It’s been a busy period of National Hunt horse racing in the UK and the action is about to intensify. The Grand National is the biggest test of horse and rider in the sport, and there’s another top-quality field about to get underway for the 2023 edition.
Saturday April 15th is the date for the diary and, while there will be a number of challenges, one horse is some way clear of the chasing pack.
The Favourite
“Aintree Entrance – Home Of The Grand Nat” (CC BY 2.0) by Paolo Camera
This can be the hardest race to call and a number of underdogs have won the National in recent years. Despite the unpredictability, there’s a scramble for Grand National tips 2023, and the experts have identified a clear favourite for 2023.
Corach Rambler is out in front at odds of 6/1 and there is a gap to the next horse, 2022 champion Noble Yeats, which is listed at 8/1.
A recent winner at the Cheltenham Festival, Corach Rambler has a strong record in National Hunt races. In 12 lifetime outings over the jumps, the Lucinda Russell trained horse has won six times.
There is quality and good form here, and the rest of the field will find it tough to overcome the favorite. However, there has been no shortage of surprise results at the Aintree Grand National over the course of its long history.
The Challengers
The chasing pack is led by a horse aiming to complete a rare double at Aintree. Noble Yeats came first past the post 12 months ago, and is aiming to be only the third runner to win the National in two consecutive years since 1946.
Noble Yeats also has a solid record over the jumps. That win in the 2022 Grand National was his sixth in 16 outings. The horse has also enjoyed two victories this season, the most recent of which came on this Aintree course last December.
Other horses with a high rating ahead of the 2023 National include Delta Work, Mr Incredible and Gaillard du Mesnil.
Delta Work finished third in the Grand National 12 months ago, and also claimed a win at the recent Cheltenham Festival. A strong field is in contention, but what do these horses have to negotiate?
“Red Rum Statue Aintree” (CC BY 2.0) by Paolo Camera
Jumping ability and the need to sustain a fast speed for around ten minutes, are the main qualities needed to win the Grand National. It’s a daunting combination of skill and endurance. There are 30 fences to negotiate, including famous landmarks such as The Chair and Becher’s Brook.
Endurance is also required, particularly if the early April weather brings warmer temperatures. The National is run over four miles and 514 yards of the Aintree Course. It’s a stiff test for any horse and that’s why the Grand National is such a thrilling spectacle. The 2023 edition should be no exception as Corach Rambler leads the field, but there are some excellent contenders looking to make a genuine challenge.