The Coral Welsh Grand National stands out as a racing highlight during the festive season, where a full field competes fiercely for glory at Chepstow on 27th December. This event marks Chepstow’s most significant race day of the year and is also Wales’ most lucrative contest, boasting a prize money pool of up to £150,000.
Spanning an extended distance of 3 miles and 6 furlongs, with 23 fences to conquer, the race proves to be a challenging endeavor. The deep mid-winter ground adds to the difficulty, transforming the event into a grueling battle where only the most resilient stayers emerge victorious. Here is how you can watch Welsh Grand National Live Online.
Watch Welsh Grand National Live Stream on ITV
The Welsh Grand National will be broadcast live on ITV1. UK viewers can also enjoy the event through ITV’s streaming service, ITVX.
ITV’s comprehensive coverage kicks off at 2 pm, leading into a series of races scheduled for 2:25 pm, 3 pm, 3:35 pm, and 4:15 pm, culminating in the Grand National at 5:15 pm. The broadcast concludes at 6:15 pm, marking the moment when the winner of the 2023 Welsh Grand National is crowned.
Watch Welsh Grand National Live Stream on Sky Sports
On December 27th, the Grand National live stream will be available on Sky Sports Racing. This channel holds exclusive rights to 25 British racecourses, such as Ascot, Chester, and Doncaster. Additionally, Sky Sports Racing has international rights for races in France, Hong Kong, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the US Triple Crown, and the Breeders Cup.
It’s important to note that Sky Sports is accessible only to residents of the UK and Ireland, and a contractual agreement is necessary for subscription.
Previous Winners of the Welsh Grand National
The race boasts a distinguished roll of honor, with numerous Coral Welsh Grand National winners achieving further success in their careers, often triumphing in prestigious events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Here is a list of the past champions of the Welsh Grand National:
| Year | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Two Amigos | Nicky Martin | David Pritchard |
| 2021 | Iwilldoit | Sam Thomas | Stan Sheppard |
| 2020 | Secret Reprieve | Evan Williams | Adam Wedge |
| 2019 | Potters Corner | Christian Williams | Jack Tudor |
| 2018 | Elegant Escape | Colin Tizzard | Tom O’Brien |
| 2017 | Raz De Maree | Gavin Cromwell | James Bowen |
| 2016 | Native River | Colin Tizzard | Richard Johnson |
| 2015 | Mountainous | Kerry Lee | Jamie Moore |
| 2014 | Emperor’s Choice | Venetia Williams | Aidan Coleman |
| 2013 | Mountainous | Richard Lee | Paul Moloney |
| 2012 | Monbeg Dude | Michael Scudamore | Paul Carberry |
Preview of 2023 Welsh Grand National
The Welsh Grand National stands out as one of the most challenging National races, notably due to its December schedule, exposing it to the harshest weather conditions at the Chepstow racecourse. The event has faced abandonment six times due to waterlogging, frost, or snow, with four of the last ten renewals rescheduled to January. Over the past fourteen editions, the race has consistently been contested on soft (6) or heavy (8) ground, emphasizing the importance of seeking specialists accustomed to testing conditions.
Held at the left-handed Chepstow track, the race spans three miles and five and a half furlongs, welcoming runners aged four years and older.
The Welsh Grand National Trial, a precursor to the main event on December 27th, occurs in early December at Chepstow. This two-mile, seven-and-a-half-furlong race features eighteen fences, serving as a crucial trial for contenders eyeing victory in the Welsh Grand National.
Despite expectations, predicting favorites for the Welsh National proves challenging. Unlike the Aintree Grand National with more defined trends, winners at Chepstow have varied in age from 6 to 13 over the last decade. Weight considerations add another layer of unpredictability, with winners carrying anywhere from 10-00, exemplified by Iwilldoit in 2021, to 11-12, carried by Native River in 2016.
While the race’s victors exhibit diverse profiles, a noticeable trend emerges – lower weights, particularly under 10-08, tend to be advantageous. Given the race’s wintry setting and typically boggy ground, a lighter burden enhances a runner’s likelihood of enduring the challenging conditions and finishing strongly.
Top Contenders: 2023 Welsh Grand National
Monbeg Genius:
The current frontrunner in the upcoming race is Monbeg Genius, trained by Jonjo O’Neill. Despite a somewhat unimpressive start to the season with a pull-up at Ascot on November 4th, he enters the competition with a commendable track record.
The 7-year-old secured victory twice at Chepstow Racecourse last season, showcasing a strong understanding of the course. As a novice, his remarkable consistency propelled his Official Rating from 122 to 147 within a year.
However, potential concerns arise. Monbeg Genius excels at 2m7½f, but the National extends over a mile longer, presenting a substantial test of stamina. Additionally, carrying 11-08 is a demanding task for the distance. Can Jonjo O’Neill Jnr work his magic once again to guide him across the finish line? While there’s a good chance of success, other contenders may offer better value for the money.
Blackjack Magic:
A noteworthy dark horse flying somewhat under the radar is Blackjack Magic, trained by Anthony Honeyball. With ante-post odds typically around 16/1, a closer examination might reveal an attractive betting opportunity, especially with reputable bookmakers like Bovada Sportsbook.
Although less experienced than some rivals, Blackjack Magic marked his seasonal return with a solid victory at Wincanton over 3m1f. Carrying a favorable weight of 10-13 and demonstrating solid jumping skills with ample reserves for the run-in, he stands as a contender poised for a strong performance on race day.
Schedule of Events – 27th December
| Time | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 | Play Coral ‘racing Super Series’ For Free Maiden Hurdle | 2m 3f 100y |
| 13:05 | Watch Racing For Free At Coral Handicap Chase | 2m 3f 98y |
| 13:40 | Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle | 2m 11y |
| 14:10 | Coral fail | 2m 7f 131y |
| 14:50 | Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase | 3m 6f 130y |
| 15:25 | Coral Supporting Prostate Cancer Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase | 2m 7f 131y |
| 15:55 | Coral ‘fail To Finish’ Free Bets Novices’ Hurdle | 2m 11y |
Bottom Line
The Coral Welsh Grand National is all set to unfold at Chepstow on December 27th. With a rich history of past champions and a challenging course known for testing both horse and rider, the race promises to be a highlight of the festive season.
Secure your front-row seat to the action to witness the battle for glory by tuning in to the live streams on ITV1, Racing TV, and Sky Sports Racing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the next chapter in the storied legacy of the Welsh Grand National.
