There's Nowt So Queer as Folk

Even though I come from the Fens I like this Yorkshire saying: ''There's nowt so queer as folk.'' 

I like to think I'm a good, kind, decent, and generous person. 

Words are always open to interpretation and I'm sure a few people have read my blog posts with varied thoughts. It depends on the quality of the post and the topic. 

At times, I have been a bit annoyed by something and I'm sure people have considered I'm a half-mad grumpy old man, and a bit full-on in my belief I know more about two-year-old horse racing than just about anyone on planet Earth. 

If you worked to understand your niche for over 30-years I'd be disappointed if you didn't think the same. I'd question what you'd been doing to learn so little over the duration. 

I hate to say it, but I believe in the quote: ''No good deed goes unpunished.'' 

You do someone a favour and by the time it comes to bringing the lawnmower back they've convinced themselves it really belongs to them and it's a pain in the arse bring it back. Or the other scenario when they bring it back and you find when you try to use it again - it's broken. 

''It was perfectly fine the last time I used it,'' says the borrower. 

(Yes, of course, it was!).

As The Doors classic 1967 song goes: ''People are strange when you're a stranger.''

Anyway, I have a mailing list in which horse racing fans can subscribe. It doesn't cost them anything. Readers receive 10 Dark Horses, which, basically, detailed a denary of unraced or lightly-raced two-year-old horses. Not just any old horses but exceptional talents. 

Being a generous soul, I thought I would add some more quality info for readers. And I mean quality. 

Here is a rundown of the new info that will be mailed about once a week. 

Now, by joining, readers will receive:

• 10 Dark Horse Mailing
• Secret Gambler Diary
• Top Trainer Secrets
• Group Horse Daily 
• Pro Tips 
• Speculative Tips 
• Quality Articles
• Psychological Edge

To be fair, the tips will be few and far between. Probably just 10 or so a year. But everything is top quality. And I mean above and beyond the norm. You know, all this stuff takes time. I think a lot of people imagine they are doing me a favour by joining the ''bloody'' list. If anyone really thinks that well they can go and jump off a cliff. They will probably be following a favourite horse.

You know what happened?

I had four people unsubscribe. 

I truly couldn't care if everyone unsubscribed because it makes sod all difference to me. In fact, I would have more time to please my self.  

So, strangely, you give more value and some people are seemingly offended or turned off by the addition. 

Mailchimp forwards the new subscribers and those who unsubscribe. I could, in theory, contact the unsubscribers and ask why they jumped out of the plane. I won't because I respect people's opinions but, similarly, don't want to be bogged down, depressed, or on the cliff edge with them by reading some bizarre logic. I'm sure a word or two on the infamous mailing may have irritated the few. 

I did mention that we have a maximum of 2,000 subscribers so make sure you read each and every email else the account may (I may have said will) be deleted. 

I said I may sell online courses in the future. That I will guarantee will make people money (more than the cost of the course, that's for sure).

That may have irritated someone who has short arms and deep pockets. 

Who knows...

I'm not going to ask them to find out. I know I should for the sake of market research but I cannot be around negative people. They are the equivalent of a bloodsucker who enjoys sapping your hard-earned energy and unlikely to give you anything back. 

As my good friend Eric Winner says: ''There are too many takers.''

Sadly, there are too many takers. I don't bump into many, as I don't give too much away these days because I have learned a few lessons along the way. 

It really is something and nothing. 

And I am sure I am a fully-fledged member of the Grumpy Old Man Club. 

I guess it is simply the fact of giving more and somehow someone is offended. 

''How dare he give me more...''

''The front of that bloke to give added value...''

''The beast...''

''I'm going to unsubscribe.''

Here's my response.

Good. Thanks for departing the little world I live in. I have created it to please me. And that's the way it is going to continue. 

That's to the four bloodsuckers who turned left at the sign detailing 1 mile to the town There's Nowt So Queer As Folk. 

I'm awaiting more unsubscribers with this sitting on the horizon.

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use and no attribution but given 

Do They Have Horse Racing in Russia?

With the Coronavirus taking in hold all over the globe, horse racing fans are scouring the back pages of newspapers for racecards of any regard. 

For instance, I have never really looked at horse racing at Thurles, Ireland. But it will be this Saturday (21/03/20) because apart from racing in the United States and Australia there isn't a lot of racing going on. 

