The Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events of the entire year.
The upcoming renewal promises to be no different – and fans are returning to watch it live too. Whether it's a special number, name or colours the jockey is wearing, the casual punter often makes a quirky selection. Picking a grey horse is one way for once-a-year backers to watch the race closely, among the 40 runners.
With a big field going to post, sometimes it can be tricky to see exactly where each horse is as they tackle the famous fences. Just three greys have won the Aintree marathon, with Neptune Collonges the most recent of the select group in 2012. He pipped Sunnyhillboy in the closest-ever finish to the contest, run over in excess of four miles in length.
The Lamb struck in 1868 before repeating his achievement three years later, while Nicolaus Silver (1961) is the other grey with his name on the trophy. Suny Bay is probably the most famous horse of the unusual colour not to scoop the trophy for connections, with second places in 1997 and 1998.
Here is the lowdown on the four grey runners set to tackle the iconic test this year.
Grey Grand National runners and latest odds
Snow Leopardess 8-1*
Well-backed in the build-up, the mare has already won over the famous spruce fences at Aintree. Punters have taken her back story to heart, as no horse has ever won the race after giving birth to a foal. Charlie Longsdon's stable star returned to racing and seems better than ever. She is ahead of the handicapper with just 10st 9lb on her back.
Farclas 28-1
Part of Gordon Elliott's eight-strong team, the eight-year-old bids to go several places better than last year's fifth. He came home 29 lengths behind the winner Minella Times, enjoying the switch to the different fences. Connections have been patient with him this season with Aintree in mind, although he does have 6lb more to carry. His most recent outing, behind stablemate Run Wild Fred in the Troytown, was a creditable effort.
Coko Beach 80-1
Another member of Elliott’s squad has work to do on the stats to win. No seven-year-old has scooped the pot since 1940 and the chaser has a few questions to answer on this year's form. Last of four behind better fancied National contender Any Second Now at Fairyhouse, a fourth in a trial previously was much more like it. May also appreciate some rain.
Caribean Boy 80-1
Nicky Henderson has never won a National and he is the trainer's sole runner this year. A little bit in and out, Caribean Boy is a good horse on his day and his owners have always wanted to win the race. Favourite for last season's Topham Chase over the same track, he made a bad mistake and lost his position at the 11th before being pulled up. Will have to brush up his jumping this time.
*Odds correct as of Tuesday, April 5
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