2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Ben James)
Whether you're a seasoned punter or just fancy the occasional flutter, the Grand National is the one event in the racing calendar that everyone anticipates. The world's biggest steeplechase is notoriously difficult to predict, but that doesn't deter millions from placing their bets on it each year. Some will meticulously study the form book, while others will simply choose based on the horse's name or jockey's colours.
Selecting a winner is no easy feat, but if you're not keen on backing a horse to win outright, there's an alternative that could still net you some cash. If this has sparked your curiosity, then each-way betting might be your best bet. Here's our guide on how each-way betting operates, the top horses to back this year and the number of places the bookies are paying out on.
Grand National runners and riders for 2025 All odds courtesy of bet365. 1. I Am Maximus – 6/1 10.
Stumptown – 8/1 18. Iroko – 8/1 5. Hewick – 10-1 28.
Vanillier – 10/1 8. Minella Cocooner – 12/1 16. Perceval Legallois – 12/1 19.
Intense Raffles – 12/1 17. Kandoo Kid – 20/1 26. Meetingofthewaters – 20/1 30.
Hyland – 20/1 6. Minella Indo – 22-1 3. Nick Rockett – 25/1 4.
Grangeclare West – 25/1 12. Beauport – 25/1 32. Three Card Brag – 25/1 15.
Threeunderthrufive – 33/1 20. Senior Chief – 33/1 27. Monbeg Genius – 33/1 7.
Appreciate It – 40/1 11. Hitman – 40/1 13. Bravemansgame – 40/1 22.
Fil Dor – 50/1 33. Twig – 50/1 34. Duffle Coat – 50/1 23.
Broadway Boy – 66/1 24. Coko Beach – 80/1 25. Stay Away Fay – 80/1 2.
Royale Pagaille – 100/1 9. Conflated – 100/1 14. Chantry House – 100/1 21.
Idas Boy – 100/1 29. Horantzau D'Airy – 100/1 31. Celebre D'Allen – 100/1 Best each-way bets for Grand National Each-way bets are a favourite among punters, not because they're betting on their horse to win outright, but because they're wagering on it to finish in the top few places, the exact number of which is determined by the bookmakers.
If you place a bet to win outright - or 'on the nose' - then it's a straightforward win or lose situation. If your horse doesn't come first, you don't win anything. However, with an each-way bet, you're actually placing two separate bets with the bookmaker.
One bet is for the horse to finish first and another for it to come within the predetermined number of places that the bookie pays out on. So, if you were to bet £1 each-way, you've essentially placed two bets, costing you a total of £2. So, what does this mean in terms of winnings? Well, if your horse wins at 12/1, and you put £1 on it to win outright, then you receive your £12 returns plus your original £1 stake.
However, if you backed it each way, then you'll also get £12 returns plus your £1 stake. Moreover, if the bookies offer 1/4 the odds for a place, then you'll receive an additional £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.
This time around, Nick Rockett (25/1) , Senior Chief (33/1) and Bravemansgame ( 40/1) seem the smart each-way bets with the experts. Which places do each-way bets pay out on? Typically bookies tend to pay out on up to five or even six places for the Grand National itself, given the larger field in that particular event. For the other races across the festival, it depends on how many runners there are.
The best each-way terms available currently are: Fewer horses likely means that three or maybe less places will be paid out on. Before you place a bet, it should be made clear how many places the chosen bookmaker count as an each-way winner..
