With the Grand National being first run way back in 1839, and being won by the aptly-named Lottery, it’s a contest that has bundles of history and, therefore, several positive and negatives trends to look for when eyeing up the best profile of the runners each year.

• Who Won The Grand National 2020
• What Won The Grand National Last Year Results
• What Won The Grand National Last Year 2020

After all, if a certain make-up of a horse has won this gruelling race more often than not, then why wouldn’t you want to put history on your side and focus on the horses that tick the best trends, and also rule out those that don’t?

For example, did you know that the last 7 year-old to win the Grand National was in 1940?

So, to help we’ve got the main ‘plus and minus’ trends to apply to the Grand National runners – by just following these simple rules you’ll at least have the make-up of past Grand National winners on your side when placing your 2017 Aintree Grand National bets.

Positive Grand National Pointers

• Horses aged 10 or older have the best recent record
• Horses that had won or finished placed in a National race of any description
• Look for horses that raced over hurdles at some point earlier that season
• Horses that like to be ridden up with the pace in their races often do well (avoid horses that like to be held up)
• Irish-trained horses have a great recent record in the Grand National
• Irish-bred horses have the best recent Grand National record
• Look for horses that finished unplaced in the previous season’s Grand National – they often do well
• Horses that have won over 3miles in the past is virtual ‘must-have’

• GRAND NATIONAL WINNERS More about the Winner in the 2017 Grand National One For Arthur won the race that year ridden by the 24-year-old Derek Fox from Ireland who was taking part in the National for the first time. The race was won by 14/1 shot One For Arthur at Aintree.
• GRAND NATIONAL HISTORY Grand National Tips. We are advocates of learning lessons from the past when trying to find the winners of the future. Experience counts in the Grand National and 20 of the last 26 winners were aged either 9, 10 or 11. In that period there have also been four eight-year-old and two twelve-year-old winner.

The Aintree Grand National fences require a level of maturity from the horses that usually comes with age and experience. So first off, eliminate all of those horses that are younger than eight or older than 11 years of age. In the last 20 years, 19 of the winners have come from that age group.

Negative Grand National Pointers

• Horses aged 8 or younger don’t have the best of records
• Horses aged 13 or older don’t have a great Grand National winning record
• Runners that have fallen or unseated three or more times often don’t run well
• Past Grand National winners and previous Grand National placed horses have bad returning records
• Horses that had last raced over 50 days ago often don’t run well
• Runners that had hard races at the Cheltenham Festival, run the previous month, don’t fare well

Grand National Tips and Trends – Do’s and Don’ts

With so much Grand National history there are plenty of stats and trends to take into the race each year. Some trends have hot periods while others, like the fact we’ve hardly seen any 7 years-old win the race, are simply stats you must have on your side.

Yes, it’s likely that the Grand National winner will fall down on at least one or two key trends and you can get bombarded with stats prior to the race. Therefore, it’s key to decide for yourself which trends are slightly more important than others, but you can’t go too far wrong in just siding with the trends that have stood the test of time. After all, if something has happened more often than not in the last 20 Grand Nationals then, surely, it’s better to put the odds and history in your favour and look for horses with certain profiles that fit these key trends.

Several runners fall at Bechers Brook in the John Smith Grand National

Ok, at first glance with 40 runners contesting 30 fences for 4 1/4 miles the Aintree Grand National does have quite a scary look to it when it comes to trying to hunt down the winner – however, despite those daunting factors you can often find the Grand National winner by following a few simple tips and trends.

Weight Watchers: Some recent winners have carried 11st (or more) to victory, but looking back at recent trends make this weight your cut-off point. If you look back over the winners we’ve only seen the mighty Red Rum (1974 & 1977) and Many Clouds (2015) carry 11-8 or more.

Staying Power: Stamina is an absolute must when scanning down the entries. Year-after-year there are always plenty of hype horses that are certainly talented, but the big question surrounding their chance is will they stay the gruelling 4m 1/4f trip? You have to trawl back to 1970 and a horse called Gay Trip to find the last victor that won the Grand National having not previously won over at least 3 miles.

Age Concern: Experience is a vital attribute when looking back at past Grand National winners with horses aged 9 years-old or OLDER certainly the ones to focus on, while you have to go back to 1940 (Bogskar) to find the last 7 year-old to grab the Merseyside marathon! So, don’t be too put off if your fancy is in their twilight years – but not a teenager, while avoid horses aged 7 or 8!

