Looking ahead to the Grand National

There are few sporting events as exhilarating as a good race. Whether it’s the world-famous Dakar Rally or the Tour de France, there’s nothing like racing entertainment to deliver a top-class sporting event.

And in terms of horse racing, one of the most prestigious events has to be the Grand National which takes place every year at the historic Aintree racecourse in Liverpool.

This massive racing event has long been considered to be the pinnacle of the European horse racing season, and always provides a epic spectacle as dozens of horses compete to be top of the Grand National tips and race their way to sporting immortality.

This year the race takes place on 9 April and already sports betting sites such as Coral have revealed that previous race-winners such as Many Clouds and Pineau de Re will be taking part that will be encouraging betting fans to see if you can spot a winner? And the fact that the event regularly provides a prize fund of over £1 million will do much to provide an extra burst of adrenaline for the competitors.

The Irish horse Many Clouds will be looking to repeat 2015’s excellent performance that saw it seize victory with the odds of 25/1, and already the horse has received a boost with the announcement that it had been declared the top weight for the Grand National.

Other horses that feature significantly in the Grand National tips include the likes of Shutthefrontdoor that will be looking to repeat its Irish Grand National win of 2014, and with the chance of two pivotal runs before the main event on 9 April, it will be a testing time for the Irish nine-year old.

However, despite the favourites receiving much of the attention in the Grand National tips, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the relative outsiders. In particular, the eight-year old La Reve has quietly been showing some commanding form thanks to an impressive second victory at Sandown. And with the memories of Mon Mome’s 100/1 victory in 2009’s race still resounding down the years, it just goes to show that anything can happen at this epic racing event.

But regardless of the events on the track, the Grand National is always a top tip for sporting excellence and few will be doubting that when the race begins at 5.45pm GMT on 9 April.