2011 Grand National: Top Grand National Trainers

As you might expect from one of the horse racing highlights of the year, the Grand Nation is home to some of the best talent within the sport; this include not only horses, but also jockeys and trainers. When deciding on how to make the best use of your horse racing bet, it is also well worth bearing in mind which trainer’s yard the runner has come from; this could prove to be an instrumental factor in the winning opportunity that a horse has…

Among the cream of the Grand National training crop is the infamous Willie Mullins; he began his training career in 1988, having spent previous years working under his father, Paddy, as an assistant (as well as Jim Bolger). Mullins still cites his father as the biggest influence on his training career, although many view the man himself to be the biggest name that the sport has produced (only falling slightly short of Red Rum!). Ruby Walsh is his staple jockey, and his association with Mullins has helped to establish him as a household name. Hedgehunter gave Mullins’ yard a victory in the 2005 Grand National, and he will be looking for a repeat performance in the 2011 event. Mullins has also picked up victories in both the Bumper and Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham.

Paul Nicholls is another training legend; he started his training yard during 1991 at Manor Farm Stables, managing to only fill eight stables in a 28 stable yard. Since these early days, his yard has become one of the most successful in the history of the sport, with over 1,500 winners having passed through its illustrious gates since its inception. He has also collected three Champion Trainers title, as well as having an impressive three Gold Cup victories at Cheltenham Festival to his name.

Fred Winter is another top name to look out for; he is the only person to have ever won the Grand National twice as both a jockey and a trainer. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he has also seen wins in the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup…

Those hoping to successfully pick a Grand National winner would be advised to look within one of these prolific trainer’s yards for some inspiration. If you are betting online, be sure to check out Ladbrokes who have some great free bets on offer on the big race.