The 2025 Grand National takes place at 4pm on Saturday, 5th April and as such, now is a great time to claim some excellent bonus offers from the leading online betting sites, leading bookmaker William Hill going ‘Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets’ which can be claimed by all new customers in the lead-up to the Grand National.
Make the most of Betting on the 2025 Grand National
The Grand National, scheduled for 4pm on April 5, 2025, at Aintree Racecourse, stands as one of the most anticipated events in the British sporting calendar.
This iconic steeplechase, renowned for its challenging course and unpredictable outcomes, offers both seasoned punters and casual bettors a thrilling opportunity to engage in the excitement of horse racing. To navigate the complexities of betting on the Grand National effectively, it’s essential to consider various factors such as horse form, trainer and jockey statistics, horse characteristics (including colour), and the myriad of promotions offered by bookmakers, including free bets, enhanced place terms, price boosts, and best odds guaranteed.
Understanding the Key Factors in Selecting a Horse
- Horse Form and Performance
Evaluating a horse’s recent form is paramount. Key indicators include recent race performances, consistency, and the level of competition faced. For instance, a horse that has consistently placed well in similar distance races or has shown improvement over recent outings may be a strong contender. It’s also beneficial to consider the horse’s performance on similar ground conditions and its ability to handle the unique challenges of the Aintree course. - Trainer and Jockey Statistics
The expertise of the trainer and the skill of the jockey play crucial roles in a horse’s performance. Trainers with a proven track record in preparing horses for the Grand National or similar endurance races can provide valuable insights into a horse’s potential. Similarly, jockeys with experience and success in navigating the demanding Aintree course can significantly influence the outcome. For example, a trainer like Willie Mullins, who has a history of success in National Hunt racing, and a jockey with a strong record in long-distance chases, would be noteworthy. - Horse Characteristics: Colour and Other Attributes
While a horse’s colour is more of anecdotal interest than a performance indicator, some bettors consider it in their selection process. Historically, grey horses have been rare winners of the Grand National, with only three grey victors since the race’s inception in 1839, the most recent being Neptune Collonges in 2012. In the 2025 race, grey horses are among the entries, and their presence often attracts attention from bettors. However, it’s essential to prioritise performance metrics over colour when making informed betting decisions.
Maximising Value Through Bookmaker Promotions
- Free Bets
Many bookmakers offer free bet promotions to attract new customers or reward existing ones. For instance, a bookmaker might provide a £40 free bet upon registering and placing a £10 qualifying bet on horse racing at minimum odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. These free bets are typically divided into multiple tokens, such as £10 each for different sports or bet types, and may have specific terms and conditions, including expiration dates and restrictions on certain markets. It’s crucial to read and understand these terms to utilise free bets effectively. - Enhanced Place Terms
Enhanced place terms extend the number of places paid out on each-way bets, increasing the chances of a return. For the Grand National, some bookmakers may offer to pay out on the first five or six places, rather than the standard four. This promotion is particularly advantageous in a large-field race like the Grand National, where predicting the exact winner can be challenging, but identifying a horse that will finish in the top positions is more feasible. Bettors should compare the place terms offered by different bookmakers to ensure they receive the most favourable conditions. - Price Boosts
Price boosts, or enhanced odds, are promotions where bookmakers increase the odds on specific selections for a limited time. For example, a bookmaker might boost the odds of a prominent Grand National contender from 10/1 to 12/1. These offers provide increased potential returns without additional risk. However, they often come with maximum stake limits and may be available only to certain customers. It’s advisable to act promptly when such promotions are available, as they can be withdrawn quickly. - Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)
Best Odds Guaranteed ensures that if you take an early or board price on your selection and the Starting Price (SP) is higher, you’ll be paid out at the bigger odds. For instance, if you back a horse at 8/1 and its SP is 10/1, BOG ensures you receive the 10/1 payout. This promotion is particularly beneficial in the volatile betting markets of major races like the Grand National, where odds can fluctuate significantly before the off. Most reputable bookmakers offer BOG, but it’s essential to confirm its availability and any applicable terms, such as time restrictions on when the guarantee applies.
Strategic Approaches to Betting on the Grand National
- Each-Way Betting
Given the unpredictable nature of the Grand National, each-way betting is a popular strategy. This approach involves placing two bets: one on the horse to win and another on the horse to place (i.e., finish within a specified number of top positions). With enhanced place terms offered by some bookmakers, the place part of the bet can cover more positions, increasing the likelihood of a return. For example, an each-way bet with a bookmaker offering six places means your horse can finish anywhere in the top six for the place part of the bet to pay out. - Ante-Post Betting
Ante-post betting involves placing bets well in advance of the race day, often at more favourable odds. However, this strategy carries the risk of losing your stake if the horse doesn’t participate due to injury or other reasons. With the recent withdrawal of Inothewayurthinkin, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, from the Grand National, bettors who placed ante-post bets on this horse would lose their stakes. Therefore, while ante-post betting can offer value, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and consider whether the bookmaker offers non-runner no bet (NRNB) terms, which provide a safety net by refunding stakes if the selected horse does not run. - Dutching Strategy
Dutching is a betting strategy where a punter spreads their stake across multiple selections to increase their chances of securing a win while maintaining a level of profit. In a race like the Grand National, where picking a single winner is notoriously difficult, backing two or three horses with different bookmakers (especially using enhanced place terms or price boosts) can be a pragmatic approach. - Betting Exchanges vs. Traditional Bookmakers
Betting exchanges, such as Betfair, allow punters to either back or lay horses. Unlike traditional bookies, where you only back a selection to win, exchanges provide opportunities to act as a bookmaker by laying a bet—essentially betting on a horse not to win. This opens up additional betting strategies, such as trading positions by backing a horse early at high odds and laying at shorter odds if its price shortens closer to race time. - In-Play Betting Considerations
While the Grand National is primarily a pre-race betting market, some bookmakers and exchanges offer in-play betting, which allows punters to place bets as the race unfolds. This option is particularly useful for assessing how a horse is travelling over the first few fences before committing to a bet.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Betting on the 2025 Grand National
The Grand National is as much a test of patience and strategy for bettors as it is for the competing horses and jockeys. Maximising returns requires a blend of research, value-seeking, and an understanding of bookmaker promotions.
Key takeaways for successful betting on the Grand National 2025 include:
✅ Research the horse’s form, trainer, and jockey – Pay attention to course experience, stamina, and recent performances.
✅ Compare bookmaker offers – Take advantage of enhanced place terms, free bets, and best odds guaranteedpromotions.
✅ Utilise strategic bet types – Each-way betting, ante-post betting (preferably with NRNB), and Dutching can increase the chances of profit.
✅ Be mindful of price boosts and betting exchanges – These tools can improve the value of your bets.
With a well-planned approach, bettors can enjoy the thrill of the Grand National while maximising their potential returns. Whether backing a favourite like I Am Maximus or finding value in an outsider, informed betting choices will always be the best way to approach the world’s most famous horse race.
This guide should ensure you are well-equipped to make the most of your Grand National bets for 2025. Good luck! 🍀
