Grand National runners, riders and odds: Betting guide to the 2024 Aintree showpiece

The waiting is finally over for horse racing fans, with the 2024 Randox Grand National hitting our screens on Saturday 13^th April.

The race is one of the very few that breaks into the public mainstream each year, with an estimated 7.5 million people due to tune into ITV Racing for the world’s most famous steeplechase. 

Everyone from your pub landlord to the local postman will likely be placing a bet on the Grand National and there will be 34 runners to choose from this year, which is down from the traditional figure of 40 for the first time. 

The horse that everyone has to beat this year is last year’s winner Corach Rambler, who returns off a 13lbs higher mark after his stunning victory 12 months ago. He looked to really enjoy the test last year and could well take some stopping after finishing a fine ‘staying on’ third in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

If you’re new to horse racing, placing a bet on the Grand National can seem daunting, but fear not, we’ve put together a runner-by-runner guide to each and every horse in this year’s race – with a star guide for each. 

Our betting guide to the 2024 Grand National, with tips and verdicts on each horse

1. Noble Yeats (20-1)

• Trainer: Emmet Mullins
• Jockey: Harry Cobden
• Weight: 11-12 Age: 9

Fairytale winner of this race back in 2022 as a seven-year-old for the retiring jockey Sam Waley-Cohen. Has produced some high-class performances since, including when fourth in this race off 1lb lower last year. Has to lumber top weight this time around due to the withdrawal of Conflated and will likely find at least one too good, though he should give this a good go considering he’s already made a habit of breaking convention for his shrewd trainer.

Verdict: 3 stars

2. Nassalam (20-1)

• Trainer: Gary Moore
• Jockey: Caoilin Quinn
• Weight: 11-08, Age: 7

Talented stayer who thrives in the mud. Made a name for himself when obliterating the field in the Welsh Grand National in tough conditions in December, though he was hiked 16lbs in the weights for that effort by the handicapper. Found the Cheltenham Gold Cup too hot last month and this looks a big ask, but he isn’t one to completely rule out if the rain continues to fall.

Verdict: 2 stars

3. Coko Beach (40-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Jordan Gainford
• Weight: 11-08, Age: 9

Experienced chaser who has a proven ability over these fences, having finished a fine second in heavy ground in the Becher Chase in December, before winning a cross country event at Punchestown in February. Faces a tough task here off 6lbs higher than when pulled-up in the race 12 months ago and others make more appeal - for all that he’s representing a yard that has won this three times. 

Verdict: 1 star

4. Capodanno (40-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Keith Donoghue
• Weight: 11-08, Age: 8

High-class chaser who has been better than ever this year, winning a warm renewal of the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January. Backed that up with a fine fourth in last month’s Ryanair Chase over a much shorter trip and has an each-way chance if staying the marathon distance, though he must prove his stamina after being pulled-up in the race last year. 

Verdict: 2 stars

5. I Am Maximus (8-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Paul Townend
• Weight: 11-06, Age: 8

Talented eight-year-old who has plenty to recommend him, having won last year’s Irish Grand National as a novice. Has performed with credit so far this season, including when easily accounting for last year’s National runner-up Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February. That race regularly proves to be a good pointer for this and he appeals as the type who will relish this test of stamina. Ought to go very close for the all-conquering Willie Mullins team.

Verdict: 5 stars

6. Minella Indo (20-1)

• Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
• Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
• Weight: 11-06, Age: 11

Arrives here with one of the highest profiles of the lot, having won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Has been more miss than hit since, though he ran a good trial for this when a fine fourth under a massive weight in a Cross Country race at Cheltenham in December. He could prove to have an attractive weight if he can rediscover his very best form, though that feels like a big ask at this stage of his career. 

Verdict: 3 stars

7. Corach Rambler (5-1)

• Trainer: Lucinda Russell
• Jockey: Derek Fox
• Weight: 11-06
• Age: 10

Brilliant winner of this race last year who’s back to defend his crown. Will have to do so off a 13lbs higher mark, but proved himself a natural over these fences 12 months ago. Arrives here on the back of an excellent third in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and ought to give this a good go, though that looked a hard enough race and he could find one too good. 

