“It’s absolutely a dream come true – I can’t speak, I’ve shouted too much!
Just fabulous. You can’t g:o without the horse, but the horse can’t go without the jockey, so it’s a team, and thank God it’s really worked. My cup runneth over.
“It’s fantastic, that is what we dreamed about for years.
Sam used to ride a rocking horse, pretending he was riding Auntie Dot. That’s how far back it goes.”
Those were the words of Robert Waley-Cohen as Noble Yeats and his jockey son Sam shocked everyone in the 2022 Grand National. A 50/1 outsider, few would have expected anything from the eight-year-old, but that’s what makes a big race day at Aintree so special — the unpredictability.
The Grand National is one of the biggest events on the entire horse racing calendar, and some of the best in the business are gearing up for this year’s showpiece on April 15.
There are several factors to consider when picking a Grand National bet among the various horse racing betting sites. From the notoriously difficult fences to the weather on the day, there’s always a chance that an outsider can rise to glory against the odds. Despite this year’s race being littered with former Grade 1 winners and champions at the recent Cheltenham Festival, it’s impossible to rule out an underdog for a shock win. Could anyone follow in the footsteps of Noble Yeats? Read on, as we look at some exciting outsiders that are worth keeping an eye on at this year’s Grand National.
Galvin
Coming in at 20/1 is the experienced Gordon-Elliott-trained Galvin. After finishing second at Cheltenham in the Cross Country Chase to stablemate Delta Work, you’d have to go back as far as October for the nine-year-old’s last win, coming at Punchestown. However, Galvin was imperious under Ian Ferguson a few years ago and if he can recreate that run under Cullentra House then he can be a force to be reckoned with.
Remastered
There was always the feeling that David Pipe would be saving the best of Remastered for the Grand National after some health concerns resulted in a poor display at Cheltenham in the Handicap Chase. Indeed, the 10-year-old lacked any fluency before he pulled up with jockey David Noonan aboard — a far cry from the Kempton victory in the Football Handicap Chase to close out last year. Remastered had a major operation last summer and after coming in four pounds heavier than expected there were certainly worrying signs, however his ability to finish races strongly means he simply can’t be ruled out if he’s still in contention approaching the final fences at 20/1.
Franco De Port
Willie Mullins will be looking to secure a second Grand National victory to add to his plethora of honors, but out of all his horses, not many will fancy 50/1 Franco De Port, although he might have an outside chance. Third in the Cross Country Chase, things were going well until he was left remote towards the end, but there were enough encouraging signs, particularly with his jumping. Whether it proves enough to overcome the long odds remains to be seen but the National’s unpredictability should be enough for Mullins to have hope, while also having one eye on the likes of Galiarrd Du Mesnil and Mr. Incredible, both at 14/1.
