamina to prove. One of several Gigginstown Stud entries here and has a touch of class about him.

Gabbys Cross

Henry De Bromhead

Another of the five Henry De Bromhead trained runners this one owned by R S Brookhouse. A winner at the Galway Festival last July he’s kept valuable handicap company this season with no success. Yet to race beyond three miles so has to prove his stamina here.

Gaillard du Mesnil

W P Mullins

A possibly fortunate winner of the 3M 6F NH Chase at Cheltenham in March with Mahler Mission falling two out when in command. Goes unpenalised for that win but did have a hard race with his trainer stating afterwards that they would have get him home and see how he comes out of that race. If allowed to run would be a serious player.

Ga Law

Pulled out

Galvin

Gordon Elliott

Touch of class about him who has some decent wins on his CV. Took well to the Cross Country fences at Cheltenham last time when getting the worst of the battle with stable mate Delta Work going down by 2 1/2L. Extra 6F to travel here but appeals as an out and out stayer.
Gevrey

Gordon Elliott

Did well at Cheltenham last time when finishing fourth at 125/1 beaten only 5 1/4L in the Plate Handicap Chase over 2 1/2M. Has raced predominately at that intermediate trip throughout his career and the massive step up to 4M 2 1/2F here is not certain to suit this big outsider.

Gin On Lime

Henry De Bromhead

One of five entries for Henry De Bromhead who won the 2021 National with Minella Times. A decent novice chaser last season winning five times. Yet to really cut any ice this season in three outings and has stamina to prove (yet to race over further than three miles)

Glamorgan Duke

Pulled out.

Happygolucky

Pulled out.

Hewick

Pulled out.

Hill Sixteen

Sandy Thomson

Trained in Scotland. Last seen when running seventh over these fences to rival Ashtown Lad back in December beaten 14L. Had run better in same race the previous year when going down by a nose and with that track experience is capable of running alright if seeing out the longer trip.

Le Milos

Dan Skelton

Appears to have improved for a stable switch to Dan Skelton. Winning at Bangor and the valuable Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Traded at 1.01 when coasting home at Kelso in the listed Premier Chase over just short of 3M only to be caught on the run in by Empire Steel. Stamina could be an issue if the way he stopped there is anything to go by.

Lifetime Ambition

Mrs Jessie Harrington

Smart second season chaser who has yet to race beyond three miles. Was 4th in the Grand Sefton last November over these fences and not totally disgraced in four starts since including when reverting to hurdles at Thurles last time when 3rd of 5 to Summerville Boy.

Longhouse Poet

Martin Brassil

A winner over hurdles at Limerick and fences at Down Royal this season. Ran in last year’s race finishing 6th having disputed the lead two from home eventually coming home some 34L behind the winner Noble Yeats. Trainer won this race back in 2006 with Numbertenvalverde.

Lord Lariat

Pulled out.

Milan Native

Gordon Elliott

You have to go back eleven starts and 30 months to find the ten year olds last success. Won the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and well treated here on that run but looks a former shade of that horse nowadays and a no hoper.

Minella Trump

Donald McCain

Prolific winner in Northern chases winning 8 of his 12 starts over the larger obstacles at up to three miles. Not been seen since last June and has quite an absence to overcome. At the right end of the weights mind and will love good Spring ground. Has beaten some decent chasers in his run of wins and is trained by Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain’s son Donald who took this himself with Ballabriggs in 2011.
Mister Coffey

Nicky Henderson

His esteemed trainer has yet to win a National of any sorts but has each way claims here with his 8 year old who was a good second in handicap at Uttoxeter in February over 3M. Wasn’t disgraced when third in NH Chase at Cheltenham over 6F further and should stay this marathon trip very well.

Mortal

Gordon Elliott

Last won over fences back in August 2020 and has gone 17 races since visiting the winners enclosure. Eleven year old now and unlikely to make the final field.

Mr Incredible

W P Mullins

A lightly raced seven year old who will be having only his tenth career start if facing the starter. Placed in two valuable handicap chases this season including when third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. This longer trip may suit though is a very quirky type who if taking to the unique fences could outrun his big odds.

Noble Yeats

Emmet Mullins

Ran out a 50/1 winner of this race last year. Has taken a further step forward since over park fences winning at Wexford and here in the Many Clouds Chase. Not disgraced when 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup beaten 15L by Galopin Des Champs last time. Plenty going for him in in his attempt to back up last season’s win, although is now 19lb higher in the weights.

Our Power

Sam Thomas

6lb well in here having no penalty for his latest win which came at Kempton in February. A winner of 4 of his 8 chases and is a progressive 8 year old in good hands who if getting a run could be a very lively outsider although another who has his stamina to prove (yet to race beyond 3M).

Pencilfulloflead

Pulled out.

Punitive

Gordon Elliott

Won the 3M 5F Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse last December looking a true stayer although has run moderately in two starts since, pulling up at Cheltenham in the Kim Muir when a 40/1 chance. May well stay but Gordon Elliot has others with much better chances than this 9 year old.