Verdict: 4 stars

8. Janidil (100-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Jody McGarvey
• Weight 11-06
• Age: 10

Smart chaser on his day, winning a Grade 1 contest as a novice back in 2021. Didn’t look particularly comfortable when down the field in last month’s Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and difficult to see him staying the trip on his first attempt over further than three miles.

Verdict: 1 star

9. Stattler (50-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Patrick Mullins
• Weight: 11-05
• Age: 9

Talented stayer who showed a proficiency for this kind of stamina test when winning the National Hunt Chase over three and three quarter miles back in 2022. Hasn’t really kicked on since however and will need to jump much better than when fourth behind Coko Beach in a cross country race at Punchestown in February. Could prove himself to be on a competitive weight, but has lots to prove. 

Verdict: 2 stars

10. Mahler Mission (18-1)

• Trainer: John McConnell
• Jockey: Ben Harvey
• Weight: 11-05
• Age: 8

Looked as though he was going to be a runaway winner of last year’s National Hunt Chase, before falling at the second last fence. Has been carefully campaigned since but both of his efforts have been fine ones, most recently finishing second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Could prove to be flying under the radar and deserves plenty of respect, but this trip will be a step into the unknown. 

Verdict: 4 stars

11. Delta Work (25-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Jack Kennedy
• Weight: 11-04
• Age: 11

Capable of some top-class form in his earlier years, winning four Grade 1 contests over fences. Into the veteran stages of his career these days, but has flourished over the Cross Country fences at Cheltenham - twice winning that race at the Festival. The weather robbed him of his hat-trick bid last month but he will arrive here fit and can’t be ruled out off 3lbs lower than when third in 2022, for all that he unseated his rider 12 months ago. 

Verdict: 3 stars

12. Foxy Jacks (66-1)

• Trainer: Mouse Morris
• Jockey: Gavin Brouder
• Weight: 11-04
• Age: 10

Solid stayer who threw his hat into the ring for this kind of race when winning a cross country event at Cheltenham in November. Has been hiked in the weights for that effort since however and doesn’t always convince with his jumping, meaning that others make more appeal.

Verdict: 2 stars

13. Galvin (40-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Sam Ewing
• Weight, 11-02
• Age: 10

High-class chaser who arrived here as one of the leading fancies 12 months ago, only to unseat at the very first fence. Put in a fair effort to finish fifth off a big weight in a cross country race at Cheltenham in December and will arrive here fit after a run over hurdles back in February. Has fallen a long way in the weight since last April and appeals as a lively each-way chance if he can get into a good jumping rhythm. 

Verdict: 4 stars

14. Farouk d’Alene (80-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Donagh Meyler
• Weight: 11-01
• Age: 9

Talented chaser on his day, winning a Grade 2 contest at Navan back in 2022. Two of his three runs have come over hurdles this term, suggesting that this could be the target, but he’s failed to complete in three of his last five outings and has plenty to prove over fences that are rather unforgiving. 

Verdict: 1 star

15. Eldorado Allen (100-1)

• Trainer: Joe Tizzard
• Jockey: Brendan Powell
• Weight: 11-00
• Age: 10

Capable performer who rarely runs a bad race, hitting the frame in several competitive handicaps so far this term. Wasn’t so good in last month’s Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival however and while he’s a solid jumper of his fences this is his first try at further than an extended three and a quarter miles. 

Verdict: 1 star

16. Ain’t That A Shame (66-1)

• Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
• Jockey: Mr David Maxwell
• Weight: 10-13
• Age: 10

Proved to be one of the gambles of the year when lining up for this 12 months ago under Rachael Blackmore, only to seemingly fail to stay the trip. Has been lightly campaigned since but produced a career best effort to win the ultra-competitive Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran in January. That form almost always proves strong and while he has to prove his stamina, he’s been bought by his amateur jockey specifically for this and ought to have a good spin round. 

