The Grand National 2023 will be a huge event, especially as the crowds return to Aintree Racecourse. But how do you choose your favourite to cheer on?
Some study form, others opt to follow the grey runners, and others pick their favourite jockey.
And then there’s the horse’s name. How many of you backed Rule The World because it was a Take That song? Or maybe Pineau de Re because you love a tipple of vino? One lady claimed to have backed Tiger Roll because it was her mother’s favourite bread!
Grand National runners with names such as One For Arthur and Oscar Time have always enjoyed a huge following simply because they reminded people of family members.
So what will this year’s starting 40 inspire in you? Here’s a quick guide to the runners based just on their names…
CORACH RAMBLER
Corach is Welsh for “Dwarf,” but Lucinda Russell’s horse has a big heart and is primed to stretch his legs at Aintree. Could well ramble his way to the finish line.
NOBLE YEATS
Noble Yeats was poetry in motion last year when he won the Grand National in style. We could wax lyrical all day about his chances of repeating the feat, but we’ll just say there’s a good chance.
DELTA WORK
Delta is Greek for D, and that’s the mark I consistently got for my school work. No such concerns for this horse, he’s an A+ student.
GAILLARD DU MESNIL
Gaillard is French for ‘strong, sprightly, lively’ – and this runner from Willie Mullins has got a lively chance of performing well at the Grand National.
ANY SECOND NOW
You don’t need to wait long for this one to make an impression, as Ted Walsh’s runner is primed and ready to go.
MR INCREDIBLE
The horse with the superhero name is sure to appeal to some, and he’ll need a super performance to win at Aintree.
LONGHOUSE POET
Longhouse Poet could well be the author of an epic tale on April 15th.
LE MILOS
The name Milo derives from the Old Germanic name Miles; this horse will have four and a half miles to go in the Grand National. Can he go the distance? We can only wait and see.
GALVIN
Owned by Potato King Ronnie Barlett, could well mash up the competition at Aintree this year.
AIN’T THAT A SHAME
Fats Domino famously sang ‘Ain’t that a shame, my tears fell like rain’ but will his backers be crying tears of joy on Saturday?
OUR POWER
Let’s hope this runner is fully charged for the marathon trip at Aintree – if he is, then watch out for him.
CAPODANNO
Capodanno is the Italian term for New Year, and with a bit of luck, bettors could be celebrating like it’s Hogmanay.
THE BIG DOG
Are punters barking up the wrong tree if they back this one? Time will tell.
FURY ROAD
One for fans of the Mad Max franchise, could this horse could be on a road to glory at Aintree?
CAREFULLY SELECTED
Literally the opposite of how most people pick their Grand National horse.
ENVOI ALLEN
Envoi is a farewell poem; could his Grand National story end with a poetic win?
VANILLIER
French for Vanilla plant, could appeal to those who like a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. But can he lick the competition?
LIFETIME AMBITION
My lifetime ambition is to back the Grand National winner – just once, please!
COKO BEACH
Sounds like an exotic holiday destination, but will his backers be celebrating in Liverpool on Saturday?
THE BIG BREAKAWAY
He nearly got his big break in the Welsh National earlier in the year when he finished second.
EVA’S OSKAR
A combination of two of the most popular baby names in England is going to have plenty of backers on the day.
ROI MAGE
Translating as ‘Wise Man’ in French, there’s certainly some wisdom behind his selection.
MISTER COFFEY
Google informs me that ‘Coffey’ is an Irish name that means Victorious. The form book suggests he’s unlikely to win, but he is one of my each-way longshots.
VELVET ELVIS
At last, I can apply my incomparable writing skills and scintillating wit to amuse you with Elvis puns! This horse is Always On My Mind, and I feel, It’s Now Or Never for the seven-year-old. He could leave backers All Shook Up, but it’s more like you’ll be checking into the Heartbreak Hotel.
HILL SIXTEEN
One for fans of the Gaelic games, Hill Sixteen is a terrace at the Railway End of Croke Park Stadium in Dublin.
GABBY’S CROSS
If you know a Gabby, and she’s angry – this is the horse for you!
DARASSO
This horse sounds like a Pizza restaurant, but can he deliver?
ENJOY D’ALLEN
Unseated his jockey in last year’s race; let’s hope he Enjoys better luck this time around.
MINELLA TRUMP
Let me tell you folks, If Minella Trump wins that Grand National, it’s gonna be huge. It’s gonna be the bigglyest, most tremendous victory we’ve ever seen. Some might say, even bigger than Donald Trump winning the Presidential race.
SAM BROWN
Singer Sam Brown had a hit record in 1988! It was called STOP, and that’s my advice for anyone thinking about having a bet on this one.
BACK ON THE LASH
Likely to be backed by everyone in the country, my sober assessment of his chances – this horse is worthy of each-way consideration.
DIOL KER
The horse with a name that sounds like a German power tool manufacturer. Will he power to victory in the Grand National?
ESCARIA TEN
Ran last year and finished 9th! Unlikely to place higher this time out.
CLOUDY GLEN
Could be lost in the mist!
A WAVE OF THE SEA
Sounds like a cruise ship, but will it be plain sailing for him on Saturday?
CAPE GENTLEMAN
Could be one for South Africans who fancy a flutter. Or he might appeal to Superman fans.
RECITE A PRAYER
As the saying goes, “It never does any harm to ask!” From your lips to God’s ears!
DUNBOYNE
Dunboyne is a town in County Meath, Ireland. Can this Irish raider battle to the finishing line?
FRANCKY DU BERLAIS
One for all the Franks, Frankies and Francesca’s out there. A frank assessment of his chances suggests he’ll struggle.
FORTESCUE
A Fortescue comes from the old Norman epithet Fort-Escu (“strong shield”) – hasn’t got the strongest claims on this race but could shield each-way backers.
BORN BY THE SEA
The horse for those with a connection to the sea. I went to Southport once. Does that count?
Conclusion
Selecting a runner to root for can be a daunting task, with various factors such as form and jockey preferences playing a role in decision-making. However, for many, a horse’s name can be the deciding factor, drawing inspiration from personal connections or pop culture.
Whether you’re reminded of a loved one or simply captivated by a unique moniker, this quick guide to the starting 40 runners based on their names may just help you find the perfect horse to cheer on during this year’s Grand National. Good Luck, and may the best-named horse win!
