The sun has been out. Nobody can help but notice their shoulders feeling a little lighter, their mood feeling a little brighter and there being a noticeable spring in their step.
Springtime is very much on the way and for everyone on the banks of the River Mersey that brings one special thing with it, The Grand National.
Just a few minutes down the road from Warrington, come April, the hoards will be descending on Aintree to watch one of the most challenging horse races in the world. Whether you’re an old-timer, or you’ve never been before, we’ve got some tips for you on how to prepare for Grand National day.
Become a Paddock Judge
Maybe the best view that you’ll get of all of the horses on the day is in the pre-parade ring. This is where the horses come to loosen up and walk around before they head to the parade ring. It tends to be quiet here as the results from the last race are often still be being announced when the horses are pre-parading.
The other reason it’s quiet is that sometimes the horses don’t have their numbers on yet, so you might struggle to tell which one is which. However, whilst this may seem like a pointless exercise, it definitely isn’t. Not knowing which horse is which forces you to be totally unbiased when you look for signs of how fit a horse is. Look for a strong heave line, defined buttocks and a rounded – but not wobbly – neck. Horses showing too many ribs, dipped necks and bony hips are underweight, while horses displaying little definition are carrying too much condition.
Make a note of three or four horses that look in the best shape and look out for them in the parade ring. Once you’ve identified the horses, check to see which of them has the best chance according to the form. It’s not a foolproof way of betting, after all, there isn’t one, but a lot of people swear by paddock judging as part of their success. Plus, even if your horse doesn’t win, you’ll have had a closer look than almost anyone else at some of the best equine athletes on the planet.
Where to Bet
Once you’ve done your paddock judging, you’ll either want to head on up to the stands to see how your pick does, or you might want to wager some money on it. For many racegoers, part of the enjoyment of spending a day at the races is placing a bet. There are bookmakers and the Tote on course for those who want to use them, but some find that it’s easier to get better value odds online. The other advantage of placing bets online is that it’s also possible to take find a free bet grand national. Deals like this are also useful for people planning to bet on the race who aren’t able to attend the race in person. Whichever option you choose, shop around a little for the best odds as there are likely to be variations on the day.
Dress For the Occasion
The Grand National is a huge day in the racing calendar. Although you won’t see the same level of wardrobe extravagance as you might see at Ascot, there are still people who dress for the occasion. Bear in mind that this race meeting is still prone to inclement weather, so ladies should consider heel stoppers to protect them from muddy turf. At the very least, everyone should bring a waterproof jacket with them.
Beyond that, there is no official dress code for the day, so feel free to wear whatever you’re comfortable in. That could be a suit, jeans, a cocktail dress or a casual number. The most important thing is to feel at home and enjoy the sport.