Verdict: 2 stars

17. Vanillier (9-1)

• Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
• Jockey: Sean Flanagan
• Weight: 10-12
• Age: 9

Brilliant runner-up of this race 12 months ago who left Aintree with a sense of what might have been, having stayed on from a long way back. Has very much been campaigned with this race in mind since by his shrewd trainer and ought to give this another good go off 4lbs lower. Rates as an excellent each-way shout but was well held when receiving weight from I Am Maximus last time out and will likely find at least one too good for win purposes.

Verdict: 4 stars

18. Mr Incredible (12-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Brian Hayes
• Weight: 10-11
• Age: 8

Strong stayer who was fancied by many when lining up for this 12 months ago on the back of a fine third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and was giving a good account of himself before unseating second time round at Canal Turn. That was a rather freakish turn of events and he deserves another chance here, having blown away the cobwebs with a fine second in last month’s Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter. His quiet campaign means he’s just 5lbs higher in the weights this year and a huge run is expected.

Verdict: 4 stars

19. Run Wild Fred (100-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Mr Tom Hamilton
• Weight: 10-10
• Age: 10

A regular in the staying sphere who was one of the leading fancies for this two years ago, only to fall at the first Canal Turn. Has struggled to hit the heights of his promising novice campaign since and it’s difficult to recommend him here considering he’s failed to complete on each of his last three outings. 

Verdict: 1 star

20. Latenightpass (40-1)

• Trainer: Tom Ellis
• Jockey: Gina Andrews
• Weight: 10-10
• Age: 11

Has one of the more unorthodox profiles for this, having been a regular in the point-to-point and hunter chase scene for much of his career. Has previous over these fences however having won the Foxhunters here in 2022 and finished in the frame on two other occasions. Did his claims for this no harm when winning a cross country race at Cheltenham in December and while he will almost certainly relish the challenge, he’ll need to step up a gear or two for win purposes. 

Verdict: 3 stars

21. Minella Crooner (80-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Kevin Sexton
• Weight: 10-10
• Age: 8

Promised plenty as a novice chaser last season but has yet to really show he’s an out and out stayer, being pulled-up on his two starts over marathon trips to date. Struggled to get into things in last month’s Ultima and will likely find this too hot. 

Verdict: 1 star

22. Adamantly Chosen (50-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Sean O’Keeffe
• Weight: 10-09
• Age: 7

Left it late to qualify for this race but did so in fine style, winning a race which often proves to be a decent pointer for this at Down Royal last month. The extra mile in distance here is a step into the unknown, but  it wouldn’t be a massive surprise should he relish this test. 

Verdict: 3 stars

23. Mac Tottie (100-1)

• Trainer: Peter Bowen
• Jockey: James Bowen
• Weight: 10-09
• Age: 11

Aintree specialist who has a fine record over these fences, winning both the Topham Chase and the Grand Sefton Chase during his career. His achilles heel is almost certainly his stamina and while he should appreciate the jumping test, it’s very hard to see him staying the trip. 

Verdict: 1 star

24. Chemical Energy (50-1)

• Trainer: Gordon Elliott
• Jockey: Danny Gilligan
• Weight: 10-09
• Age: 8

Lightly-raced runner who hasn’t been seen since last September, when sixth in the Kerry National. Has shown a propensity for staying races when reaching the track, finishing second in last year’s National Hunt Chase and could prove himself to be well weighted if none the worse for his absence. 

Verdict: 3 stars

25. Limerick Lace (20-1)

• Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
• Jockey: Mark Walsh
• Weight: 10-08
• Age: 7

Likeable mare who arrives here on a roll, having won the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. She will need to prove her stamina here as she’s untried over further than three miles, but she’s an upwardly mobile type and it’s interesting that Mark Walsh has opted to ride her over several other choices. 

Verdict: 3 stars

26. Meetingofthewaters (9-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Danny Mullins
• Weight: 10-08
• Age: 7

Improving stayer who arrives here with a nice profile, having won a competitive handicap over an extended three miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Backed that up with a fine third in a hot renewal of the Ultima at Cheltenham last month and there’s every chance there’s plenty more to come on just his fourth start in a handicap. Appeals as the type who will enjoy this test and is another from the Willie Mullins yard that deserves serious consideration. 