Quick Wave

Venetia Williams

Stays very well and arrives in good form having won two of his last three starts latterly over 3M 4F in Haydock’s Grand National Trail Handicap Chase by 3/4L from Snow Leopardess. Ten years old now but will be staying on when most have called enough. Suited by soft conditions so any rain will suit. Trainer took this with 100/1 shot Mon Mome in 2009.

Rapper

Pulled out.

Recite A Prayer

W P Mullins

Has experience of these unique fences when running twelfth in the Becher Chase here in December beaten a long way at 20/1 also beaten far in the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and despite connections this eight year old is impossible to fancy.

Remastered

Pulled out.

Roi Mage

Patrick Griffin

Eleven year old Irish chaser who’s won 9 of his 51 career starts. Came back to form at Down Royal last time when 1 1/4L runner up to Longhouse Poet. Appears to stay well but an outsider who at his advancing age is hard to fancy to play a part in the finish.

Royale Pagaille

Venetia Williams

Rich Ricci’s mud lover has plenty of ability and was last seen when running 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Yet to race beyond 3m 2f although looks likely to stay further. Key to him is the ground, he must have it as soft as possible and could only really be fancied if we have a soft ground Grand National.

Sam Brown

Anthony Honeyball

Ran out a 15L winner of a handicap chase at the meeting last year over the Mildmay fences but yet to sparkle this season including when reverting to hurdles last time at Uttoxeter. Needs soft ground to be seen at his best and stamina to prove (though does shape like he will stay long distances.)

Secret Reprieve

Evan Williams

Former dual winner of the Welsh Grand National. Appears to have lost his form though and was last seen pulling up in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March. A doughty stayer trained in Wales who’s best on very soft ground although unlikely to make the final field.

Sporting John

Pulled out

The Big Breakaway

Joe Tizzard

Has run well on his first two starts this season especially when a 1 1/4L runner up in the Coral Welsh National last December. Trip looks likely to suit so could run well at a price although was very disappointing last time out pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.

The Big Dog

Peter Fahey

Irish raider who took his form up a notch when winning the Munster National at Limerick and Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan at the backend of last year. Was still in there battling when falling two out in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival won by Galopin Des Champs and with his handicap mark unmoved is an interesting outsider.

The Shunter

Emmet Mullins

Ten year old who mixes fences and hurdles and has definite stamina doubts having never run beyond 3M. Owned by J P McManus and ran third at Kelso last time behind Le Milos. Has a bit to prove and his best days may be behind him nowadays. Owner has more credible candidates.

Threeunderthrufive

Pulled out.

Vanillier

Gavin Cromwell

A second season novice who’s kept good company this season and looked back to his very best when chasing home the 12lb superior Kemboy in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February giving that one 8lb. The handicapper appears to have ignored that run and in his best form holds decent each way claims.

Velvet Elvis

Thomas Gibney

Relatively lightly raced over fences having taken his form to a new level on his last two starts, winning over 3M at Fairyhouse and running last year’s runner up Any Second Now to 7L at Navan recently. Hard to believe he can turn the tables with that one mind but should stay ok (6th in last season’s Irish National).

How to Find a Winner From the Grand National Runners

Many gamblers close their eyes and use a pinsticker’s guide to choose their bets for the big race. However, you can browse some Grand National trends if you want to shorten your selections to four or five on race day.

Don’t forget, always check a horse’s form over distance, and jumping ability over the fences. However, fallen riders, a pile-up at Becher’s Brook, or just plain bad luck can scupper even the most well-craftet National wager.

Check The Runners & Odds

Start your research early and find some value, especially in the each-way markets. Last year’s winner went off a 50/1 shot, and the SP favourite has only won the National a handful of times since the turn of the century. Hunt around and open several accounts with multiple bookies to find the best value.

Analyse The Form

Grand National runners go in with bad, good or indifferent form. Many a Grand National winner has taken down the race having had a good run-in. Always check the Grand National form before you make your bets.

Consult The Experts

Talk about our horse racing tipsters.

At Punters Lounge, we offer tips and insights from the keenest minds in racing. We update our racing tips every week, so make sure you read our latest Grand National tips to spot some smart picks.

Find Bookmaker Offers

Online bookmakers will be falling over themselves to offer new customers and regular gamblers a deal on the National. Look out for Grand National free bets and promotional bet offers when the big race comes around.

As well as a welcome free bet, you can enjoy enhanced places on each-way wagers (normally up to seven places at the best bookies) and money back if your horse fails to finish.

Past Grand National Winners

Other than the COVID-hit 2020 race (replaced by a bizarre Virtual Grand National to please punters stuck in lockdown), the race has been run in April every year.

Tiger Roll’s back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019 spelled disaster for bookmakers but made a lot of punters very happy. More recently, only Noble Yeats has upset the odds hugely.

Noble Yeats was ridden by an amateur, Sam Waley-Cohen, back in April 2022, and he was the first seven-year-old to win the race in 82 years. Check out a full list of Grand National results and see if you can spot any trends.