The Grand National is one of the true highlights of the sporting calendar and millions of people tune in to watch the event every year. In 2016, the National will be held at the later time of 5:15pm for the first time as organisers look to find ways to get even more people involved on National day.

With 40 of the best thoroughbreds in the business involved, it’s set to be one of the finest moments of the National Hunt racing season and only the best will emerge victorious. Last year, Leighton Aspell romped home on Many Clouds for his second Grand National victory in a row after riding Pineau de Re to glory in 2014.

This year, plenty of punters will be backing Aspell to win his third successive Grand National and he looks likely to be on board Many Clouds once again. At the time of writing, Many Clouds is 9/1 with Coral to win the famous race once again and it would take a brave man to back against a proven winner in this race, although it is a complete lottery at times.

To win the Grand National, your horse has to be a stayer. The 30-fence, four-mile race is one of the most unforgiving circuits in horse racing and only the greatest will get round and finish in the places. The best thing about the Grand National is that there is plenty of value for the punters – ANYONE can win the National and they so often do.

Just a few years back, 100/1 shot Mon Mome romped home for a shock victory but over the years, there have been plenty of incredible National moments. Who knows, there could be another memorable race in 2016 – especially with a star-studded field of the best jockeys, trainers and owners in the business.

The National is one of the Great British public’s favourite events and this year is set to be one of the most popular races in recent history. Although the legendary Sir Tony McCoy is no longer riding, there’s still set to be plenty of drama and punters will back the likes of Ruby Walsh and Aspell this year.

If nothing else, one thing is a certainty: the National is one of the most exciting and exhilarating events of the year and racing fans from all over the country will travel to Aintree for the big race. Even if you can’t make it to Aintree, tune in and watch the race at home and be sure to give your horse plenty of backing along the way!