Grand National 2024: Preview & Looking at the Favourites

The 2024 Grand National is nearing upon us, with the world's greatest Steeplechase set to take place on April 13.

It takes place at Aintree, which is on the outskirts of Liverpool, and has done so since 1839. There will be a total of four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards (4m 2f 74y) that will need to be raced, with 16 fences being required to be jumped, 14 of which will be jumped twice to make up the 30 required jumps. It should take approximately nine minutes to complete, making it the longest jump race in the UK.

It’s an event that has truly captured the imagination of the British public, as well as horse racing enthusiasts and bettors worldwide. Many have continued to enhance their betting experiences of the great event by using the Betway app when they can, as they have been able to place bets in real-time as they watch the contest unfold in front of their eyes.

Throw in the fact that the prize purse is worth £1 million, with more than 50% going to the winner (£516,000) based on last year’s figures. Second will receive £211,100, with third earning £105,500. Every horse to finish between 1st and 10th will receive a share of the prize pot.

2024’s Grand National will be slightly different

The race will be slightly different this year, as there will only be a total of 34 runners instead of the 40 that usually make the field. This is because of a decision that has been made to promote the safety of those who are participating.

In addition, the timing of the race has also been moved, with it being pushed forward from its renowned 17:15 slot to 16:00 GMT. This was also done to try and promote better equine welfare, as there is a belief that there could be better ground. It can be difficult to know what the going will be ahead of the actual race, but early suggestions are already suggesting it could be potentially heavy, as rainfall continues to be experienced.

There have been other significant differences to be made to this year’s Grand National, with the first jump moved 60 yards towards the starting line, as well as the introduction of a standing start and not one where all horses try to compete with a rolling start. Fence 11 has also been reduced in height by two inches to reduce the drop when landing.

The favourites to win the 2024 Grand National

While the entire 34-strong field for the 2024 Grand National won’t be known (or at least confirmed) until Thursday, it is still very possible to take a look at the horses that are expected to run and consider which of them are the favourites to win the prestigious race on April 13.

According to the early odds provided by Betway, Corach Rambler is the main favourite. The Lucinda Russell-trained 10-year-old (who will celebrate his 11th birthday on April 10) won the Grand National last year when the going was good, soft in places. He won by 2.25 lengths when crossing the finish post before Vanillier. Jockey Derek Fox will be hoping for a similar ride this year, with Corach Rambler’s only outing being the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month (finishing 3rd).

Elsewhere, I Am Maximus is the second favourite, with Vanillier expected to challenge once again. 2022 winner Nobel Yeats is also involved in the race, as are fan-favourites Minella Indo, Delta Work, and Galvin. However, the ground might have to be better for these three to be in serious contention come race day.