The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. As the race approaches on April 9th, 2022, speculation is already beginning as to which horse will come out on top. Over the years, some horses have become legendary for their exploits in the Grand National, and the race is an opportunity for up and coming horses to make their mark in the sport. With the race still more than a year away, the favourite for the 2022 Grand National is yet to be determined.
History of the Grand National
The Grand National has a long and storied history, which dates back to 1839 when the first race was held at Aintree Racecourse. Since then, the race has become a British institution, and is watched by millions of people around the world. The race features a number of obstacles, including the famous Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn, and is a test of a horse’s stamina, courage and skill. Over the years, the race has seen many legendary horses, including Red Rum, who won the race three times in the 1970s, and Aldaniti, who won in 1981.
Current Horses in Contention
The current crop of horses in contention for the Grand National in 2022 is an exciting one, with a number of horses vying for favouritism. The current favourite for the race is the eight-year-old chestnut gelding, Tiger Roll, who won the race in both 2018 and 2019. Tiger Roll is trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, and is seen as a real contender for a third consecutive victory in the Grand National.
Other horses in contention include dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, who is trained by Henry De Bromhead and owned by the J P McManus-led syndicate. Minella Indo has been impressive in his recent races, and is seen as a real contender for the Grand National.
Other horses who could be in contention for the race include the nine-year-old grey gelding, Cloth Cap, who is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by Trevor Hemmings. Cloth Cap has been in excellent form in his recent races and has the potential to be a real contender in the Grand National.
Potential Dark Horses
In addition to the current favourites for the race, there are also a number of dark horses who could make a surprise run in the Grand National. One of these dark horses is the eight-year-old bay gelding, Burrows Saint, who is trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Rich and Susannah Ricci. Burrows Saint has been impressive in his recent races, and could be a surprise package in the Grand National.
Another potential dark horse for the race is the seven-year-old bay gelding, Shattered Love, who is trained by Joseph O’Brien and owned by Gigginstown House Stud. Shattered Love has been in excellent form in his recent races, and could be a real contender in the Grand National.
Factors Affecting the Favourite
There are a number of factors which could affect the favourite for the Grand National, and these include the horses form in the lead up to the race, the conditions on the day of the race, and the ability of the jockey to navigate the course.
In terms of form, the horse which is in the best form in the lead up to the race is likely to be the favourite for the Grand National. Horses which have won big races in the lead up to the Grand National, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, are likely to be seen as favourites for the race.
The conditions on the day of the race can also have an impact on the favourite, as the course is notoriously unpredictable, and the weather can have a big impact on the outcome of the race. If the ground is too soft, it could be difficult for some horses to navigate the course, and this could affect the favourite for the race.
Finally, the ability of the jockey to navigate the course is also a factor which can affect the favourite for the race. The Grand National is a test of a jockey’s skill, and the horse which has the best jockey is likely to be seen as the favourite for the race.
Odds on the Favourite
The odds on the favourite for the Grand National are yet to be determined, as the race is still more than a year away. However, it is likely that the favourite for the race will have odds which are significantly lower than the other horses in the field, as they are seen as the most likely to win the race.
Conclusion
The favourite for the 2022 Grand National is yet to be determined, but there are a number of horses who could be in contention for the race. The current favourite is the eight-year-old chestnut gelding, Tiger Roll, who has already won the race twice, and he is seen as a real contender for a third consecutive victory. Other horses in contention include dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, and the potential dark horses, Burrows Saint and Shattered Love. There are a number of factors which could affect the favourite for the race, including the horses form in the lead up to the race, the conditions on the day of the race, and the ability of the jockey to navigate the course. The odds on the favourite for the race are yet to be determined, but it is likely that the favourite will have significantly lower odds than the other horses in the field.