Luck Of The Irish: Our friends from the across the Irish Sea have raided these shores to win the Aintree Grand National many times in recent years, so certainly take a second glance at any of their runners.

To win at Aintree your horse will have to master the fences

Fencing Master: With thirty of the most unique obstacles in horse racing to contend with then having previous form over the tricky Aintree fences can be a huge advantage. Many recent Grand National winners had previously been tried over the Grand National fences, with the Topham Chase and Becher Chase – or a previous run in the big race itself – the main races that are staged at Aintree racecourse over the same Grand National-style fences the races to look out for.

Who’s Your Favourite: The betting on the Grand National always picks up pace in the weeks building up to the big day, but on the Saturday itself, when the once-a-year punters hit the high streets, this is when the betting market really kicks into gear. It’s also worth noting that the weights for the Grand National are issued well in advance (normally in February each year), so with some horses often running well after they’ve been given their allocated weight and before the race then this can also impact the ante post Grand National betting.

Market Toppers: We’ve already talked about the actual favourite, but this trend can be taken a bit further when you actually drill down into recent runnings. In fact, most recent Grand National winners started in the first eight of the Grand National betting market – indicating that despite in recent years when the Venetia Williams-trained, Mon Mome, popped-up at 100/1 in 2009, that punters generally tend to get this race right.

Fitness First: Probably the biggest trend in recent years and a really easy way to whittle the 40 string field down in one easy swoop is just check how many days ago your fancy ran. The majority of the recent Grand National winners had their previous race no more than 48 days prior to the big day. While if you want to drill this trend down a bit further than you’ll notice that a large amount of recent winners of the Grand National actually raced less than 40 days prior to landing the greatest steeplechase in the world.

• 26/26 – Ran no more than 55 days ago
• 25/26 – Officially rated 137 or higher
• 24/26 – Had won over at least 3m (chase) before
• 24/26 – Had won no more than 6 times over fences before
• 23/26 – Aged 9 or older
• 21/26 – Ran no more than 34 days ago
• 21/26 – Returned a double-figure price
• 20/26 – Came from outside the top 3 in the betting
• 20/26 – Carried 10-12 or less
• 18/26 – Had won between 4-6 times over fences before
• 16/26 – Carried 10-8 or less
• 15/26 – Finished in the top 4 last time out
• 15/26 – Aged 10 years-old or younger
• 14/26 – Placed favourites
• 14/26 – Aged 9 or 10 years-old
• 13/26 – Won by an Irish-bred horse
• 9/26 – Ran at Cheltenham last time out
• 8/26 – Trained in Ireland (inc 5 of the last 11 years)
• 6/26 – Ran in a previous Grand National
• 5/26 – Won by the favourite or joint favourite
• 4/26 – Won last time out
• 2/26 – Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies
• 2/26 – Ridden by Ruby Walsh
• 2/26 – Ridden by Leighton Aspell
• 0/26 – Won by a horse aged 7 years-old or less

Aintree Grand National Facts

• Since 1978, 118 horses have tried to win with more than 11-5 – with just two winners – Many Clouds (11-9) in 2015 & Neptune Collonges (11-6) in 2012
• 13 of the last 18 winners were bred in Ireland
• Only 1 horse that won at the Cheltenham Festival that same season has won since 1961
• The last 7 year-old or younger to win was back in 1940
• 13 of the last 20 winners had won or been placed in a National-type race before
• No horse aged 13 or older has won since 1923 or placed since 1969
• 3 of the last 8 winners ran in the Scottish National the previous season
• 9 of the last 14 winners had run over hurdles at some stage earlier in the season
• 5 of the last 14 winners had been unplaced in the National last year
• Only two 8 year-olds have won the last 23 renewals
• Just one past winner or placed horse from the previous year’s race has won for 32 years (75 have attempted)
• 18 of the last 20 winners had fallen or unseated no more than twice in their careers
• The last horse to win back-to-back Nationals was Red Rum in 1974

Grand National 2019: Top Four Runner Profiles

Runner Profile: Pleasant Company

Everything you need to know about Grand National hopeful Pleasant Company

Willie Mullins has already enjoyed a superb season. The Irish trainer won his first ever Gold Cup at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. Can he double up and win his second Grand National too?

He came thrillingly close last year, when 25/1 shot Pleasant Company romped to second, beaten by a head by Tiger Roll.

