The Grand National is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world and, for many, the highlight of the racing calendar. Whether you're a seasoned punter or just fancy the occasional flutter, it is often the Aintree spectacle that sees fans stick a bet on in the hope of winning themselves some money.
The National is famously unpredictable, with 40 horses battling it out over four miles and a series of tricky jumps, which can make picking a winner incredibly difficult. While some will study the form book, others choose to be less methodical and pick their horse based on their name, number or even the jockey's colours. You can find everything you need to know about this year's big race here.
Among the favourites for the 2022 National is Minella Times, who could become only the third back-to-back winner of the race after jockey Rachael Blackmore made history last year as the first woman to win the steeplechase at Aintree. Also in the mix is Any Second Now, Snow Leopardess, Delta Work and Eclair Surf.
If you don't fancy backing a horse to win the race outright, however, then each-way betting may be the way to go for you. Here's our guide on how to bet each-way and the best horses to bet on in order to win big. You can find the latest odds and bookies favourites here.
Where does your horse need to finish?
Three-quarters of all bets placed on the race are each-way bets and they're so popular because you're not actually betting on your horse to win outright. Instead, you're betting on it to finish among the top handful of places, the specific number of which are determined by the bookmakers.
PaddyPower, bet365, William Hill, Coral, Betfred, BetVictor and Betfair will all pay out on the top six places. However, SkyBet and Betway will pay out if your horse finishes in the top seven.
How to bet each-way
If you bet to win outright - or 'on the nose' - then it's all or nothing. You either win or you lose, if your horse comes anywhere other than first, you don't win a penny.
However, if you bet each-way, you're actually making two bets with the bookie. It's one bet that the horse will finish first and another that it will come in the determined number of places that the bookie pays out on. So, for example, if you bet £1 each-way, you've made two bets, which overall will cost you £2.
What does that meaning in terms of winnings? Well, if your horse wins at 12/1, and you put £1 on it to win outright, then you get your £12 returns plus your original £1 stake.
However, if you backed it each way, then you'll get £12 returns plus your £1 stake. In addition, if the bookies offer 1/4 the odds for a place, then you'll get another £3 plus your £1 stake. If your horse finishes placed but doesn't win, you'll just get your £3 returns and your £1 stake back.
Four to follow at the 2022 Grand National
Good Boy Bobby (25-1 best price)
The in-form nine-year-old could be a strong choice for punters, with trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies adamant that his horse can last the distance. Good Boy Bobby will be tackling the famous fences of the National for the first time, but his abilities are likely to suit a test of stamina, thriving over trips beyond three miles.
Mighty Thunder (40-1)
Already proven in the hurly-burly of a National, Mighty Thunder stayed on strongly to win the 2021 Scottish version and Lucinda Russell's runner is another who will relish the stamina test. A strong jumper, there are however concerns about his condition after he was pulled up on both of his last two starts.
Santini (50-1)
Another runner with good stamina, Santini finished second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2020 but was pulled up in last year's race. He ran again in the Gold Cup this season finishing in eighth place, over thirty lengths behind A Plus Tard, meaning he has not won in a race in over two years. However, he might surprise over the extreme distance.
De Rasher Counter (66-1)
The 10-year-old won the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy Chase but has endured a torrid time with injury ever since. He performed well after returning from 16 months off the track, finishing fourth at Newbury in February, but has only tried an extreme trip once in his career. Could be a surprise finisher if he can blow off the cobwebs.