I know some people like to bet on two flies crawling up a wall but I would rather stick with equine if that is possible.

Unless you know a fruit fly called Frankel. 

Just for the sake of it, I thought ''What about Russia!'' 

That's Russia horse racing. I can't say I have ever thought much about horseracing from every corner of the globe but in this time it makes me wonder if other countries are struggling in a similar way or the horses are racing whatever is thrown at them. 

I once wrote an article about horse racing in Antigua, for a good friend who has a tourism website. I must admit, the horseracing, although thoroughbreds, reminded me of something back in the day and it was simply a three-horse race. I was left with the impression that every thoroughbred horse race in Antigua was a three-cornered affair running round a course that looked like something homemade and a commentator who was found from the crowd. I don't want to knock it because it was still a race and I'm pretty sure they had betting. I mean, you don't have to dress up in top hat and tails to enjoy a day at the races or rub shoulders with her majesty the Queen. 

I think I'd rather enjoy a day in Antigua. 

Anyway, back to Russia. 

Did you know they have horse racing in Russia? 

I guess you imagine, like me, that does just because it makes sense. 

However, I have no idea how it works in a communist country. 

Anyway, from reading what information is on the internet, I see that horse racing in Russia takes place at two main venues and a 20th-century landmark.  

Central Moscow Hippodrome (pictured)

It was founded in 1834 and the largest horse racing track in Russia. It is the finest Stalinist architecture to be seen. It has been enjoyed by members of the Russian imperial family and Emperor Nicholas II. 

Taking a look at the website www.cmh.ru I can see what looks to be trotting horse racing. Even trying to translate the page to English doesn't help as I cannot make sense of the Russian language. I wish I could translate because I am sure it would be an interesting read. I've found another website which makes for easier reading. 

Moscovery

I will do my best to convey something about Russian horse racing. It seems that the horse racing covers both traditional racing and trotting. 

They have horse racing on Saturdays and Sundays at the Central Moscow Hippodrome. They have betting, which looks like it is done on a Tote basis. The season runs from May - September (trotting races take place all year round). The racecourse covers a circuit of 18000 metres long. 

Horses are trained and race at the venue. 

Interesting, the horses are taken to the ring at 5am and training sessions are over at 8am, to keep away from prying eyes, a tradition taken from English horse racing 

Tickets cost 150 rubles (£1.60). It sounds very good value. 

Covered stalls with a seating capacity of 3,500. Tours are available by appointment. 

Trotting race in the snow (troika races). 

One of the feature races is the President's Cup Horse Race every June since 2012. In wintertime, horses compete in the Russian Troika Championship. (This is over a long distance with a team of three horses.) It is said to be the perfect combination of speed, power, and endurance.

President's Cup Horse Race

This prestigious race takes place in July of each year with attendance from presidents from Bolivia, Venezuela, and Iran. 

The race has a cash prize of 10 million rubles ($304,000). The Cup is presented by Vladimir Putin. In fact, six races take place on the day with a total prize fund of 28 million rubles ($867,000).   

Russian Agriculture Minister Nikolai Fyodorov told journalists in Moscow that the race is not only "spectacular" but acts as a "strong incentive for the further development of our country’s thoroughbred horse breeding."

It is interesting to learn that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has sent horses to run at this meeting. 

Readers may remember Kadyrov wanted to run horses at the Australian Melbourne Cup, which caused outrage to human rights activists regarding gross human rights abuses in Chechnya. Kadyrov's' horses have been banned from racing in the United States. 

From what I can understand, Russia has five racecourses throughout the country. Akbuzat Hippodrome, Kazan Hippodrome, Krasnoyarsk Hippodrome, Moscow Hippodrome, Pskov Hippodrome. 

Horse Racing In Moscow (1958) Pathe

**KNOW THE BEST HORSES IN TRAINING (BEFORE THEY RACE!)**

Gambling at Great Yarmouth

It has been a busy time of late.

Although not in a bad way. A rollercoaster of travel which saw us leave West Palm Beach, Florida non-stop to Great Yarmouth. Yes, I'm sure many readers will be thinking that would be better in reverse. 

However, after spending a couple of months in West Palm Beach, it was good to return home to the UK with my beautiful Marlene. It's been one big adventure. Lots of fun and joy. 

