Grand National: Beginner’s Betting Guide

Check out our Grand National Runners A-Z Guide or our Grand National Runners hub with star ratings to help you find the horse to back. 

Grand National Beginners Betting Guide

For first-time bettors, the Grand National can seem intimidating. Unlike regular races, the large field and complex course create unpredictability, which is why it’s essential to understand bet types, race dynamics, and how to identify value selections.

We're on hand to walk you through how to bet responsibly, what to consider when choosing horses, and practical examples to get started.

Step 1: Understand the race

Before placing any bets, it’s important to understand the unique challenges of the Grand National:

• Distance: 4 miles 2½ furlongs — much longer than typical National Hunt races. Horses need exceptional stamina.
• Fences: 30 are jumped in total, including famous obstacles like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn, which test jumping ability and balance.
• Field size: Up to 34 runners can make the race chaotic, so positioning and experience are critical.
• Unpredictability: The gruelling nature of the race means nothing is guaranteed. The early pace and different jump types can turn the race on it's head quickly

Understanding these factors helps you approach betting with strategy rather than guesswork.

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Step 2: Set up a betting account

To place bets, you’ll need a licensed UK bookmaker account. Steps include:

1. Choose a reputable operator – all our bookmaker partners are officially licensed and known for great customer service.
2. 2. Register your account – Provide personal details such as name, date of birth, and address.
3. 3. Verify identity – Upload ID and proof of address to comply with regulations.
4. 4. Deposit funds responsibly – Only wager what you can afford to lose.

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Step 3: Learn the main bet types

For beginners, focus on the most common bet types for the Grand National:

Win

• Bet on a horse to finish first. Straightforward and easy to understand.

Place

• Bet on a horse to finish in the top 1–7, depending on the field size and bookmaker terms. Lower risk than a win-only bet.

Each-Way

• Splits your stake into win and place components. Half the stake goes on the horse winning, the other half on it placing.
• Particularly useful in the National due to large fields and extended place terms, often up to 5th, 6th or even 7th place.

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Step 4: Consider the favourites and potential value bets

Favourites are horses supported by the betting market, but because the Grand National is unpredictable, mid-priced horses can offer good value for beginners using each-way bets. Head to our racing tips centre for the latest Value selections from Matt Brocklebank

Each-way betting spreads the risk, allowing newcomers to back horses and achieve a return should they fail to win but run well in defeat.

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Step 5: Check odds, place terms, and bookmaker offers

• Compare odds across bookmakers to find the best value.
• Look at extended place terms: in a 34-runner field, some bookmakers pay 1st–7th, which improves prospects of an each-way return.
• Avoid chasing losses. The National is notoriously unpredictable. Even strong horses can be caught out by pace, jumping mistakes, or falls. Be aware of the risks before placing a bet, and do not seek to win back lost money if your selections lose.

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Step 6: Practical example of betting for beginners

£5 each-way on Panic Attack (20/1), place 1/5 (top 5)

• Win portion: Pays out if the horse wins.
• Place portion: Pays out if the horse finishes in the designated places.

Example:

• Stake: £5 each-way (£10 total)
• Horse odds: 20/1
• Place terms: 1/5 (top 5 places) Place calculation:
• Place odds = 20 ÷ 5 = 4/1 • Place return = £5 at 4/1 = £25 returned in total including stake
• Total return if horse wins = £130 (£105 from the win part and £25 from the place part)

This demonstrates how each-way betting provides partial protection, which is ideal for beginners in a race as unpredictable as the Grand National.

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Step 7: Watch the race

• Broadcast: ITV and RacingTV live coverage, or stream via ITVX
• Enjoy the spectacle without over-betting.
• Track your stake and returns for learning purposes.

Beginner’s Key Points

1. 1. Understand the race distance, fences, and field size.
2. 2. Open a licensed betting account responsibly.
3. 3. Focus on win, place, and each-way bets initially.
4. 4. Consider favourites and mid-priced horses for value bets.
5. 5. Compare odds and extended place terms across bookmakers.
6. 6. Start with small stakes to learn the mechanics.
7. 7. Watch the race, track your bets, and enjoy the experience.

By following this guide, first-time bettors can navigate the 2026 Grand National with confidence, enjoy the action, and make informed, responsible betting decisions

SAFER GAMBLING NOTICE

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.