Punters who have a once-in-a-year bet on the Grand National should avoid gambling on horses named after themselves or relatives, experts say. This year 10 of the 34 runners expected to go off in the big race have common Christian names in their monikers - more than any Grand National since the turn of the century. Only three of the last 20 Grand National winners had human names – I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett and One For Arthur. And just 13 of the 98 horses with common Christian names who've run in the Aintree spectacular since 2005 have finished in the top five. Last year's winner Nick Rockett, ridden by Patrick Mullins.

Source: Daily Mail April 09, 2026 23:54 UTC