Along with visiting Key Largo and Key West, a beautiful wedding of a friend and enjoying each and every moment, it was good to drive to Miami Airport ready to fly home. It is as boring as anything travelling alone so it was great to have Marlene by my side. I didn't enjoy the flight. I've got little legs, but there's never enough room. Although I think it is more trying to get settled sitting than anything else. 

So we travelled from Miami to Gatwick, dropped bags off home in March, Cambs, and got the train to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. 

It was a tiring day's travel, which meant we didn't get any sleep for well over 24-hours. 

I was pleased to get a taxi from the railway station (Albies Taxis) and get to Andover House Hotel, Camperdown, Great Yarmouth. We had the attic room, which was booked last year, so I got in early. Forty-two stairs up to the room. Thank the Lord, I'm not a heavy drinker. It was a lovely room and the staff are excellent. We arrived on the 18th September, ready for a day at Great Yarmouth's 3-day Eastern Festival on the 19th (also known as Ladies' Day). 

Previously, Marlene had got in the last 10 of the Best Dressed Ladies and low and behold she did it again. Derek Thompson announced the second and third price, which meant she had a one in eight chance of winning. It would have been lovely if she had - but it wasn't to be. However, the whole occasion was lovely, meeting lots of people along the way and just splendid from start to finish. I would recommend a day's racing to anyone, even if they don't like horse racing. 

That evening we went to Pamela's Resturant which is a real jewel in the crown of places to eat in the whole of Norfolk. 

So I had one day at the races to bet. What happened. Nothing much. I had a small each-way bet in a nursery race. Finished down the field. And an each-way double (two relatively short-priced horses) with the first winning, while the second runner finished third after putting up a bold show. So basically breaking even on the day. I went to the Grosvenor Casino on Wednesday night, to say hello to the family who was on holiday too. I was so tired, I wasn't there more than an hour. 

Cousins, Danny and Paul, were playing three card brag. Paul had won a good deal of money on the Monday evening so spirits were high. It was lovely to see everyone. 

Looking forward to getting back there soon. 

Popular Times at the Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth on a Friday Night (21st June)

Don't you love a chart?

They make a fun way to understand something: facts, figures any number of things. 

I particularly like a pie chart as it reminds me of how many apple pies can be safely consumed in a year without the onset of diabetes. 

Joking. 

This chart shows the popular times at the Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth on a Friday night. 

Now, I don't know if you have ever frequented this place which sits on the coast of Norfolk but, if not, you're missing out. To be fair, many a gambler may not be too much bothered about the location or the building as long as it has plenty of slots, roulette tables, poker, blackjack and all the familiar games you would expect of any discerning casino. 

You may be thinking: ''What's so interesting about the Grosvenor at Great Yarmouth? 

It's a lovely listed building with a touch of glamour and glitz. Remember, all this sparkle doesn't cost you a penny more. It just adds to the occasion and makes a gamble, in my opinion, all the more interesting. There's something about a brick-and-mortar casino on the coast. Perhaps it's those high ceilings and bar that looks something out of a Ian Fleming book. If you aren't up to scratch on your authors, that's the man who wrote all the James Bond novels (yes, they were written as books before being made into films!). Who doesn't like a touch of the Casino Royales? 

This was his first book about James Bond published in 1953. 

You won't find baccarat played in Norfolk country. Well, not as far as I know at the casino in Great Yarmouth. Although if you are looking for the royal link, Edward VII, future king of England, stayed at Shadingfield Lodge in the 1870s when it was a private house in the ownership of James Cuddon, a barrister of Middle Temple. It was opened as a pub and hotel in 1953 and later the Grosvenor Casino. 

I've been to the Grosvenor Casino at Great Yarmouth at least 15 times over the years. And it's always an enjoyable night out whether win, lose or draw. Thankfully I have never lost my shirt. 

Looking at the chart for the most popular times on a Friday night, we can see that around 8 pm is the busiest. It's about the time myself and family turn up. I'm usually ready to go home about 12 although I have stayed until 1 am or so a few times. 

Have you ever watched the episode of Only Fools And Horses when Del Boy leaves the casino (I think it is the One-Eleven Club). Pretty sure the episode was titled: Fatal Extraction. Del Boy is having marriage problems and makes a date with a dental assistant when struggling with a bad tooth and thinks the lady is an escapee from the psychiatric hospital. He'd got his wires crossed. 

Anyway, one of the scenes showed Del Boy leaving the casino unaware that it was the next morning. 

Surprised to see it was daylight. 

