The Grand National is one of the highlights of the racing calendar, with millions of fans tuning in from around the world for the iconic steeplechase.
It takes place as part of a three day meeting, with up to 150,000 expected to descend on Aintree for top class racing in the heart of Merseyside. This sees 21 races taking place, with high quality grade one contests throughout, including some of the biggest names in the sport.
With a global TV audience and plenty of interest at home, there will be millions of pounds placed on betting for the event. Many people only choose to bet once a year, with the Grand National being the most well known race in the country.
READ MORE: Grand National 2023 start time, dates and every race at Aintree
For those wishing to make a lower-risk bet, you can choose to bet each-way. This means that half of your stake will be placed on a horse to win, while the other half will be on a placing, which means if they finish high up the field then you may be able to still turn a profit, or at least recoup some losses.
Here are some of the best each-way bets for the Aintree Grand National Festival.
Grand National best each-way bets
Thursday
Aintree Bowl Chase (14:55)
A race which has been branded by Nicky Henderson as a potential 'race of the year', the Aintree Bowl has four of the field which ran in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month. This is in addition to Henderson favourite Shishkin, who will be hoping to bounce back from defeat to Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase.
There was wet ground at Cheltenham that day and the April conditions may be more suitable, but that will also play into the hands of Bravemansgame (5/2) amid a wide open field. Paul Nicholls' King George VI winner finished third in the Gold Cup last month and was a valuable each-way winner as favourite Galopin Des Champs won in Gloucestershire.
Aintree Hurdle (15:30)
After a stunning win in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, Constitution Hill has been installed as a resounding 1/7 favourite for the Aintree Hurdle on Thursday. This leaves an each-way bet a rather fruitless proposition given the overwhelming favourite status provided here.
This leaves a battle to finish second in the race, with Gordon Elliott's Zanahiyr (14/1) one to watch after finishing third last month at Cheltenham behind Constitution Hill. Also keep an eye on I Like To Move It (33/1), who has two wins so far this season and could cause an upset.
Friday
Mildmay Novices' Chase (13:45)
The opening race of Ladies' Day, Gerri Colombe is an evens favourite for the race having placed second behind The Real Whacker at Cheltenham last month in The Brown Advisory Novices' Chase.
However, with a win at Ayr in February, it could be a good day for Thomas Darby (14/1), with fresh legs compared to the other runners over what could still be a heavy course following recent poor weather.
Mellings Steeple Chase (15:30)
The feature race of day two is the Mellings Steeple Chase, with the grade one contest being run over 2m4f. It is a strong field, with some big names going as Pic D'Orhy (9/4) tops the betting. However, it could be Hitman (9/4) who takes the smart money, with a third place finish in the Ryanair Chase to follow up on what has been an impressive season for the seven-year-old.
Saturday
Grand National (17:15)
The main event of the weekend, the Grand National is a handicap steeplechase, which sees horses provided with a predetermined weight in order to level the field beforehand. With 50 horses going, it could be anybody's race, as shown by a 50/1 outsider win from Noble Yeats, who is 8/1 for a defence.
However, there remain smart picks to be had back in the field, with Fury Road (66/1) having enjoyed a consistent season, placing highly before a disappointing sixth place at Cheltenham. However, that was in rainy conditions on St Patrick's Thursday and a return to form could occur to achieve a high placing in this year's Grand National.
Which finishing places will bookies pay out on?
In the Grand National, bookies typically pay out on up to five or even six places. However, with the other races, it depends on how many runners there are.
Fewer horses mean it is less likely more than three places will be paid out on. Before you place a bet, it should be clearly stated which places will count as an each-way winner.
READ NEXT:
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Download your free Grand National 2023 sweepstake kit
Grand National 2023 race times and order of running
Grand National Thursday 2023 tips for every race from our expert
Gamble responsibly
Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org.
