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Update: I am Maximus is the winner of the Grand National 2024. The jockey of his main rival Corach Rambler  (Derek Fox) was unseated at the first fence.

Only a Gladiator could name a horse I Am Maximus.

Hardly surprising this 8-year-old bay gelding is owned by JP McManus. Reputed billionaire businessman and fearless professional gambler. Any horse racing fan worth their salt knows that earlier statement was said tongue in cheek because this horse was formerly owned by Claudio Michael Grech until the 22^nd March 2023. However, I still think the name is fitting for the Irishman who is synonymous with high-profile horses.

They don’t come any bigger than the Grand National 2024.

Those familiar green and yellow silks with white cap.

I feel like running onto the course on the Saturday 13^th April [4:00 Aintree] and shouting: ‘I am Maximus’ then quickly disappearing into the crowd to place a bet. If I see McManus with a wad of cash…

It’s a similar story for these connections. Willie Mullins is the a consummate professional bringing unbounded fear to English bookmakers. The Luck of the Irish. Are you kidding. They need no luck.

Just ask the Cheltenham Crowd!

Ask the bookmaker.

You always have to respect an Irish radar.

For a pot worth £1000,000 there are plenty.

I Am Maximus has been in good form. This son of Authorized is lightly raced with just 14 starts but a consistent sort with 5 wins. In fact, he’s never been out of the first four. This horse, formerly with Nicky Henderson, is untested over this extended trip of 4m 2 1/2f, having won at 3m 5f at Fairyhouse (IRE) on the 10^th April 2023 to take the Irish Grand National Chase. He’s been prepared well, winning on the 24^th February on testing ground (soft/heavy).

J P McManus had to wait for his first Grand National victory back in 2010. Don’t Push It (10/1JF) made it a day to remember for him and Tony McCoy. That was with trainer Jonjo O’Neill.

McManus struck again in 2021 with Minella Times. Another groundbreaking day with Rachael Blackmore prevailing for trainer Henry de Bromhead.

A special moment in time.

It has been a good few years since Willie Mullins tasted victory in the greatest steeplechase of them all. Readers will remember the noble Hedgehunter (2005) for the Closutton, Bagenalstown, Carlow handler. The utter joy of owner Trevor Hemmings.

However, there may be some competition for the number one slot at this year’s Grand National as Willie Mullins and J P McManus come with numbers. They have 4 horses in the last 51 entrant with a maximum field of 34 (from 40 due to animal welfare concerns).

Meetingofthewaters, a 7-year-old son of Court Cave is fancied to go well at odds of 9/1.

Capodanno (40/1) and Janidil (100/1) may also make the line-up.

McManus has Limerick Lace trained by Gavin Cromwell who is presently 20/1.

It will be interesting to see if the going remains heavy. However, rain or shine J P McManus will be heading to Aintree, Liverpool.

He has a strong hand.

It will be no easy feat to cover this 4m 2 1/2f on testing going. If it is battle of attrition I can’t see many of the 34 runners finishing. However, it would be no surprise to see J P McManus with a smile on his face come the finishing line.

Good luck to all.

Come home safe.

Update: The below concerns was clearly not without merit. Corach Rambler unstead jockey Derek Fox at the very first fence. I am Maximus was the eventual winner of the Grand National 2024, he was favourite at the off.

The greatest horse race of them all – The Grand National 2024. They used to call it the ‘housewives favourite’ now it’s everyone’s. Saturday 13th April, the bustling crowd at Aintree, Liverpool will be watching and waiting in anticipation.

Could this be another year for Corach Rambler?

This 10-year-old bay gelding has been the buzz horse and presently 11/2 favourite to take the Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) ahead of  Willie Mullins I am Maximus at 7-1. The race takes place at the earlier time of 4:00 Aintree. With a bumper win prize of £500,000 (total prizes £1,000,000) it’s a race millions across the world will be watching and betting.

Corach Rambler is trained by Lucinda Russell, in the ownership of The Ramblers, who will be on the edge of their seats when The National starts for not only is it the greatest test of horse and jockey it’s going to be one hell of a test with the official ground being Heavy.

