Betting on horses named after yourself or family members offers slim chances of success in the Grand National, according to racing experts. Around eight million bettors anticipate wagering on the iconic four-mile steeplechase this Saturday, with many favoring namesake runners or those sharing family names.
This year, 10 of the 34 expected runners feature common Christian names, the highest number since 2000. Historical results, however, reveal that such choices rarely deliver wins.
Past Winners and Top Finishers
Among the last 20 Grand National victors, only three carried human names: I Am Maximus, Nick Rockett, and One For Arthur. Since 2005, just 13 out of 98 horses with common Christian names have placed in the top five.
Exceptions occurred recently. Last year, Nick Rockett claimed victory under jockey Patrick Mullins, with I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West taking second and third. The previous year, Paul Townend guided I Am Maximus to first place, while Kitty’s Light finished fifth. From 2018 to 2023, however, no horse with a common Christian name achieved a top-five position.
Popular Namesake Picks This Year
Runners like Johnnywho, Gorgeous Tom, and Oscars Brother are likely to attract sentimental bets despite the odds. Bettors often prioritize familiarity over form in this unpredictable race.
Lee Phelps, spokesman for bookmakers William Hill, noted: “Names can often help people make up their minds on who to back in the Grand National, and, given the lottery the race has been over the years, it’s no wonder people side with familiar sounding runners over form-book cases. We often see popular names being punted in the race and that can lead to expensive results for us too. We’ve counted 10 horses this year who feature first names, with the likes of Johnnywho, Gorgeous Tom and Oscars Brother all sure to be popular. While previous results show it’s probably not the best strategy for finding a winner, there’s no race like the National for backing horses for sentimental reasons, so best of luck.”
Experts recommend basing bets on form and analysis rather than personal connections to maximize chances in this high-stakes event.