This actually happened to my cousin when having a very long night at the Grosvenor Casino at Great Yarmouth. 

He was basically told to go home at 6 am when it closed for a couple of hours. There was us having breakfast at the Embassy Hotel, just a stone's throw from the casino, at Camperdown. I was tucking into my full English breakfast when a worse-for-ware sight appeared opposite me and small breakfast was eaten by the said cousin as he felt a bit queasy after a barrel-load of drink. 

I didn't ask if he had won or lost. However, I concluded the only reason someone would be gambling at 5 am was because they were winning and the next hour could be good or bad news. The alternative is that it was a terrible night from start to finish and they were chasing their losses. 

I thought it was best not to ask. 

As we can see by the graph, it looks like a handful of lost souls and staff are hanging about the casino at 4 am. 

I would hate to know the story of those who were literally kicked out at 6 am. 

If you want the place to yourself, to see what gambling looks like at the rock face, I suggest you turn up, sober, at 5:10 am, don't gamble, but sit at the bar and watch the scene before you. 

You'll be a wiser gambler for the experience. 

Good luck.

Dream Horse Film Release: A Dream Alliance

If you love rags to riches stories, then you will love Dream Horse. 

Most people associate breeding and owning a thoroughbred racehorse with the rich and famous. However, Jan Vokes, a Welsh cleaner and bartender had a dream to breed and rear a horse. This madness intertwined with a touch of magic helped persuade friends and neighbours of a Welsh village to contribute to the goal. 

The horse was named Dream Alliance because they all had a dream and paying £10 a week the alliance hoped beyond hope they would have a horse that could win a race. 

This story follows a journey of hope, dreams, toils, and tribulations. 

Dream Alliance was a working-class horse from a similar background but he would show the grit and determination of a Welsh village who had fallen upon hard times and needed, more than ever, something to give them faith that anything is possible if you believe. 

Dream Horse is released in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2020. 

Directed by Euros Lyn from a screenplay by Neil McKay. Major stars include Toni Collette and Damian Lewis. 

Readers may remember the story of Dream Alliance was originally made back in 2015 and called: Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance. 

It was released on 23 January 2015 at the Sundance Film Festival and later for general release on 17th April 2015. 

Directed by Louise Osmond it was very well received and holds an approval rate of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes:  "Dark Horse offers a thoroughly crowd-pleasing look at an incredible — and inspirational — real-life story that will thrill equine enthusiasts and novices alike."

Watch Dream Horse Trailer

Your Blog Post is Horse Shit!

I guess it's my own fault. 

You're probably thinking what's he talking about. 

More mumbo jumbo. I shared a post on Twitter the other day about how to win money betting on roulette at the Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth. 

Sure, the title was one of those you love to hate. However, the rationale within the post was worthy of a read and actually true. I have found a way when betting £50 to put the odds in your favour. So you actually have more chance of winning than the house. 

Mysterious hey.

Now, what you've got to understand is that I'm one step ahead of you here. Because I know for a fact you are getting hot under the collar and saying it's impossible. You can't beat the house edge so why say such stuff. 

If you really want to know how then feel free to contact me and I will detail the facts.

I'll say this: ''There are lots of ways to increase your odds of winning and they have nothing to do with even playing roulette.''

Even more mysterious. 

It might seem that way but it's all very straightforward. It's more of a mind experiment. You know the score - you see two faces rather than a vase. 

Anyway, someone commented on my post that April Fools Day was last month and that it was horse shit. 

Some people are ridiculous. Firstly, they make themselves look absurd because they cannot even write a sentence without using vulgarity. Secondly, they haven't got a clue what they are talking about. 

The ''person'' was blocked because I don't like wasting my time with many intelligent people let alone idiots. 

I must admit I try to avoid people and have a very select list of individuals who register in my life. 

I associate more people with more problems. That's a sad reflection on life because I know there are many good, decent, caring people on this planet. 

I guess one or two in every thousand give the others a bad name.

Worse things happen at sea. 

I know what I know and I don't need anyone to try and tell me different. 

When it comes to two-year-old horse racing I know more than anyone I've ever met.

I wouldn't say that about roulette [although to be fair its not rocket science]. 

If you want to know how you can go to Great Yarmouth Grosvenor Casino and actually have the odds in your favour then I will tell you. 

Photo: Copyright Jason Coote [All Rights Reserved]

The Most Frightening Experience of My Life

I guess there are many experiences that deserve reflection. 

