Ladbrokes go non runner money back for the Grand National

With the predicted rain threatening to cause a hatful of Grand National withdrawals, now may prove the perfect time to take advantage of the Ladbrokes offer to go non runner money back on the race.

Typically, many horses have to be turned away from the Grand National, with the big prize money on offer causing an oversubscription for the 40 places up for grabs.

And not since 1996 has less than this number made it to Aintree, when Rough Quest finished ahead of 26 rivals to land the spoils.

However, largely because of the number of fatalities in recent years, entry into the Grand National has become tougher, with particular horses now not meeting the criteria to take part.

This has had a bearing on total numbers, while injuries, current form and alike have resulted in other potential runners being pulled out at the various declaration stages ahead of Aintree.

Five more runners were pulled at the latest of these, meaning that there are currently only 48 runners aiming to tackle the Grand National.

Furthermore, conditions have already been described as changing from ‘good’ to ‘soft’ because of the recent downpours at Aintree and there is still expected to be additional rain before the race.

This may result in more withdrawals as trainers will not want to risk the stamina of their horses in sapping conditions.

Alfa Beat is one horse who may not relish soft conditions having failed to complete on his last two starts on soft or worse.

He is currently 33/1 to win the Grand National, but losing bets will be refunded by Ladbrokes should he fail to make it to Aintree.

Always Waining is another who would seemingly prefer a firmer surface and he is another who is 33/1 in the Grand National odds.