Thinking of Betting on the Grand National? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
By Stuart Ward, 3rd April 2025
The Grand National - do you want to get involved by having a small wager, but maybe it is new to you? Or perhaps you are unsure where to start?
In this article, I will use my twenty years of experience working for the bookies to help you place a bet with confidence on the Grand National – the most prominent jump race of the year.
Keep reading…
The big race
Following on the heels of the Cheltenham Festival, arguably the pinnacle of the jumps season and one for the purists.
But the Aintree spectacle - that is for the people.
A national treasure.
A bet on the Grand National is a genuine British tradition.
But what is the best way to bet on the Grand National?
During my twenty years working for the bookies, the Grand National was always the busiest day of the year.
I loved it.
The vibe, the atmosphere.
It seemed everyone came into the shop to have a little punt.
The queues snaked through the shop and out of the door.
I may be slightly biased, but the best way to bet on the Grand National is to visit your local betting shop.
When you are there, you will find that the helpful staff will go out of their way to ensure your visit is as smooth and enjoyable as can be.
Win or lose, your in-shop experience is what matters.
If you have ever filled in and entered a lottery ticket, you should have no problem placing a bet on the Grand National in the betting shop.
It is that easy!
Want to bet on this great British tradition but feel a little nervous? Be assured that the betting shop staff will make your experience as easy as possible by going out of their way.
How do you place a bet?
In the betting shop, grab a quick slip (as people call it).
The quick slip will list the names of every runner in alphabetical order.
Tick the box next to your chosen selection.
You can select as many horses as you want, which is handy if you place bets for all the family to enjoy this spectacular race.
Next, at the bottom of the quick slip, you should select your chosen stake by marking the relevant boxes. This is the amount of money you want to place on each horse.
Take a price or SP?
Now, you must decide whether you want to take the market price.
If you select take a price and your bet wins, your bookie will settle it at the odds your selection was when you placed the bet.
If you decide not to take a price, your bookie will settle your bet at SP. This means the starting price. That is the price your selection was at the start of the race.
Each way
If you want to back your horses each way, mark the each-way box.
Remember, an each-way bet will double your stake. This is because you are wagering your selections to win or to be placed.
More on each-way betting is coming up!
And that's it. Now, hand your quick slip to the cashier, and they will give you a betting receipt.
If you are happy that everything is correct, keep your receipt safe and enjoy this exciting steeplechase!
What does each way mean?
Betting each way means you are placing two wagers.
You are betting your selection will win the race or be among the first four to cross the finishing post.
But wait! Some bookmakers offer extra places in the Grand National!
So check with your bookie. They may pay on both the 5th and 6th places. You never know!
How much will you win on an each-way bet on the Grand National?
Should your selection win the race, your bookmaker will pay you the complete odds multiplied by your unit stake for the win plus a quarter of the odds for the place.
Should your selection come 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, your bookmaker will pay you a quarter of the odds multiplied by your unit stake.
As mentioned, some bookmakers offer extra places, but generally at a fifth of the odds.
How do you pick a horse for the Grand National?
The key to finding the winner and putting cash in your pocket!
When I worked for the bookies, there was always a buzz on Grand National Day. Many people enjoyed the excitement of placing their once-a-year bet.
I found some people selected their horse simply because they liked its name.
Others would back a horse trained in their local area, or local connections owned it.
And greys are always popular. People like to back the grey horses in the race.
And, since Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021 on Minella Times, many punters look for female jockeys when making their selections.
Serious bettors
For the serious punter, studying the form and jumping ability are the foundations for finding value winners.
Ability, proven form, stamina, speed, and courage are essential to win the Grand National.
Plus, a bit of good fortune in running, too!
Click here to learn more about betting, understanding, and analysing form. I will see you there.
In the meantime, enjoy the big race, and good luck!