Verdict: 4 stars

27. The Goffer (66-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Sean Bowen
• Weight: 10-08
• Age: 7

Has been a regular in this sphere for the last couple of years and rarely runs a bad race, finishing a solid fifth in the Ultima last month. He didn’t quite get home in soft conditions that day, though it’s worth noting that came on the back of an absence, and he could prove to be well handicapped if getting into a good rhythm. 

Verdict: 3 stars

28. Roi Mage (66-1)

• Trainer: Patrick Griffin
• Jockey: James Reveley
• Weight: 10-08
• Age: 12

Experienced chaser who’s well into the veteran stages of his career now, but continues to hold his form well. This will be his second try in the race having finished a highly commendable seventh last season, though he arguably ran out of puff late on. Takes his chance off 2lbs lower this time and can’t be ruled out after a fine run behind Adamantly Chosen at Down Royal last month, for all that he isn’t getting any younger. 

Verdict: 2 stars

29. Glengouly (66-1)

• Trainer: Willie Mullins
• Jockey: Michael O’Sullivan
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 8

Lightly-raced over fences but has shown plenty of ability so far, finishing a fine second behind Ain’t That A Shame in the Thyestes Handicap in January. The marathon trip here is a step into the unknown but he will appreciate the ground if the rain continues to fall and isn’t a forlorn hope at a huge price. 

Verdict: 2 stars

30. Galia Des Liteaux (28-1)

• Trainer: Dan Skelton
• Jockey: Harry Skelton
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 8

Likeable mare who enjoys the mud. Showed a real ability for marathon trips when producing an excellent effort to finish second in a gruelling renewal of the Classic Chase at Warwick in January, which was her first try in handicap company. That form has worked out well since and she appeals as one who’s lurking on a good mark. It would be no surprise to see her take a step forward for this unique test.

Verdict: 4 stars

31. Panda Boy (14-1)

• Trainer: Martin Brassil
• Jockey: JJ Slevin
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 8

Still fairly untested in this sphere but has shown plenty of ability so far, finishing a highly commendable fifth behind I Am Maximus in last year’s Irish Grand National. Has been very much campaigned with this race in mind so far this season, with all of his starts either coming over hurdles or inadequate trips and it would be no surprise should he go very close for a yard that won this in 2006 with Numbersixvalverde.

Verdict: 4 stars

32. Eklat De Rire (100-1)

• Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
• Jockey: Darragh O’Keeffe
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 10

Hasn’t been the easiest to get to the track but shown some good form in his earlier years, winning a Listed contest over just shy of three miles at Wexford in October 2021. The fact he’s raced just six times since paints a picture of his fragility though and he has plenty to do after being pulled-up in the Ultima last month.

Verdict: 1 star

33. Chambard (100-1)

• Trainer: Venetia Williams
• Jockey: Miss Lucy Turner
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 12

Well into the veteran stages of his career but has plenty to recommend him, winning the Becher Chase over these fences in tough conditions in December. A strong stayer, he won’t be found wanting if this turns into a war of attrition and he rates as a lively outsider at a massive price for a yard that caused a shock with Mon Mome in 2009.

Verdict: 3 stars

34. Kitty’s Light (14-1)

• Trainer: Christian Williams
• Jockey: Jack Tudor
• Weight: 10-07
• Age: 8

Hugely popular stayer who has become something of a punters’ pal, completing a rare double when winning the Scottish Grand National and the bet365 Gold Cup in successive weeks last April. Hasn’t really dazzled so far this season but there is no secret about the fact that he comes good in the spring and lost very little in defeat when seventh in the Ultima last month. Sneaks in by virtue of Conflated not being declared and will be high on plenty of people’s shortlists, though the ground may go against him if the rain continues to fall. 

