Record number of grey horses in the Grand National as terrified bookies brace for millions to back them
A RECORD seven grey horses will run in this year’s Grand National.
The biggest race of the year gets underway at Aintree at 4pm.
It is expected to be a huge day for the bookies – made even bigger by the number of grey horses taking part.
Grey steeds are often popular amongst the public and this could be the year punters get a winner.
Only three greys have ever won the famous contest – The Lamb in 1868, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, and most recently, Neptune Collonges in 2012.
But on Saturday there are high hopes for Intense Raffles, priced amongst the favourites at 9-1, as well as Vanillier (10-1), Kandoo Kid (16-1), and Hyland (20-1).
Outsiders Coko Beach (66-1), Duffle Coat (66-1) and Fil D’Or (80-1) are also bidding to create an upset.
Bookmaker Coral go 5-2 that one of the seven is victorious, 12-1 that there is a grey horse one-two, and 40-1 greys fill the first three places.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “Five is the previous highest number of grey horses running in the Grand National, but that was when there were 40 or more runners, so the seven lining up among the 34 runners this year sets a new record.”
Coral expect up to £150 million to be staked on the National this year, making it six times bigger than the second highest turnover horserace of the year, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while the race will be watched by the biggest TV audience of the year.
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Stevens added: “With a third of the adult population expected to place a flutter on the big race, and greys always popular with people, we’re bracing ourselves for a flurry of bets on the seven.
“And with four of them among the favourites for the race, a victory for any one of them will make this a grey day for sure for the bookies.”
Grand National winners since 2000
RED RUM is the most famous Grand National winner of all time.
He is the first and only horse to win the famous race three times.
He triumphed in 1973, 1975 and 1977.
Here’s the winners list from the 21st Century:
- 2023 – Corach Rambler ridden by Derek Fox
- 2022 – Noble Yeats ridden by Mr Sam Waley-Cohen
- 2021 – Minella Times ridden by Rachael Blackmore
- 2020 – cancelled due to Covid pandemic
- 2019 – Tiger Roll ridden by Davy Russell
- 2018 – Tiger Roll ridden by Davy Russell
- 2017 – One For Arthur ridden by Derek Fox
- 2016 – Rule The World ridden by David Mullins
- 2015 – Many Clouds ridden by Leighton Aspell
- 2014 – Pineau De Re ridden by Leighton Aspell
- 2013 – Auroras Encore ridden by Ryan Mania
- 2012 – Neptune Collonges ridden by Daryl Jacob
- 2011 – Ballabriggs ridden by Jason Maguire
- 2010 – Don’t Push It ridden by Tony McCoy
- 2009 – Mon Mome ridden by Liam Treadwell
- 2008 – Comply or Die ridden by Timmy Murphy
- 2007 – Silver Birch ridden by Robbie Power
- 2006 – Numbersixvalverde ridden by Niall Madden
- 2005 – Hedgehunter ridden by Ruby Walsh
- 2004 – Amberleigh House ridden by Graham Lee
- 2003 – Monty’s Pass ridden by Barry Geraghty
- 2002 – Bindaree ridden by Jim Culloty
- 2001 – Red Marauder ridden by Richard Guest
- 2000 – Papillon ridden by Ruby Walsh
It has been confirmed 34 horses will take to the field to race more than four miles and 16 fences.
The winner will receive £1million in prize money.