The Grand National's Lucky And Unlucky Numbers Ahead Of 2024 Race

The Grand National is one of the most popular horse races to back on, with racing experts and novices trying their luck.

And luck has a massive part to do with backing the winner at Aintree. Yes, the favourites on the best betting sites do win from time to time, but more often than now, a rank outsider is first past the post.

*Ahead of Saturday's big race why not take on our Grand Jump challenge below. Also don't forget to enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning £/€1,000!

For every favourite that wins, like Corach Rambler last year, there are horses like Mon Mome (100/1 in 2009 and 66/1 Auroras Encore in 2013) that find a way past the mayhem to upset the odds.

Sometimes it's best to forget the form guide and pick your lucky number and hope for the best over the 30 fences. 

With that in mind, we highlight the numbers you might want to avoid and the ones that could make you a profit.

#13 Not So Unlucky In The Grand National

If you pick out number 13 in the Grand National sweepstakes at work, your first thought might be one of dread.

After all, how often does the horse #13 win the world's greatest steeplechase?

You might be surprised to discover that the horse listed 13th in the racecard actually has a good record at Aintree.

Since 2000, number 13 has won the Grand National twice and been placed (second, third or fourth) a further five times. 

In the last four renewals since Davy Russell and Tiger Roll were roared home to victory in 2018, number 13 has a record of third, pulled up, fourth and third, which is worth knowing if you are planning to back it on betting apps.

The horse with number two on its saddle cloth has the second best record in the Grand National this century.

A win, for Leighton Aspell on Many Clouds in 2015, and six placed finishes means number two deserves some consideration ahead of this year's race.

In the last two years, horse number two has finished third and fourth. Could this be the year it returns to the winner's circle?

After that, five numbers - four, 10, 16, 21 and 27 - have finished fourth or better four times. 

Numbers 10 and 27 have completed the 4m2f course more often than most with just 11 'did not finish' next to their name.

Six Numbers To Avoid

Sweepstakes are a lottery, there is no way of knowing which number you will pick.

However, if you were backing a horse based on your lucky number, then you might want to avoid six numbers who have a poor record in the Grand National.

Some horse racing betting sites use the race to attract new customers by offering promotions and price boosts. 

They might also extend the number of places they are prepared to pay out, with some offering six places.

Three numbers - eight, 25 and 39 have not finished in the top six in the 23 Grand Nationals run this century. 

Finishing seventh is as good as it has got for these trio of thoroughbreds.

Three more numbers - 20, 34 and 40 have yet to finish first, second or third since 2000.

Could this be their year? Be sure to check out the best new betting sites to find out what numbers each horse has been given on Thursday.