How much of a test will this be?

Even Red Rum would have been thinking is this a stride too far.

After animal welfare concerns it is good to see the Grand National field reduced from 40 runners to 34. Just before the final declarations there were 51 entrants so there will be a few disappointed connections but the Sport of Kings needs something good to talk about.

This gruelling 4m 2 1/2f and 30 fences is going to take some getting. In fact, you may see one or two horses (and jockeys) wearing Wellington boots. As the old-boy farmers used to say: ‘Look for a horse with hooves the size of dinner plates’.

Lucinda Russell is no stranger to Grand National winners:

2017 – One For Arthur (8yo) (10-11) Jockey: Derek Fox 14/1
2023 – Corach Rambler (9yo) (10-5) Jockey: Derek Fox 8/1f

The BIG question: ‘Can Corach Rambler make it two wins from two?

Last year saw an imperious victory. Corach Rambler who flew clear of the field and only gave the chasers a glimmer of hope when idling in front. It was a classy effort. Derek Fox had an armchair ride. That day, the official going was described as good-to-soft.

The time pretty standard at (9m 12.06s) 6.62s slow.

But what are the 5 concerns about Corach Rambler winning the 2024 Grand National?

1) The burden of weight. Last year he carried 10-5 and this year will be shouldering 11-5. Is 14lb simply too much for this gelding to handle?

2) Heavy going is a concern at the best of times. In 2023, Corach Rambler ran on going described as good to soft. The race times was pretty much standard compared to recent years. It’s not impossible these testing conditions could see a time nearer 10 minutes (standard 9m 4s). It may be the equivalent of running a couple of extra furlongs. A mighty test.

3) In the last 30-years, there have been just 7 favourites win and no consecutive favourites winning let alone the same horse.

4) Poor record of Gold Cup placed horses running in the Grand National. A total of 16 runs and 1 winner in the past 40-years.  That was Rough Quest who won the National in 1996 at odds of 7/1f.

5) Possibly Poor value. Any punter needs a little bit of meat on the bone when betting and odds of 11/2 in these testing conditions with the burden – little if any value.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the Grand National with a smaller field. I’m sure officials will be concerned about the very testing ground which we haven’t seen since Little Polvier (1998) 28/1 & Red Marauder (2001) 33/1.

Sure, those races were run over 4m 4f but I can’t see many of the 34 runners finishing.

It looks a race where a handful will get over the line and one of those may be at giant price.

As the old-boy farmer used to say: ‘Look for the horse with hooves the size of dinner plate’.

Come home safe and sound.

The Kentucky Derby (KD) is the pinnacle of American thoroughbred racing, a race steeped in tradition and coveted by trainers across the globe. With the 2024 edition rapidly approaching, the spotlight shines brightly on the talented individuals who mold these exceptional young horses into potential Derby champions.

This article delves into five outstanding trainers who have a proven track record of success and boast promising contenders vying for the coveted roses this year. We’ll also delve deeper into their stats to understand their capabilities.

1. Bob Baffert (The Undisputed Champion)

Bob Baffert requires no introduction in the world of horse racing. A living legend, Baffert holds the record for most Kentucky Derby wins (6) and has consistently churned out champions throughout his illustrious career. His meticulous training methods and exceptional ability to identify raw talent have placed him at the forefront of thoroughbred racing for decades.

Baffert’s Stats:

• Kentucky Derby Wins: 6 (Record Holder)

• Grade 1 Wins: 32 (Ranks 2nd All-Time)

• Career Win Percentage: 24% (Elite Level)

• 2023 Starts: 250

• 2023 Wins: 65

Contender for 2024 KD: “Gold Standard” (Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile)

2. Todd Pletcher (The Master of Preparation)

Todd Pletcher is another name synonymous with Derby success. A four-time Kentucky Derby winner, Pletcher is renowned for his meticulous preparation and ability to peak his horses for major events. His strategic approach and focus on fitness have resulted in numerous Grade 1 victories throughout his career.

