There are a number of prestigious events that take place during the UK’s horse racing calendar. Some of the most eagerly awaited include the Cheltenham Festival, Epsom Derby, and Royal Ascot.
England, Scotland, and Wales also host their respective Grand National races at different points throughout the year. The English Grand National is held every year in April at the Aintree Racecourse. The Scottish Grand National takes place at the Ayr Racecourse and is also held in April.
The Welsh Grand National sets itself apart from these two events by being held on December 27th every year. Here’s all the information you need to get ready for the 2023 Welsh Grand National, including the race’s history, how to get tickets and the favourites for this year’s event.
Welsh Grand National Background
The first Welsh Grand National was run in Cardiff at the Ely Racecourse in 1895. The racecourse closed in 1929 and the race was transferred to the Newport Racecourse in 1948, following World War II. One year later, the race moved to Chepstow, where it has remained ever since.
The race was originally held on Easter Tuesday every year before moving to February, then eventually settling in December on the day after Boxing Day.
The race is run over 3 miles and 6 and a half furlongs (6154 meters) and features 23 fences. The handicap race is run by horses that are 4 years and over.
The event is now sponsored by the Coral bookmaker chain and has a purse of approximately £150,000. The race is an important fixture as it is used as a way to gauge the competition that will soon compete at Cheltenham and the English Grand National.
2023 Welsh Grand National Preview and Favourites
Ante-post betting odds are already up for the 2023 Welsh Grand National and finding a sportsbook available in the UK with the best odds will be a priority for many. In recent years, Welsh Trainers have done well and won 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively with Potters Corner, Secret Reprieve, and Iwilldoit respectively.
The tough track is perfect for stayers who show a lot of character and determination. This handicap race could also benefit unexposed horses, as proven by the last two winners of the race.
The current favourite for the 2023 Welsh Grand is Mobeg Genius, who sits at around 10/1. Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, the seven-year-old has a 50% win rate this jump season.
2021’s winner Iwilldoit is the bookmakers’ second favourite, with the best price of 12/1 at present. Trained by Sam Thomas, the 10-year-old will be looking to replicate its performance from a few years ago.
The tight field has an extensive selection of runners that are in contention and sit just behind Monbeg Genius and Iwilldoit in the current market. The Big Breakaway is leading the rest of the pack at 14/1, ahead of a number of horses priced at around 16/1. The Big Breakaway finished as 2022’s runner-up and trainer Joe Trizzard will hope this experience can push the horse to finish one better this year.
The ante-post field will be cut significantly before the race takes place, and those looking for an outsider to hopefully place have a long list of 100/1 shots to choose from including Screaming Colours, Placenet, Didero Vallis, and Max Dynamo.
Those who want to wait until the race is a bit closer can keep an eye on the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and Wetherby’s Charlie Hall Chase. Some of the runners are likely to feature in these races, and it can be a great way to see how they are performing.
Where, When, and How to Watch
The Welsh Grand National is held at Chepstow on December 27th. The race can be watched on Sky Sports Racing and is set to start at 2.50 pm in 2023.
To attend in person, tickets for the event can be purchased directly from the Chepstow Racecourse website with prices starting from £34. Hospitality packages start from £149 with some deals providing visitors with a champagne reception, private table, and meal.
Tickets for the event will be available at the gate with concessions available for students and seniors. Early bird tickets are available with a discount of £5 and can be scanned from mobile devices on arrival.
Those travelling to the event will find a shuttle bus service running from Chepstow Train Station and bus station. There are also parking facilities available to people driving.
More News
The racecourse can be found by entering the following address into your Sat-Nav:
Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow
Monmouthshire
NP16 6BE
Will be a close one this year