The Grand National 2022 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, others pick by 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…

1. Minella Times

Minella Indo took the big prize at Cheltenham, but will Minella Times write the headlines at Aintree? The horse is likely to be ridden by the red hot jockey Rachael Blackmore, ensuring plenty of fans will be cheering them around Aintree.

2. Delta Work

Stole the thunder from Tiger Roll at Cheltenham but can he steal home and win the Grand National as well?

3. School Boy Hours

It’s half term and kids all over the country are on a break. So if the school boys and girls are at home, or maybe you’re a teacher, then School Boy Hours is the one for you.

4. Any Second Now

A good bet for Depeche Mode fans; the B-side of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ was titled ‘Any Second Now’, and given this horse’s chances, I’ll be counting down the seconds until the big race.

5. Run Wild Fred

Obvious pick for all the Fred’s out there, but will he run wild or run into the history books?

6. Lostintranslation

Maybe you love the Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray movie, or like the rest of us can just about manage “dos cervezas, por favor”. Either way, this is the horse for you.

7. Brahma Bull

Brahma, the Hindu God, was responsible for the creation of the world. But can he create a win at Aintree? Maybe with a little help from above.

8. Burrows Saint

Could be one for Vicars or pious punters. Burrows Saint is not without a chance, especially if he gets a helping hand from the big man above.

9. Mount Ida

One for all the students of Greece mythology, Mount Ida is mentioned in Iliad, but will the gods favour him at Aintree?

10. Longhouse Poet

Wordsmiths could do worse than scribble his name on their betting slip.

11. Fiddlerontheroof

“If I were a rich man, ya ba dibba dibba dum…” Connections will certainly be singing the famous tune if Fiddlerontheroof romps home for the win!

12. Two For Gold

Will he be going for gold on Saturday? Could be worth a couple of quid each-way.

13. Santini

A popular sports brand with Lycra clad cyclists, and my favourite Italian restaurant!

14. Samcro

Sons of Anarchy fans will be revving their engines for Samcro (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) but will he have an easy ride at Aintree?

15. Escaria Ten

‘Escaria’ is a type of moth, let’s hope he doesn’t make a balls-up of it.

16. Good Boy Bobby

All the ‘Roberts’ will lumping on this good thing.

17. Romain De Senam

Calling all Italians, well, at least those from Rome as Romain means ‘citizen of Rome’.

18. Coko Beach

Holiday reps will be hoping he travels well.

19. De Rasher Counter

Butchers all over the country will be lining up to back De Rasher Counter. But will he bring home the bacon or make a pig’s ear of it?

20. Kildisart

Sounds like a small town Ireland, but this Irish raider has big plans for Aintree.

21. Discorama

“Alexa play Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summer” – it’s time to hit that dance floor. Dancing Queens could do worse than taking a spin with Discorama.

22. Top Ville Ben

Benjamin could be painting the town red if this horse comes in.

23. Enjoy D’Allen

Owner JP McManus enjoyed the Grand National last year when his horse, Minella Times romped home. Will JP Enjoy more success in 2022?

24. Anibale Fly

In the past, you’ll have seen ‘Anibale’ flying over the fences at Cheltenham. Finished fourth in the 2018 Grand National. Maybe a good fit for all the Annabelle’s and Pilots looking to land an each-way bet.

25. Dingo Dollar

If Ant & Dec don’t have a flutter on this then what’s the point of even making another season of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here???

26. Freewheelin Dylan

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan was the second album by singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, will backers be singing on Saturday? The answer my friend is blowin in the wind.

27. Class Conti

I’ve heard of Tom Conti and Bruno Conti, and now Class Conti – half-brother to other racing superstars Silviniaco Conti and Ucello Conti.

28. Noble Yeats

W. B. Yeats may have wished for the cloths of heaven but connections of Noble Yeats are wishing for a win in the Grand National. Will he thread softly on their dreams?

29. Mighty Thunder

Will the thunder roll at Aintree? A fine effort in the Scottish Grand National suggests it might.

30. Cloth Cap

Named after owner Trevor Hemmings famous cap, he’s an excellent choice for those who love that ‘Peaky Blinder’ look. For all the milliners out there, is Cloth Cap this year’s must-have fashion accessory!

31. Snow Leopardess

Fans of the grey mare will be hoping she can pounce at Aintree.

32. Agusta Gold

Agusta is a name of English origin that means ‘Great’ and with the Masters also on at Augusta it could be a great sporting weekend.

33. Commodore

One for all the Navy personnel out there. A Commodore is a captain in the navy in command of a squadron, but can this chaser take command of the Grand National fences?

34. Deise Aba

The Deise were a socially powerful class of peoples from Ireland who settled in the North West England during the early medieval period. Irish raiders have been visiting Aintree longer than I thought!

35. Blaklion

If you’re from the Emerald Isle, you might have passed through the small town of Blacklion; it’s between Sligo and Enniskillen. He’ll need the luck o’ the Irish to beat this field.

36. Poker Party

May the flop be with you as legendary poker player Doyle Brunson used to say. So will poker fans be having a party on Saturday?

37. Death Duty

One for the funeral directors (or those dodging inheritance tax!) as Death Duty takes to the Aintree fences for the first time on Saturday.

38.Domaine D’Isle

Translates as Island Domain so let’s hope that Domaine D’Isle doesn’t get stranded or deserted in the 2022 Grand National.

39.Eclair Surf

We know an ‘eclair’ as a delicious choux bun filled with cream and chocolate, yummy. But in French eclair means ‘lightning’ which is how fast he needs to go to win!

40. Fortescue

Did you know that a ‘Fortescue’ is a venomous Australian scorpion fish? But will this runner be inflicting a painful defeat on the rest of the field?