How NOT to guess on the Grand National: Why choosing a horse named after your self or a relative is unlikely to repay
Punters who have a once-in-a-year bet on the Grand National should avoid gambling on horses named after themselves or relatives, experts say.
Around eight million people are expected to have a flutter on the famous four-mile steeplechase on Saturday, with many choosing to put money on a namesake horse or one named after a family member.
This year 10 of the 34 runners expected to go off in the big race have common Christian names in their monikers – more than any Grand National since the turn of the century.
But, the record books show, gambling on such horses is not necessarily a safe bet.
Only three of the last 20 Grand National winners had human names – I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett and One For Arthur.
And just 13 of the 98 horses with common Christian names who’ve run in the Aintree spectacular since 2005 have finished in the top five.
Last year bucked the trend, with Nick Rockett, I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West filling the first three places, while the year before I Am Maximus and Kitty’s Light finished first and fifth, respectively.
However, not a single runner with a common Christian name managed a top five place between 2018 and 2023, and punters would perhaps do well be to bet with their heads, instead of their hearts, this year.
Last year’s winner Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins. However, the record books show that having a flutter on a horse with a human name is perhaps not the safest bet
Jockey Paul Townend rides I Am Maximus to victory in the Grand National on April 13, 2024.
Lee Phelps, spokesman for bookmakers William Hill, said: ‘Names can often help people make up their minds on who to back in the Grand National, and, given the lottery the race has been over the years, it’s no wonder people side with familiar sounding runners over form-book cases.
‘We often see popular names being punted in the race and that can lead to expensive results for us too.
‘We’ve counted 10 horses this year who feature first names, with the likes of Johnnywho, Gorgeous Tom and Oscars Brother all sure to be popular.
‘While previous results show it’s probably not the best strategy for finding a winner, there’s no race like the National for backing horses for sentimental reasons, so best of luck.’
