In the long and storied history of the Grand National, which was first held in 1839, few horses have got more attention than the hand full of greys which line up next to more than 30 dark runners.
With more than 500 million viewers expected to tune in worldwide to the 2022 Grand National, many will immediately have a soft spot for the greys. Despite their popularity with fans, it rarely translates to success at Aintree.
A grey Grand National winner is rather rare, but interest remains as many perceive them as underdogs. Just three greys have ever won the Aintree main event, they are The Lamb (1868, 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges 10 years ago in 2012.
Read more: Grand National 2022: Best betting offers and free bets for Aintree
Unfortunately for greys fans, three of them have been pulled out of Saturday's Grand National running, having once been slated to start. They are Farclas, Caribean Boy, Achille and Scoir Mear.
2022 Grand National grey horses and odds
- Snow Leopardess (10/1)
- Commodore (33/1)
- Coko Beach (66/1)
Snow Leopardess is well-placed to become the first grey winner in 10 years and the first mare to claim the £1m prize since 1951. The 'young mum' has moved to become one of the Grand National's favourites in both fan opinion and betting.
A career split into two halves, her form read 11313151 before getting injured and being ruled out for 794 days. Now 10 years old, the Andrew Fox-Pitt owned grey mare heads to Liverpool having won her last three races.
In an interview, Marietta Fox-Pitt was asked if she had any reservations about returning Snow Leopardess to racing after the mare had her foal. She replied: "I wasn't any different after I had children so why should Snow Leopardess be!"
Talking to the Racing Post, Longsdon said: "She's a special mare and although it will be nerve-racking, it will also be very exciting. There's been plenty of attention on her as her career has gone on and let's hope she gives her followers something to cheer about."