Can the 11-year-old go one better this year? Mullins will sorely hope so.

Age – 11

You can’t win the National without experience. No seven-year-old has won the famous race since Bogskar in 1940, while 21 of the last 25 have been won by nine-year-olds and above.

And 11-year-olds have done particularly well in the past decade, winning three of the last seven Grand Nationals.

That bodes well for Pleasant Company then. Willie Mullins’ raider has the age, and the experience with 19 runs to his name under Rules.

Pleasant Company has plenty of Grand National pedigree too, finishing ninth in 2017 before that excellent run to second behind Tiger Roll in 2018.

Weight – 10-11

Handed 10-11 by the handicapper, Pleasant Company sits beautifully in what appears to be a golden bracket for Grand National winners.

Each of the last three Nationals have been won by horses carrying between 10-07 and 10-13.

The stats heavily suggest that any weight around the late-10st and early-11st mark appears to be optimum weight for victory.

Only one National winner has won off less than 10-06 since 2002, and just three have won carrying more than 11-00 since Corbiere in 1983.

Trainer – Willie Mullins

As we mentioned, Mullins has already landed a big one this season with the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

And the Irishman knows what it takes to win the National, having done so with Hedgehunter in 2005.

Pleasant Company almost came good for him in 2018, and there’s certainly a luck of the Irish around Aintree lately. Mouse Morris and Gordon Elliott won for the Emerald Isle in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Jockey – David Mullins

Each of Mullins’ top jockeys, Paul Townend, Ruby Walsh and his nephew David Mullins have ridden Pleasant Company over the years.

But it was Mullins Jr who rode the 11-year-old for his trainer uncle in that run to second at Aintree last year, and he was on-board for the raider’s only run of 2019 in January.

It seems logical therefore that the combination will be retained, particularly with Townend tipped to steer Rathvinden.

Owner – Malcolm Denmark

Malcolm Denmark hasn’t won the National. Yet. He’ll be sorely hoping Pleasant Company can go one better this time around.

Denmark also owns the highly rated Next Destination, Lip Service, Minella Scamp and Scaramanga, among others.

Lifetime Losses and Wins

Runs: 19

Won: Four

Frame Finishes (excluding wins): Four

Pleasant Company hasn’t picked up a top-three finish in seven runs over hurdles, but that improves to five from 11 when chasing.

That includes three wins and last year’s second place in the 2018 Grand National.

Four of those five results came on heavy going, so connections will be hoping for a splash of rain in the days ahead of the race.

He isn’t overly raced though, with 19 runs in his career, and only five since the 2017 Grand National.

Form

Last 10: 002PU09141

Mullins’ charge has only run twice since last year’s National. Pleasant Company began his season with a disappointing run at Leopardstown, beaten by 51l over 3m.

There wasn’t much improvement at Gowran Park in January, coming home 11th some 47l behind Invitation Only.

But we can’t read too much into that. Both races were over 3m on good or soft ground. Pleasant Company best days seem to come over the 4m and on much heavier turf.

It’s also worth noting his season schedule is identical to last season. Pleasant Company offered little in both races back then too, before romping to second when it mattered in the big one.

Course Record and Ground

Pleasant Company doesn’t mind Aintree at all. In fact, we fancy he thrives when presented with the 4m 2f challenge.

In two runs he has come through the melee with aplomb, and oh so nearly won it all in 2018. Will it be third time lucky?

Conclusion

Pleasant Company isn’t one you’ll be looking at the formbook for. But Willie Mullins knows what he is doing and his 11-year-old seems to revel around Aintree.

The Irish camp have put him on the exact same schedule as last season, and if it worked 12 months ago, then why not again?

He almost had Tiger Roll on the line last year, and many will be fancying Pleasant Company to be in Grand National contention once again.

Runner Profile: Rathvinden

By all accounts, he has a decent chance. Rathvinden has the necessary experience, form in the book and an undoubted ability to stay the 4m 2½f slog required to win the National.

The Heron Island gelding is already guaranteed to make the weight required to get into the National.

With less than three weeks to go until the Aintree showpiece, he makes an interesting proposition outside of the favourite, Tiger Roll.

Age – 11

Experience and nous are key in the National. You want a horse that has plenty of runs under its belt and has a proven ability to stay the daunting trip. Rathvinden has both.

Who Won The Grand National 2020

There’s a reason no seven-year-old has won since Bogskar in 1940, while eight-year-olds account for just four of the last 25 winners.