Verdict: 3 stars

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Our Grand National tips and best bet, including a 1-2-3-4-5 verdict

All eyes will be on Corach Rambler as he bids to become just the second horse to win back-to-back renewals of the race this century. He is likely to go off favourite after a fine run to finish third in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and he’s expected to be carried out on his shield.

Preference though is for I Am Maximus, who will carry the same weight as the favourite. Last year’s Irish Grand National winner has enjoyed another fine campaign this term and he looked tailor made for this race when sweeping clear of last year’s Grand National runner-up Vanillier (when giving him weight) at Fairyhouse in February. There’s every chance that there’s more to come from the eight-year-old at marathon trips and he looks worth backing to win this for Ireland. 

Willie Mullins won this race in 2005 with Hedgehunter and stablemate Mr Incredible is fancied to chase I Am Maximus home. The eight-year-old was a fine second in tough conditions in last month’s Midlands National at Uttoxeter on the back of a break and he can build on the promise he showed in last year’s race - when unlucky to unseat at the second Canal Turn.

There’s every chance that this could turn into a real test of stamina and with that in mind it would be no surprise should both Galvin and Chambard hit the frame at massive prices for their Grand National-winning yards. 

Verdict: 

• 1. I Am Maximus
• 2. Mr Incredible
• 3. Corach Rambler
• 4. Galvin
• 5. Chambard

About the Grand National Day 2024

To put it simply, the Randox Grand National is the biggest horse race of the entire year. Known as the world’s most famous steeplechase, everyone from your pub landlord to the local postman will likely be having a bet on the big race, with an estimated 7.5 million people expected to tune into ITV Racing to watch it. 

Horses need to have a mixture of class and stamina if they are to win the Grand National, with the unique Aintree fences on the National Course offering a test like no other.

This will be the first time that there are 34 runners in this year’s race - down from the traditional number of 40 due to an equine safety review - meaning it’s harder than ever for trainers to get their horses into the race. 

The fact that the Grand National fences require a certain skill set means that lots of horses come back year after year, creating a rapport with punters. Last year’s winner Corach Rambler is the horse that everyone has to beat this year, as he bids to become just the second horse this century to win the race twice - after the great Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019.

How to bet on the 2024 Grand National Day

The Grand National is one of the most popular betting events around and there are some people who will place their only bets of the year on the big race. With that in mind, betting on horse racing can seem daunting if you’re new to it, but it’s a relatively simple task once you know how to do it. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick step-by-step guide to placing a bet on this year’s Grand National at Aintree.

1. Log into your betting account. If you don’t have an account with a betting website you can find plenty of options to choose from in this article. 
2. If you don’t have an account, find a free bet or sign up offer that suits your needs and click ‘sign up’ on the bookmaker’s website.
3. Once you are logged into you account, head to the ‘horse racing’ section of the site.
4. Find the racing that is taking place at Aintree on Saturday 13th April 2024 and navigate to the 4pm.
5. Pick out a horse to place a bet on. You can either use this guide or you can view all the form for free on the Racing Post website.
6. Once you have a selection, add them to your betslip by clicking on the price next to their name.
7. You should be able to see your horse is in the betslip. Enter your stake.
8. Once you are happy with everything, select ‘place bet’. Your bet should be placed on this year’s Grand National. Best of luck!

How to watch the 2024 Grand National 

You can watch the big race live on ITV Racing, who are showing the first five races from Aintree live on their channel, with the big race due off at 4pm. The race is also being broadcast live on Racing TV, while you are able to stream the race live with the majority of UK and Irish bookmakers.

What is the prize money for the 2024 Grand National?

The Grand National is one of the most valuable races in the jumps calendar, with a total prize pot of £1 million on offer and the winner taking home a cool £500,000. 

The prize money is divided up as follows: First Place: £500,000, Second Place: £200,000, Third Place: £100,000, Fourth Place: £65,000, Fifth Place: £40,000, Sixth Place: £30,000, Seventh Place £20,000, Eighth Place: £15,000, Ninth Place £10,000, Tenth Place: £5,000.

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