Grand National Trial Tips & Odds

The history of the Grand National Trial

Since its inception in 1947, the Grand National Trial is one of the most exciting staying handicap chases on the calendar and has been a breeding ground for stars of the future.

A Grade 3 handicap chase, which has a notable prize fund going to the winner, it's no shock that down the years it has seen some classy performers line up, and none more so than the mighty Red Rum, who stormed to victory in the 1975 Grand National Trial.

Cool Ground (1992), Party Politics (1993), and Master Oats (1994) enhanced the race's reputation with all three names tasting victory during their illustrious career, while more recently Silver By Nature won back-to-back renewals in 2010 and 2011.

Who is the most iconic winner of the Grand National Trial?

It's hard to veer away from the mighty Red Rum, who bounded to victory in the 1975 Grand National Trial for jockey Brian Fletcher and trainer Ginger McCain.

With two Grand National wins at Aintree to his name in 1973 and 1974, Red Rum was already a legend of the sport when he won this race in 1975, but he will still continue to excel over marathon tests and went on to win a third Grand National at Aintree in 1977.

Are there any trials for the Grand National Trial?

The likes of the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase and Peter Marsh Handicap Chase could prove to be two notable trials for the Grand National Trial, but the race is often a contest that is a test to see if a horse is good enough to be targeted at Aintree in April, so horses can warm up for a run at Haydock Park in this event at various venues, so it's hard to give out clear trials.