One of the big Grand National challenges for many jockeys and punters is finding a horse in the Grand National betting that will successfully jump all 30 fences at Aintree. It is guaranteed every year that a decent number of the Grand National runners will fail to finish the 4m4f steeplechase for a host of reasons. In 1928 only two horses crossed the finishing line, while the highest number of finishers among the 40 starters occurred when Hello Dandy led home 22 others in 1986.
Number of ways for a Grand National challenge to be ended
Although one bad jump can often spell the end of a Grand National challenge for many horses, some bad luck can also play its part. A horse falling or unseating its jockey are common ways of exiting the most prestigious race in the National Hunt calendar, while a horse in the Grand National betting could also be brought down by a faller running directly in front of it.
It is not always failing to clear a fence that causes the end of a Grand National challenge, as tiredness can also play its part. It is not uncommon for a horse to refuse, as was the case with the well-backed Clan Royal in 2005 when he was clear of the field but obstructed by loose horses. When a Grand National runner has clearly run its race and has no chance of winning, many jockeys decide that the best option is to pull up their horse in case it has an unnecessary serious fall.
Ballabriggs is proven at dealing with the Grand National challenge
His victory in the race last year means that Ballabriggs can cope with the demands of the Grand National. He survived all of the 4m4f trip and successfully cleared all 30 Aintree fences to beat Oscar Time, Don’t Push It and State Of Play.