Man puts head in a lion's mouth. 

SAS man jumps through an open window. 

However, the blog title: ''The most frightening experience of my life'' was retorted from a lady who lived at Great Yarmouth, painting a picture on a TV programme called Watercolour Challenge. The Channel 4 daytime television lifestyle show was broadcast from 5th June 1998 - 23rd November 2001. 

Now you may be thinking, what does a watercolour painting of a scene from Norwich Cathedral have to do with gambling. 

There seems little relationship. 

However, you may say a tiger doesn't have much in common with a table - but they both have four legs. 

What on earth could be so frightening about painting a picture?

It sounds quite a calm endeavour, peaceful if not therapeutic. 

You must be thinking, there's got to be more to this specific painting than meets the eye. 

You're correct. 

The painter from Great Yarmouth struggled because it was a competition! 

The competition saw artists face an unknown location, two competitors and four hours to do the business (so to speak) and paint like Rubens to win the dough. 

Those tranquil brushstrokes transformed into someone grappling with a wasps nest. As it happened, the winning prize: a new set of paints, brushes and a chance to go through to the weekly final and then there's an opportunity to compete in the grand final. Scary stuff if you aren't van Gogh. Perhaps even Vincent may have felt a twang of nerves, frustration or fright.  

The competitive nature of the challenge made the situation, even for a talented individual, very different from the norm. 

In many ways, gambling, in theory to practice, is very similar. 

Without question, we live in a competitive world. Are we naive to forget this point? Can we separate ourself from the shark tank? You may deny the fact that there's someone from the pool of talent who knows more or you may relish the challenge because you are a bigger fish in the pond. 

That's the intriguing aspect of gambling. 

Even if you bet for fun, you are still in the competition whether you like it or not. Perhaps you are betting small stakes so you consider it doesn't really matter. 

You may be correct.

However, if you are a gambler, do you really think about the layer? It may not register - if you win you win, you lose you lose. 

Do you have a hatred of the competition or a friendly revelry? 

Do I consider who is taking my bet? Yes. It intrigues me what they know.

When I lose I am fearful of the opposition and my own lacking.

The win details I know more. A loss details I know less. The latter is a problem I need to find an answer. 

Appreciating the competition is worthy of thought. It may help me work harder or have the discipline or process to contend with the competition or improve my game. 

In that sense, the most frightening experience of your life is very much about the context which may vary from pleasure to pain.

Photo: Jean Haines

**KNOW THE BEST HORSES IN TRAINING (BEFORE THEY RACE!)**

Betting Like You Drink a Pornstar Martini

Strangely, the first time I heard about the infamous Pornstar Martini wasn't standing erect at the bar with Ron Jeremy (if you know who he is). I think there's something sadly wrong with anyone who stars in a porno. 

It was a horse race. The said horse, Pornstar Martini, trained by Henry Candy, proceeded to cruise past the opposition over five-furlongs at Chepstow on a heady, summer afternoon.

Anyway, you may be thinking 'What's this post all about?'

I often think the same.

I've been in a few dens of iniquity. Most didn't feature immoral or grossly unfair behaviour. 

For example, when out with friends, at the casino, not one of the crew has asked for a snowball or a black stallion? 

But does the drink a punter (gambler not corner street) chooses reflect the how much or little they bet. 

There's clearly no logic to this thought, unless you know different. I very much doubt a social psychologist has hypothesized that the lower the cost of your drink the more a gambler bets or conversely the more a gambler bets the more expensive their drink. 

I can't help thinking the latter is true. Simply that if a punter pays £500 for a bottle of champagne they are more likely to bet a monkey (£500) on the 6/4 jolly. 

Who knows?

I've never met anyone who have asked or drank a pornstar martini. 

Would that be a man or a woman? 

Both give varied thoughts. 

The pornstar martini was created in 1999 by Douglas Ankrah. And to be fair, it was a superb promotional tool. He owns the LAB London bar, London. 

I guess it got its name because the vanilla-flavoured vodka-based drink has one part passion fruit juice. Garnished with passion fruit. 

In fact, the pornstar martini is said to be the most popular cocktail in the United Kingdom. 

I must be going to the wrong places. 

The creation of the pornstar martini has proved to be controversial with many saying it's name is deliberately provocative. 