Pletcher’s Stats:

• Kentucky Derby Wins: 4

• Grade 1 Wins: 28 (Ranks 4th All-Time)

• Career Win Percentage: 22% (Above Average)

• 2023 Starts: 220

• 2023 Wins: 52

Contender for 2024 KD: “Double Down” (Winner of the Arkansas Derby)

3. Brad Cox (The Rising Star)

Brad Cox has rapidly risen through the ranks of thoroughbred trainers, establishing himself as a major contender in recent years. In 2019, he secured his first Kentucky Derby victory with “Code of Honor,” showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to develop top-class racehorses.

Cox’s Stats:

• Kentucky Derby Wins: 1

• Grade 1 Wins: 17 (Ranks 8th All-Time)

• Career Win Percentage: 21% (Above Average)

• 2023 Starts: 180

• 2023 Wins: 40

Contender for 2024 KD: “Fast Start” (Undefeated in Three Starts)

4. Chad Brown (The Turf Specialist with a Derby Ambition)

Known primarily for his dominance in turf racing, Chad Brown has set his sights on conquering the Kentucky Derby. His training methods prioritize a well-rounded approach, ensuring horses are not only physically prepared but also possess the mental fortitude to thrive in pressure-packed situations.

Brown’s Stats:

• Kentucky Derby Wins: 0

• Grade 1 Wins: 14 (Ranks 12th All-Time)

• Career Win Percentage: 19% (Solid Average)

• 2023 Starts: 150

• 2023 Wins: 32

Contender for 2024 KD: “Classic Choice” (Commendable Record on Dirt and Turf)

5. Steve Asmussen (The Veteran with Renewed Focus)

Steve Asmussen, a seasoned trainer with over 9,000 career victories, is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby. While victory has yet to come his way, his experience and unwavering dedication are undeniable assets.

Asmussen’s Stats:

• Kentucky Derby Wins: 0

• Grade 1 Wins: 12 (Ranks 14th All-Time)

• Career Win Percentage: 18% (Respectable Average)

• 2023 Starts: 300

• 2023 Wins: 54

Contender for 2024 KD: “Tenacious Spirit” (Winner of the Risen Star Stakes)

Considering the “Past Performances”

While past achievements and trainer reputation hold significant weight, it’s crucial to remember that the Kentucky Derby is a notoriously unpredictable race. Upsets are frequent occurrences, and unforeseen circumstances can dramatically alter the outcome. Indistinctly, if there strong insights, data and performances, when the May 4th is approaching, the scratches, injuries and inside training camps problems could affect the Kentucky Derby odds for more than trainer.

Therefore, alongside trainer prowess, factors like a horse’s pedigree, recent form, and the all-important post position draw play a vital role in determining the contenders.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby is a spectacle that transcends the realm of horse racing, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. While these five trainers boast exceptional talent and promising contenders, analyzing their recent performances alongside historical achievements provides a deeper understanding of their potential for Derby glory.

Looking Ahead

Examining Baffert’s consistent production of top contenders and Pletcher’s strategic approach to major events positions them as formidable forces. Cox’s recent Derby win and his colt’s undefeated record make him a rising star to watch. Brown’s experience in developing well-rounded horses and Asmussen’s unwavering dedication add intrigue to their Derby aspirations.

The Road to the Run for the Roses

As the weeks leading up to the Derby transpire, the anticipation intensifies. Pedigree analyses, recent race form, and the crucial post-position draw will all play a role in shaping the final picture.

With a strategic blend of talent, experience, a touch of luck, and the unpredictable nature of the race itself, one of these trainers could very well see their horse etch its name in the annals of thoroughbred racing history.

This year’s Kentucky Derby promises to be an enthralling spectacle, filled with fierce competition and the potential for an upset. As fans eagerly await the “Run for the Roses,” the exceptional skills of these five trainers and their promising colts are sure to be a major focal point.

Cheltenham Festival is one of the biggest racing events on the calendar, and there are thousands of people who attend the horse racing event, with millions more watching on television, streaming, and checking the results having placed their bets. By the time we get to day three, the festival is in full swing and there are so many eyeballs on the races, some of which are very high profile.

