Backing a grey horse in the Grand National is a tradition that stretches back as old as time.
The confirmed runners and riders are out for the 2024 Grand National, and for those looking to find a grey runner, the good news is that there are four going to post this year.
Grey Horses in the Grand National 2024
You have four to choose from, if you want to pick a grey this year at Aintree racecourse. They range from a horse currently at single figure odds at the time of writing, all the way to one of the outsiders of the entire field.
Here is our mini preview of the greys in the Grand National.
Vanillier
- Trainer - Gavin Cromwell
- Jockey - Sean Flanagan
According to the betting, Vanillier is the most likely winner of the four greys in the race. He is the fourth favourite for the race and comes into the contest with strong form.
Last seen at Fairyhouse when finishing second in February, that run will have put him spot on for this.
But the key piece of form comes from the 2023 Grand National. Vanillier was second last year behind Corach Rambler, and carried 1lb more in weight.
This year, he carries 8lb less, so in total, a 10lb swing, for a defeat of two and a quarter lengths.
The Grand National is not a race where you can take the form book too literally, but if you do, then Vanillier comes into the 2024 renewal with an excellent chance.
Panda Boy
- Trainer - Martin Brassil
- Jockey - J J Slevin
Another grey runner that looks to have a strong chance in the race is Panda Boy.
He brings in some very interesting form behind I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters, who are both ahead of him in the betting.
At Leopardstown in December, he was just over four lengths behind Meetingofthewaters, the last time we saw him over the big obstacles. He’s got a 10lb swing at the weights now, which should bring those two contenders much closer together.
Kept for this race, and with a prep run over hurdles to keep him fit, Panda Boy is another grey runner that is likely to be popular.
Coko Beach
- Trainer - Gordon Elliott
- Jockey - Jordan Gainford
Coming here on the back of a really strong season, Coko Beach will be a runner who many see as a lively outsider on Saturday.
Pulled up in the race last year, and 8th in 2022, he comes for his third bid at the Grand National, and fourth run at this course.
The other was a much better run, second in the Becher Chase here in December.
He’s ran four times this season, two wins, one second and one third, so he certainly comes here in form, but has a lot of weight to carry, which is factored into the big price on offer.
Eldorado Allen
- Trainer - Joe Tizzard
- Jockey - Brendan Powell
If you’re looking to pin your hopes on an outsider, and you want a grey runner, then Eldorado Allen is likely to be the horse for you.
The big grey is one of the best looking horses in training, but was pulled up last time when running at the Cheltenham Festival.
This step up in trip is a big one, going a mile further than he’s ever gone before.
You can find pieces of form to give him a small chance at a huge price, but he would certainly cause a shock if he was to land the big prize.
All odds correct at the time of publish - Thursday 11th April 3:45pm
How Many Grey Horses Have Won the Grand National?
Backing a grey runner is popular, but we’ve not seen a huge amount of grey winners of the years.
Three grey horses have won the Grand National, and one of those was a dual winner, so in total, the Grand National has been won four times by a grey.
The Lamb was the first, winning the race twice in 1868 and 1871, Nicolaus Silver was the next in 1961 and the most recent grey winner was Neptune Collonges who won the race in 2012.
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