Aintree has been famous as the event that everyone bets on. For many people in Ireland and the UK it will be the sole horse race that they watch – and bet on – in the year. It follows, therefore that there is a huge amount of betting using the factors that are normally not taken under consideration by the average punter.

Most punters who bet week in, week out, try to take the emotional connection out of betting. Sure, they may have a favourite trainer, jockey or horse that can push them one way or the other, but on balance they try to stay away from the emotional side of things.

This is not always the case for the Grand National. In fact, ‘emotional betting’ may be regarded as the norm for Aintree’s showcase race.

According to the survey a massive 46% of respondents suggested that their pick was based on having an emotional connection with the horse. As you might expect, this basically means they like the name or have some affinity with the trainer/jockey.

Some of the main details are provided in the graphic below:

Numbers can mean a lot to the average punter

One of the other interesting stats shown above is the affinity with the number ‘7’, with 14% preferring that number looking massive when you consider there are 40 runners in the race. Will that mean that entry No. 7 Alpha Des Obeaux (50/1) will get a lot more backing than, say, No.13 Tiger Roll (10/1 joint-favourite).

Well, we can probably guess that Tiger Roll’s brilliant form will ensure that he has his fair share of backers on Saturday. However, will his number ‘13’ dissuade those not looking at the form guide? Will some not care a jot that Alpha Des Obeaux has been poor this season by the very fact he has a ‘7’ on his back?

Punters should not be afraid of long odds in the Grand National

The other hugely interesting stat shown above is the way punters look at prices in the Grand National. We know that the favourites often go off at something between 7/1-10/1, yet nearly half of punters go for something around 14/1-25/1. That shows they are certainly not afraid to look at some horses considered outsiders for the race. Nor should they be, as two thirds of the last nine winners have come in at starting price odds of over 25/1.

In the end though, picking a Grand National is about both skill and luck. Who knows, for example, what would have happened had Blaklion (10/1) not been hampered slightly when leading going over the second last fence last year? It will be interesting to see which of those two factors come out on top this year.