The 2024 Welsh Grand National, a renowned three-and-three-quarter mile handicap chase, offers exciting betting opportunities this Christmas. The race has a prestigious history, with past winners going on to achieve Gold Cup success. This year, Monbeg Genius emerges as a frontrunner following key trends, with odds now at 11/2. Despite a challenging prior season, Monbeg Genius shows promise. Additionally, No Hubs No Hoobs is a high-value each-way bet at 50/1. Runners typically benefit from previous experience on heavy ground and a preferable weight, making them strong contenders.
Read our guide to the 2024 Welsh Grand National [Updated on 26.12.24]
This historic handicap takes place at Chepstow on Friday 27th December
Monbeg Genius was our ante-post tip at 10/1
We've also backed No Hubs No Hoobs at 50/1
Expired
The Welsh Grand National. (Getty)
One of the biggest betting races to take place over Christmas is the Welsh Grand National. This three-and-three-quarter mile handicap chase was first run at Chepstow racecourse back in 1895. The Welsh National has been won by several Gold Cup heroes down the years too, including greats like Burrough Hill Lad, Master Oats, Synchronised and Native River.
We've taken a look through the betting for this year's Welsh Grand National and listed some key trends, before picking out our best betting tips.
2024 Welsh Grand National Odds
Name
Odds
Monbeg Genius
11/2
Galia Des Liteaux
7/1
Where It All Began
8/1
Jubilee Express
10/1
Fontaine Collonges
12/1
Bar
14/1
2024 Welsh Grand National Trends
18 of the last 20 winners finished in the top four places on their last start
17 of the last 20 winners were aged between six and nine-years-old
16 of the last 20 winners had previously won on Very Soft or Heavy ground
16 of the last 20 winners had run at least twice that season
15 of the last 20 winners had run over a distance of three-and-a-half-miles (28 furlongs) at least once before
14 of the last 20 winners carried a weight of 10-10 or less
14 of the last 20 winners went off at 10/1 or shorter
11 of the last 20 winners had won over fences at Chepstow
2024 Welsh Grand National Ante-Post Tip - Monbeg Genius
Mr Vango will only carry a four-pound penalty for his victory in the London National and Sara Bradstock's star ticks plenty of boxes. As does Galia Des Liteaux, who performed with credit on both of her starts on unsuitably good ground this term.
The one I'm most keen on at this stage is MONBEG GENIUS (10/1) for Jonjo O'Neill, who won this race with his Gold Cup hero, Synchronised.
Monbeg Genius claimed back-to-back victories here at Chepstow during his novice campaign, and looked like a progressive handicapper to follow when third behind Corach Rambler in the Ultima that year. Jonjo's eight-year-old endured a tricky campaign last term, pulling up on two of his four starts, but still managed a third-place finish in the Coral Gold Cup off a mark of 147.
Nick Scholfield's mount was lumbered with 12-00 on his reappearance at Haydock last month. Fontaine Collonges proved too classy in those conditions, but I was pleased to see Monbeg Genius stick to his task and finish a clear second off this reduced mark of 144.
Jonjo and AJ mentioned the Welsh National as a target at the start of the season. The O'Neill's have made a solid start to life as dual licence holders and they'd love to win another big prize for owner Michael Tedham, one of the main sponsors of Jackdaws Castle.
*Update*
The withdrawals of Mr Vango and defending champion Nassalam saw Monbeg Genius cut into favouritism shortly after this article went live on December 19th. Nick Schofield has been jocked up, and the new market leader must have a big chance, even under 11-08.
Brendan Powell riding No Hubs No Hoobs (L, green/yellow) clear the last to win The Newt In Somerset Handicap Chase at Wincanton. (Getty)
2024 Welsh Grand National Tip 2 - No Hubs No Hoobs
At a wild price, I also fancy a small punt on NO HUBS NO HOOBS (50/1). Joe Tizzard's took a while to warm to fences, but heavy ground brought out the best in Brendan Powell's mount last spring, as he claimed a hat-trick of victories in staying chases.
No Hubs No Hoobs claimed back-to-back victories over 25 furlongs at Wincanton, before an impressive victory in the Devon Stayers' Handicap at Exeter in April. Powell's mount led early that day, but allowed the front runners to pass him on the first circuit before running down the leader late on, receiving an RPR of 127 for that six-length triumph.
Despite the ground being against him, Tizzard has managed to get a run into No Hubs No Hoobs, who finished fourth behind Remastered in the Desert Orchid Silver Cup at Wincanton. To win three staying chases on testing ground in the space of three weeks shows that No Hubs No Hoobs has a good constitution and there's still some wiggle-room left in his handicap mark.
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18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