11-year-olds, on the other hand, have won three of the last seven renewals, including a hat-trick from 2012 to 2014.

Weight – 10-10

Rathvinden is in a nice pocket in terms of weight. He’s been allotted 10-10 by the handicapper, with each of the last three winners carrying between 10-07 and 10-13.

Around the late-10st and early-11st mark appears to be optimum weight to carry.

Only one National winner has won off less than 10-06 since 2002. Only three have won carrying more than 11-00 since Corbiere in 1983.

Trainer – Willie Mullins

Willie Mullins already has one big race win under his belt this season. A second Grand National success to go alongside his first with Hedgehunter in 2005 would be the icing on the cake.

He came close last season, with eventual winner Tiger Roll edging out the Closutton-trained Pleasant Company by a neck in a nail-biting finish.

Irish trainers are very much in vogue at Aintree at the moment too. Ireland-based pair Mouse Morris and Gordon Elliott won the race in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Jockey – Paul Townend

There’s no guarantee with who’ll pilot Rathvinden at Aintree just yet. But it looks increasingly likely that Gold Cup winning jockey Paul Townend will be trusted with the ride.

The 28-year-old was on board as the 11-year-old won on his seasonal debut at Fairyhouse in February.

He’s likely to retain the ride as he bids to finish the race for only the third time in 10 attempts. His bid aboard 7/1f Total Recall in 2018 ended in the horse being pulled up at the 29th fence.

Owner – Ronnie Bartlett

Ronnie Bartlett doesn’t own too many horses. He’s never had any success at the Grand National either. Yet he was formerly the owner of a top chaser in Simonsig.

The Nicky Henderson-trained horse enjoyed great success prior to his death as an 11-year-old, including in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle and latterly the Racing Post Arkle at Cheltenham.

Bartlett also owns former Scottish Grand National entrant Fagan and is a part-owner in Angels Breath, who finished seventh in the 2019 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Lifetime Losses and Wins

Runs: 20

Won: Nine

Frame Finishes (excluding wins): Four

Rathvinden has a 41.2% strike rate over obstacles. That increases to 46.2% solely over fences.

He’s a reliable type who has won or hit the frame in almost three quarters of his career races, improving steadily as a chaser.

Despite his age he’s also lightly raced. 20 runs for an 11-year-old suggests there’s still plenty left in the tank, which could be crucial in a stamina sapping race like the Grand National.

Form

Last 10: 13112BU14-1

His bare form is good. He’s coped well since switching to chasing and a 3½l win over Alpha Des Obeaux in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February is a smart piece of form.

The runner-up that day finished just over a length off Invitation Only in the 3m 1f Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January when running off top weight.

He also had the likes of Mall Dini, General Principle and 2018 Grand National runner-up Pleasant Company all comfortably behind that day.

Previous impressive staying performances for Alpha Des Obeaux behind Presenting Percy and Total Recall further frank Rathvinden’s form from earlier in the season.

Mullins’ 2005 winner Hedgehunter also won the Bobbyjo and went straight to Aintree.

Course Record and Ground

What Won The Grand National Last Year Results

Rathvinden has never run at Aintree. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Only seven of the last 16 winners had any experience over National fences prior to running in the real thing.

Mullins’ horse also conforms to key trends including having won over 3m, rated 137 or higher, ran less than 50 days ago and is aged seven or older.

He’s versatile in terms of ground too. The 11-year-old has won on good, soft and heavy ground over the last two years, so the weather holds no fears ahead of a National tilt.

Conclusion

Rathvinden has an excellent chance in the 2019 Grand National and should go close for trainer Willie Mullins and owner Ronnie Bartlett.

The gelding has plenty of trends on his side and his franked form behind Alpha Des Obeaux last time out only serves to increase his chances.

Tiger Roll will take some beating at the top of the market. But Rathvinden should be there or thereabouts providing he can get negotiate the treacherous Aintree course safely.

Runner Profile: Lake View Lad

Lake View Lad will be among the 40-strong field in this year’s renewal. He’ll be making his National debut, with owner Trevor Hemmings chasing a record fourth win in the blue ribbon race.

There’s a strong field, headed by last year’s runner Tiger Roll, but can Lake View Lad bring it home after a strong season? Keep reading for all you need to know about him…

Age – 9

Experience can make a real difference in a race like the National. That’s one of the reasons that no seven-year-old has won the race since Bogskar’s triumph in 1940.

