Ahead of the field - Grand National preview

Once again it's time for the biggest race of the year, the Grand National. Read on for our preview, plus betting tips and the latest odds.​There is nothing quite like being at Aintree itself for the Martell Cognac Grand National. As the field comes under starter's orders the excitement is electric. At the off the thunder of 160 hooves merged with the roar of the crowd is breathtaking - and there are still more than four miles to go to the finish!Most people, of course, will have to watch the National on the telly. In fact, no fewer than 10 million in the UK will be joining the 600 million viewers in 120 countries who will be tuning in on April 5.What makes the Martell Cognac Grand National arguably the greatest of sporting occasions, however, is the level of participation. A quarter of the British population will be placing a bet on the race. Every generation gets into the spirit. Even the fences are household names: Becher's Brook, Valentine's, The Chair.Pubs will, of course, be playing their part. Not only by screening the race but organising sweepstakes and generally whipping up the atmosphere.This year the increased activity of the sponsor should be to the trade's advantage. Shortly before the 2002 Grand National Martell Cognac switched hands from Seagram, which had sponsored the race for a decade, to Pernod Ricard (PRUK).It was too late for the new brand owner to make much of an impact then, but for the 2003 National PRUK has upped its investment to more than £2m and promised a bigger build-up to maximise interest.An important element for licensees is the 10,000 sweepstake promotion kits currently being distributed to on-trade Martell stockists.They include posters, bunting, entry cards, prize draw bags, drinks vouchers - and a bottle of Martell. Customers who pick the winning ticket will get a round of six cognac-based drinks mixed however they like. There will be three drinks for second place and one drink for third.For PRUK marketing chief Adriaan Eksteen, the sponsorship is an opportunity to raise the profile of the cognac category among consumers. So the word "Cognac" has been introduced into the name of the event and a national two-day sampling campaign has been timed to coincide with the Aintree meeting."The Grand National attracts a massive audience and an occasion on which we can incentivise people to buy cognac," said Adriaan. "It's a chance to tell publicans, too, that there are good margins to be made on premium spirits, and an opportunity to promote cognac in long drinks and turn people's attention toward Martell."Case study: The Blue Anchor​When it comes to making the most of the Grand National, the Blue Anchor is ahead of the field. The pub, which is the holder of Laurel Pub Company's Innovator of the Year award, is within sight of the Aintree track, and licensees Anne and Kenny Houghton regard the race as a real family occasion.As well as attracting racegoers themselves for pre-raceday champagne breakfasts, the Blue Anchor works hard to make it an occasion the local community can feel a part of."We offer free food on the Saturday afternoon to keep people in the pub for the race and run a sweepstake in which half the money goes to charity," said Kenny. "We'll also take any promotions that are going. And we'll be pushing double cognacs through Martell and giving away t-shirts to people who buy enough."For the Blue Anchor, the excitement of the National doesn't end on the Saturday. On the Sunday it runs a "Kids' Grand National", a three-legged race over fences in the pub's large garden, and themes lunch around the Aintree fences.Kenny says: "Everyone forgets that children get just as involved in the race as the adults. They'll even have a bet - but probably lose, so we like to give them another chance of winning something."How to win​For a large majority of those betting on the Grand National it will be their only flutter of the year. You can increase your chances of winning by following a few simple rules.PRUK has teamed up with the Daily Express for free bets plus advice from resident top tipster Patrick Weaver who offers the following tips.

• The Grand National is four miles long - has you horse got the stamina? National winners have usually won a race of at least three miles
• You need a sound jumper. Has the horse completed its last six races?
• Previous experience of the National is an advantage, especially if it has got around this gruelling track before.

The trade's favourite​If the trade has a favourite runner in this year's Grand National it has to be Amberleigh House. Currently on offer at a toothsome 40-1, it is owned by John Halewood, the boss of Halewood International which produces drinks brands such as Red Square and Lambrini.Trainer Ginger McCain has high hopes of the horse. "Amberleigh House has a first class chance in the National," he said. "He is what you would call an Aintree horse. In the 2001 National he was going sweetly but unfortunately he was knocked over by a loose horse at the Canal Turn."As for this year's National, it's a case of right horse, right jockey and right owner. We've got Graham Lee in the saddle who, at 10st 2lbs, is the perfect weight."Is Amberleigh House worth a bet? Put it this way, we've had a good wager at 50/1 for him to be placed in the first four."Know the odds​