Ankrah has stated he is not a fan of pornography or any porn star. However, some have criticised the drink as normalising pornography and Marks & Spencers renamed the drink Passion Star Martini. 

I can safely say I will never go to Great Yarmouth races and be seen in the owners and trainers marquee sipping a pornstar martini with or without Ron Jeremy. He's got enough problems with his impending court case, which I won't go into. 

If it's your favourite drink. 

Good luck. 

Photo: Pixabay free for commercial use no attribution but given 

Katie Walsh tells the Female Jockeys History of the Grand National

One of the most popular horse races. 

The Grand National over a distance of 4m and 3 1/2f. Thirty fences to test the expertise of horse and jockey. On the 10th April, Aintree, Liverpool, we could see a historic race. And to be fair, there have been hundreds of stories dating back to the inaugural running in 1839 when a horse named Lottery chanced his luck. 

So why could this year's race be so different from all those before? 

Just consider for a moment if a female jockey rode the winner of the Grand National. What would than mean to you, me, race fans across the world?

Betway racing ambassador Katie Walsh has a few words on that subject. 

It would be one of the greatest stories and it would be something that could literally change the world. 

The world is changing fast. It is an opportunity to see re-write the rules. Through competition we can achieve the greatest successes. 

Only 17 female jockeys have been given the chance to compete in the greatest steeplechase of them all. 

Did you know that Katie Walsh finished third place in the 2012 grand National when she partnered Seabass?

Watch this fascinating video detailing the history of the Grand National from a female perspective. 

Why the Grand National is So Fascinating to Punters

The sky is grey, the grass is wet and the approach to the Grand National's first fence is thrilling - even on foot pic.twitter.com/Uiv3nN7ijT

— Lee Mottershead (@leemottershead) April 6, 2017

On the face of it, there is little logical reason to recommend betting on the Grand National, yet two-thirds of British adults place a wager on it. Many of those are taking a punt for the only time in the calendar year in the world’s most famous steeplechase. Even if you stuck a pin in the extra-large racecard, you probably wouldn’t have picked out Rule The World, a maiden over fences, who won at 33/1 in 2016. Auroras Encore three years earlier and Mon Mome in 2009 both defied even bigger odds in the Aintree showpiece. Only four favourites have obliged since 1998, so it certainly doesn’t pay to blithely follow the market leader as so many do. Tiger Roll became the shortest-priced winner for a century in 2019, but horses of his ilk are once in a generation and that’s not a cliché. Bookmakers knew it, which is why he was returned at 4/1.

With a maximum field of 40 runners to choose from and only a fraction of those usually boasting experience of the unique Aintree course, it’s hard even for prop punters and the tipsters. If a horse jumps out to their right over The Canal Turn, then they forfeit more than just ground. 

In days of yore, the jockey might end up in the Leeds-Liverpool Canal as the Grand National course turns sharply. That obstacle is one of several on the track which is bigger than regulation steeplechase fences. 

Weird as this might seem, it’s not always the larger jumps that catch racehorses out. The Foinavon fence is one of the smallest to get over at Aintree, yet became infamous for the pile-up in 1967 which led to a 100/1 outsider bearing that name winning the Grand National. In a race as unpredictable as this, you would think that puts people off. Far from it. The great British public seem to almost relish the challenge, gambling in hope rather than expectation.

On this day in 1967, Foinavon caused a 100-1 shock in the Grand National @AintreeRaces after being left a fence in front following a mass pile-up at the 23rd fence pic.twitter.com/fZ7g8IKhpz

— PA Racing (@PAracing) April 8, 2018 

If you’re wondering where to watch and bet on live horse racing & greyhounds events like the Grand National, then you have lots of choice, including tv coverage and free streaming on bookmakers’ sites. Things to look out for relating to the big one at Aintree include getting extra places for each-way bets. 

This is a smart way to play the Grand National, as you receive a fraction of outright win odds for the horse placing. You can expect this to cover down to fourth minimum if having your bet ante post (i.e., weeks in advance of the race) or even more places nearer the time. 

Perhaps, it’s that the Grand National is so hard to win which explains why it has always struck a chord with people. A marathon distance of four-and-a-quarter miles, revised downwards from four-and-a-half when someone got the trundle wheel out and remeasured the track, makes this the ultimate test for horse and rider. 

Backing the Grand National winner is something to celebrate at any rate. Finding the best handicapped horse from so many definitely warrants a pat on the back.