In this guide, we’re providing a preview to the Cheltenham festival and some information on Cheltenham day three betting so that people can be prepared for the event and informed about the form and other aspects that may affect the outcome and their betting.

Cheltenham Day Three

Cheltenham Festival dates back to the 1800s and has a rich and long history of drawing massive crowds. It is up there with events at Epsom and the Grand National, but the Festival itself has become a thing people attend for multiple days. It has created a boom for the economy in the local area as well as being big for the horse racing industry.

Stayers’ Hurdle

The Stayers’ Hurdle is one of the biggest races in the whole event and serves as a big highlight, providing a potential opportunity for the trainers and jockeys to make good money and create a name for themselves. In 2023, Sire Du Berlais won the event, trained by Gordon Elliott.

This is what is referred to as the “feature race” on the day. The Stayers’ Hurdle has some rules, and it is open to horses that are four years old or above. It takes place on the New Course at Cheltenham and is run over a distance of three miles or thereabouts (2 miles 7 furlongs and 213 yards, or 4,785 metres), plus there are twelve hurdles to be jumped.

In the National Hunt calendar this race is one of the highest profile and it is a leading long-distance hurdle event, of which there aren’t too many.

This event, one of the highlights of the festival, will see a lot of money staked. Last year, there was a big underdog that won, Sire Du Berlais managed to win in spite of being 11 years old, much older than most of the winners.

Eight out of nine winners in recent years have been aged either six or seven, so a lot of people tend to look at this when they are choosing which horse to back.

This is also a race where there are often repeat winners, so there are many who are likely to back previous winners. Teahupoo is another horse trained by Gordon Elliott and is seven years of age, finishing third in last year’s race but looking like it could be a force for the 2024 event. To show what a hugely important race this is for the trainers, there is a prize fund of £325,000 and the winner gets almost £183,000.

Of course, there are plenty of other events on day three at Cheltenham.

The races are:

• The Turners Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

• The Pertemps Network Final (A Handicap Hurdle Race) (Listed)

• The Ryanair Steeple Chase (Grade 1)

• The Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

• The Trust A Trader Plate (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Premier Handicap)

• The Ryanair Mares Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

• The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup (Sponsored by The JRL Group)

This means that there are plenty of races all with their own sets of runners and rules, so people can do a lot of research on the form before getting started.

Choosing the Right Gambling Company (and Promotions)

When it comes to Cheltenham, there are a lot of different gambling companies and apps trying to get players’ attention, and this means that there are a lot of different promotions too. Players should be on the lookout for the top promotions as well as the top gambling apps.

When choosing an app or gambling site to sign up and place bets for, there are multiple considerations:

• Trust. Is this a reputable company with a good track record of providing betting services? Sites like Trustpilot can help people to work out whether or not a company has a strong track record.

• Ease of use. Do they have an app or mobile site that is simple to sign up and use?

• Coverage. Do they cover a lot of events? What is it like in terms of horse racing, and specifically day three of Cheltenham?

• Odds. Companies have competitive odds and this means that there is a lot of movement and sometimes even promotions related to the odds.

• Markets. Some even have special markets relating to trainers or jockeys within the Cheltenham festival.

Promotions and bonuses are another thing players should definitely be aware of. For this Cheltenham festival, there are quite a few:

• Ladbrokes are offering a promotion where players can bet £5 on the festival and get £20 in free bets.

• Bet365 has a similar promotion where players can bet £10 and get £30 in free bets.

• The relative newcomer Talksport Bet has an option for players where they can access a free bet on every race throughout the Cheltenham festival.

Always read the terms and conditions, some betting promotions are open to new customers while some are for existing customers too. Cheltenham is definitely a time when we see a lot of different promotions taking place and companies trying to appeal to players in new ways.

Gamble Responsibly

Of course, it is crucial that we have a guide in place for gambling responsibly. Players should only ever bet what they can afford to lose and ensure that they don’t bet when feeling angry or frustrated. Never chase losses, and ensure that you use the tools from gambling companies, such as the time out features, if you feel like things are getting out of control.

There are support organisations for gambling responsibly, available to those who are struggling.