With the 2024 Grand National almost here, we will be offering 'Non-Runner No Bet' in this year's Aintree showpiece.
This year's Grand National, taking place on Saturday 13th April, looks set to serve up another classic race between a talented field of runners and riders.
The offer applies to bets placed from 16:00 UK Time on Friday 15th March 2024. Any bets placed on the Win and Each Way ‘NRNB’ market will be refunded if your selection does not run. In multiple bets if a selection does not run, that part of the bet will be deemed a non-runner.
Last year’s winner, Corach Rambler, is bidding to be the third horse in the post-war era to win back-to-back Grand Nationals, and Lucinda Russell’s charge appears to have every chance after a place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Although he didn’t show much in his seasonal reappearance at Kelso in October, finishing 23 lengths behind Elvis Mail, Corach Rambler seems to save his best for the spring.
I Am Maximus is one of the favourites for the Grand National, having most recently thrashed Vanillier by 14 lengths – all while carrying 12lbs more than his rival, and that’s set to be reduced to 8lbs for the Grand National.
Grade 1 races looked to be the target a few months ago, with I Am Maximus running in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup, but heavy defeats to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs means Aintree will be the target.
Trained by Willie Mullins, whose only success in the race came back in 2005 with Hedgehunter, I Am Maximus is set to make a debut appearance at Aintree in April.
After finishing runner-up behind Corach Rambler last year, Vanillier bids to go one better, though will be carrying an extra 2lbs for his 2024 effort.
While Vanillier’s performances this season have left lots to be desired, finishing a combined 77 lengths behind the two winners in his two most recent chases, his effort in the 2023 Grand National will count for plenty.
Despite being held up in the early going, Gavin Cromwell’s charge stayed on well to finish second, and the Irish trainer will be looking for a repeat showing.
The Ultima Handicap Chase can give a little insight to the Grand National, with 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats running in the race before heading to Aintree a month later. In 2023, Corach Rambler won the Ultima before taking the National a month later.
Donning the famous colours of JP McManus who is looking for a third National win, Meetingofthewaters came third on heavy ground at Cheltenham, but did win a 3m Listed Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas – beating Grand National fancy Panda Boy in the process, and looks well handicapped, carrying just 10st4lbs.
Trainer John McConnell was torn earlier in the season about whether to target the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Grand National, but despite running an excellent race to finish second in the Newbury Gold Cup, Aintree looks to be the target for Mahler Mission.
The eight-year-old led in the closing stages at Newbury, and despite losing his front shoes, finished within four lengths of winner Datsalrightgino.
32 horses will go to post rather than 34 after Chambard and Run Wild Fred were declared non-runners on the morning of the race.