The 2023 renewal of the Aintree Grand National is now on the horizon and trainers from across the horse racing industry are busy putting their runners through their final paces for one of jump racing’s greatest spectacles.
A total of 40 runners line up in the Grand National each year, and with over seven million people tuning in from around the globe, the race is one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of the year. It is a race full of thrills and spills as the runners tackle 30 of the biggest fences in the sport.
Picking the winner of the Grand National is an extremely difficult task, but sometimes those successful in their selection can be rewarded handsomely if a big-priced runner crosses the line in front.
50/1 Winner
What a moment! What a Sportsman!
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) April 9, 2022
Sam Waley-Cohen, an amateur rider, wins The Grand National on his last ever ride.
Noble Yeats wins at 50/1 pic.twitter.com/fkJnxwQGZM
One such horse that has won the race at big odds and is in the final stages of his preparation for this year’s race is Noble Yeats. The defending champion is priced at 8/1 in the Paddy Power horse racing betting after being a 50/1 longshot to win the National last year, which he overcame in impressive fashion.
Trained by the up-and-coming Irish trainer Emmet Mullins, Noble Yeats had come into last year’s race completely under the radar, but taking on the marathon trip of the Grand National proved to be the making of the young horse, as covered by ITV.
In 2023, Noble Yeats will not be coming in under the radar. He has put in some very impressive performances this season and was last seen finishing strongly to grab 4th place in the prestigious Gold Cup at Cheltenham, as can be seen on The Guardian. That was a fantastic run by the now 8-year-old horse, and it is easy to see why he is currently the second favorite for this year’s Grand National.
Biggest Dangers In 2023
Corach Rambler
Corach Rambler will be tackling the unique experience that is the Aintree Grand National for the first time in 2023, but he is strongly fancied to come out on top. A two-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Corach Rambler has stamina in abundance, will be carrying a lightweight, and is an excellent jumper. He is a worthy favourite to win this year’s race.
Delta Work
Delta Work is a three-time Cheltenham Festival winner and followed Noble Yeats home in last year’s Grand National to finish third. He has proven that he is a horse with the credentials to run well in the Aintree showpiece, and another big run is expected from the third favorite.
Any Second Now
Splitting Noble Yeats and Delta Work in finishing second twelve months ago was the Ted Walsh trained Any Second Now. A very talented horse, he has also finished third in the Grand National and is sure to give his supporters a good run for their money.
“Cross-country chase” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Carine06
Can Noble Yeats Defend His Crown?
The legendary Tiger Roll proved that it is possible to win two Grand Nationals in a row, and although Noble Yeats has a similar profile, it won’t be easy for him to defend his crown. He will be carrying a much bigger weight this year, and he is likely to find it tough against Corach Rambler, who has everything in his favor.
