An early look at the 2019 Aintree Grand National

The Grand National may still be many weeks away, but it is never too early to start analysing the potential winners of the most prestigious steeplechase race in the history of horse racing. This year’s Grand National will be held on Saturday 6^thApril and is the most valuable jump race throughout Europe, with a prize fund of more than £1 million. Not only is it the most prestigious jump race in Europe, but also the most grueling with more than four miles, spanning 30 fences and two laps of the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.

The beauty of betting on the Grand National is that there are plenty of opportunities to try and profit, with such a huge field generating juicy odds. It is the highest-grossing single horse race in the UK, with the Cheltenham Gold Cup not far behind, which will be the headline event in March’s Cheltenham Festival 2019. If you’re wondering who will be the likely contenders for this year’s Grand National, this early preview should outline a few names to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

It’s worth noting that previous winners of the Grand National tend to do well the following year. Only five of the last 17 Grand National winners were unplaced in the previous year’s race. This means that it could be worth looking at some of those who were placed in 2018. Willie Mullins is likely to line up Pleasant Company for another crack at the title. He ran Tiger Roll close last year and at 11 years old, he is at a good age to stay the course, with the National’s 2012, 2013 and 2014 winners all aged 11.

Tiger Roll himself could also return to try and retain his crown given that he will only be nine-years-old this April. The issue with Tiger Roll will be the amount of weight he will be forced to carry if his stable intends him to run again in 2019. Blaklion would almost certainly court interest from punters given that he was placed in 2017 after being the 8/1 favourite. A disappointing fall last year put an end to his race, but there is nothing to suggest he couldn’t compete a third time in succession. Meanwhile, 2017 winner, One For Arthur is being readied for a comeback this year after missing out in 2018 through injury. He’ll be looking to become the first horse since Red Rum to win the Grand National after at least a year out of action.

If you have always had the Grand National on your bucket list of live sporting events and you’ve decided 2019 is the year to make it happen, you’re likely to have to make a last-minute decision on booking a trip from Oz to the UK. If you’re a little low on funds – and you have an imperfect credit rating – you may be able to get your hands on a short-term loan without having your credit history considered. Funds can be received within a matter of minutes, allowing you to buy your flights and accommodation and worry about repaying the short-term finance over at least a few months once you’ve realised your Grand National ambition.

If you are travelling over to the UK, it’s also a good idea to keep track of airline news. UK airline, FlyBMI recently went into administration citing financial problems and leading figures in the airline industry believe they won’t be the last UK airline to cease operations in the months ahead.

Category: International