The 2022 Grand National takes place this Saturday at Aintree, with 40 runners and riders set to compete in the world's most famous horse race. The iconic steeplechase will take place in front of a crowd for the first time since 2019, with thousands expected to attend.
The historic race was cancelled back in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and was replaced by a virtual race, while Covid restrictions meant last year's event took place behind closed doors. The rules meant there was no crowd in attendance to watch Rachael Blackmore ride to victory on Minella Times and become the first woman ever to win the Grand National.
Blackmore - who also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March - will be hoping to continue her fine form as she goes again on Minella Times in defence of her title. However, she faces fierce competition, with last year's third-place finisher Any Second Now among the favourites.