But you also want a horse that still has plenty of gas in the tank. At nine-years-old, Lake View Lad could be in a sweet spot, going by recent history. The last four Nationals have been won by horses aged either eight or nine-years-old.

Weight – 10-11

Lake View Lad’s age bodes well, and so too does his weight.

The nine-year-old has been allotted 10-11 by the Grand National handicapper, putting him a nice slot based on recent Aintree winners.

Each of the last three to triumph over the 4m 2f distance have done so carrying between 10-07 and 10-13.

In fact seven of the last 16 winners have been between those weights, suggesting Lake View Lad has every chance in the 2019 Grand National.

Trainer – Nick Alexander

Based in Kinneston, Scotland, Nick Alexander has been training horses since 2002 and took out a full licence in 2007.

Since gaining a full licence, he’s seen over 150 winners, with a 14% strike rate during the 2018-19 season so far.

He’s been training Lake View Lad since November 2015, taking over from Margaret Mullins. The gelding has gone on to become the star of his stable, as his most successful horse in both Hurdle and Chase races.

The nine-year-old was also Alexander’s only runner at Cheltenham this year, coming third in the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Jockey – Henry Brooke (unconfirmed)

Stephen Mulqueen was in the saddle for Lake View Lad’s first 16 races under Nick Alexander’s watch. Henry Brook has taken over for each of the last three races though.

It looks likely that Brook will get the nod at Aintree. He was on board during Lake View Lad’s impressive wins at Newcastle and Wetherby in December.

Owner – Trevor Hemmings

As mentioned earlier, Hemmings is one of the most successful trainers in Grand National history.

He’s level with James Octavius Machell and Noel Le Mare on three wins in the iconic race. If Lake View Lad brings it home, following in the hooves of Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015), Hemmings will become the first owner with four National wins.

The London-born businessman owns over 100 horses in total. He also owns Championship club Preston North End, among several other businesses.

Lifetime Losses and Wins

Runs: 20

Wins: 8

Frame Finishes (excluding wins): 7

Lake View Lad tends to there or thereabouts on the home straight. He’s got an impressive 40% win rate in total, though that drops to 33.3% in chase races.

He could be one to keep an eye on as an each-way pick, finishing in the top three in 14 of his 20 races.

He’s not been too heavily raced either. With only three runs since last April, he should be raring to go. That could be crucial, especially as he hasn’t been tested over the National distance.

One potential concern is the sheer distance of the Grand National. The gelding has only ever won one race at 3m and never over a longer distance. Does he have the stamina to go all the way?

Form

Last 10: 132123-113

He’s coped well since making the change from hurdles to chasing and comes into the big race in decent form.

Those wins at Wetherby and Newcastle showed a horse in fine fettle, and he wasn’t too far behind Ultima Handicap Chase winner Beware the Bear at Cheltenham.

Looking back over his last 10 races, dating back to November 2017, he’s never finishing outside the top three. Standout displays during that run a win over Solomn Grundy in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Online Chase, and an impressive staying performance in the Liz Adam Memorial Chase.

Course Record and Ground

Lake View Lad has never run at Aintree before. That doesn’t have to be viewed as a negative though. Only seven of the last 16 Nationals winners had visited the Liverpool racecourse before their big day.

He’s also rated over 137, ran less than 50 days ago and is older than seven-years-old, all of which bodes well according to the recent history books. But he has never won a race over further than 3m, which could be a big drawback.

In terms of ground, the nine-year-old has posted wins over heavy, good and soft ground since December 2017. Whatever the conditions on the day, they shouldn’t be a problem.

Conclusion

With Tiger Roll the clear favourite for back-to-back Grand National triumphs, Lake View Lad could be of real interest as a longer shot.

He’s adapted well to new challenges in the past. And there’s a sense that a Trevor Hemmings-owned horse always has a chance in the National.

His lack of experience over this marathon-distance could be an issue, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him among the leading contenders on the day.

Runner Profile: Tiger Roll

Coming into the race as the favourite, the gelding is in great form and has already proven his quality over the track so there’s little doubt about whether the repeat win is possible. He could even become the shortest-priced winner since 11/4 shot Poethlyn all the way back in 1919.

There’s not long left now until the Grand National gets underway, so here’s all you need to know about the favourite, Tiger Roll.

