How much will we bet during the Grand National?

The Grand National is the jewel in the crown of the world's horse racing calendar

Grand National 2015PH

The Grand National is a truly unique occasion

Millions of people will be studying the form ahead of this year's race, which is set to take place on April 11th, in order to make their selections in the hope of winning big.

Every year the Grand National seems to set a new record for the amount of money bet on the race, while the prize money for the 2014 National was also up to a record high. Betting Grand National - pick your horse and win big! 

History of the Grand National

The first Grand National took place at Aintree in 1836, but an event three years later was the first to take the National name - the race was won by 5/1 shot Lottery.

The 1960s and 1970s are often thought of as the golden era of the Grand National. The BBC started to televise the race in 1960 and this helped to give the National a bigger audience than ever before, in turn increasing the prize money and amount of money bet on the National.

Foinavon's win in 1967 is perhaps the most famous race in National history.A huge pile-up at the seventh fence - since named Foinavon after the horse - left the 100/1 outsider well out in front and in the clear to seal a shock win.

The 1970s are best remembered for the incredible feats on Red Rum, without a doubt the best steeplechaser in horse racing history. Red Rum won back-to-back National titles, the last horse to do so, and went on to win the race for a record third time to seal his legend. Check out William Hill for the latest Grand National odds.

Why is the National so popular?

The Grand National is a truly unique occasion and there are few more thrilling sights in sport than seeing 40 horses thunder away from the start towards that first towering fence.

Many of the obstacles at the Aintree course have names that are known around the world - Becher's Brook, The Water Jump, The Chair, Canal Turn and Foinavon to name five.

The four-and-a-half mile steeplechase is one of the longest trips in horse racing, giving jockeys and horses a serious challenge to get to the finish line, let alone to be in contention.

As the National is so unpredictable it is the perfect race to have a fun bet or two on - nobody expects to pick the winner so it feels even better if your horse comes home in first place.

How much will be bet?

It is hard to predict exactly how much will be bet on this year's Grand National, but the presence of Champion Jockey AP McCoy in his last ever National is creating extra buzz for the race and new betting records could well be set in the coming days.

McCoy is likely to be on board the pre-race favourite Shutthefrontdoor and he could become one of the few riders to have won the National more than once in the modern era.

It would be a fantastic story if McCoy was to win, but there are lots of other horses getting plenty of attention in the betting. Rocky Creek and Balthazar King both have strong National pedigree, while many will be tempted by a punt on the defending champion, Pineau De Re.

Whatever happens on the day, the 2015 Grand National promises to be a race to remember.

*Promoted content

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?