Age – 9

At the age of nine, and in the current form that Tiger Roll is in, it seems to be the perfect chance to retain the National.

The gelding has the previous experience required over course and distance, as well as the experience over different conditions which could stand well in his favour.

The course has favoured eight and nine-year-old runners in recent years, with the last four winners all being eight or nine, including his win last year. That leaves Tiger Roll at a great age to retain the crown.

Weight – 11-1

Tiger Roll enters this year’s Grand National at a heavier weight than he was carrying last year, at 11-1 compared to the 10-13 mark he won with 12 months ago.

The last three winners have been carrying between 10-7 and 10-13. Elliott will hope the extra weight the gelding is carrying doesn’t affect the form and keeps him at a good weight to compete.

However, it’s not common to see a winner over the mark of 11st, with only three picking up National victories since 1983.

Trainer – Gordon Elliott

It’s already been a good year for the Irish trainer with the success of Tiger Roll at Cheltenham, but he’ll have been working hard to make sure his star chaser stands the best chance of getting a second Grand National victory.

After picking up his first National win as a trainer when Tiger Roll won by a head last year, he’ll be hoping for an easier time of it this time around, especially with the form his gelding is showing.

With a total of 1012 wins for his horses in his training career, and a further 1670 placings, he’ll be hoping Tiger Roll can add to his impressive tally on a course which seems to serve the Irish training elite well.

Jockey – Keith Donoghue

It’s still not certain who will be riding Tiger Roll at the National, but Donoghue has ridden the charge in each of his last three events for Gordon Elliott.

The Irishman guided the horse to the 22l win last time out at the Cheltenham Festival in a sensational showing for the partnership.

He’ll be hoping to ride the gelding to their fourth win together in five attempts, though Davy Russell could take the ride after jockeying Tiger Roll to the close National win last year.

Owner – Gigginstown House Stud

The ownership group fronted by Ryanair owner Michael O’Leary are one of the biggest in National Hunt racing, with an illustrious portfolio of horses.

In the last five years of the group’s ownership, they’ve an 18% win rate over different race types, with 722 wins from 3931 runs, and a further 907 placings to boot.

In the stables alongside Tiger Roll, they’ve also had Rule the World, the 2016 Grand National winner, and Don Cossack who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same year. Apple’s Jade also sits under the watchful eye of their ownership.

Lifetime Losses and Wins

Runs: 34

Won: 11

Frame Finishes (excluding wins): Five

In the three races the gelding has ran in since the National win, he’s managed to take the win in two of them, giving him a 66% strike rate.

The form guide shows there can be no concerns about the reliability of the horse, and if he’s in peak physical shape before the race he should be competing at the front throughout and living up to that favourite tag.

With a total of 309 days break since the last Grand National win, that could be the only concern. However, the way Tiger Roll has managed to step straight back into form is promising.

What Won The Grand National Last Year 2020

Form

Last 10: 1P / 2P511 / 411

Tiger Roll‘s form is good ahead of the National, winning his last two with relative ease. Despite two lengthy breaks, the gelding has found it easy to get back into his stride.

A fourth-place finish in the Cheltenham Cross Country in November 2018 is the only black mark in the last five, with the Gordon Elliott-trained horse winning four. Last year’s National win was the closest call winning by a head, with other wins coming at a distance of 22l, 4l and 2l.

Course Record and Ground

Tiger Roll comes into the 2019 Grand National as the reigning champion after a close win by a head over Pleasant Company in 2018.

In his only Aintree run before last year’s National, he placed 14th of the 19 runners in April 2016. The Elliott-trained horse won the last time out at Cheltenham in the Cross Country by 22l over a 3m 6f distance.

The gelding has won on all types of going so has proved he can handle any type of track. Going was heavy in his last Grand National win, though he won on soft track in Cheltenham, so weather shouldn’t prove to be an issue ahead of the National.

Conclusion

Tiger Roll’s tag as the favourite to win the race comes with very good reason. After winning last year, and with the form shown already, he’ll be right up there.

The versatility of the gelding on different types of ground gives no room for concern about whether the weather could hamper his chances of back-to-back National wins.

The Cheltenham win last time out would also have given trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Keith Donoghue added confidence that they’ll be taken to victory by Tiger Roll again.

There will be some tough competition coming from Anibale Fly, Rathvinden and Vintage Clouds. But if on form, Tiger Roll should be well-placed to canter to another victory.

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