GRAND NATIONAL EACH WAY BETTING GUIDE
Each way betting on the Grand National can be an incredibly profitable strategy when done right. Learn the ins and outs of each-way betting here.
What is Each Way Betting on the Grand National?
Each way betting is a type of bet that combines both a win bet with an place bet. It is most commonly used in horse racing and golf and a popular bet type in the Grand National. The bettor will receive a payout if the horse they have backed wins the race, or if the horse finishes in a place that is within the terms of the bet, which will typically vary between four places and seven places on the Grand National.
In essence, you are betting on two different outcomes:
- For the horse to win the race
- For the horse to place i.e. finish in the places (typically between 4 or 7 places in the Grand National, but will vary from bookmaker to bookmaker).
The payout will be split between the win portion and the place portion, with the place portion usually being 1/5th of the win portion.
Understanding The Place Portion? – Each Way Places in the Grand National Explained
A place bet is a type of bet that is paid out if your horse places within the top few spots. In the Grand National, a place bet is paid out if you finish in the top 4 places, though some bookmakers will offer extra each way places on the Grand National, sometimes up to seven places so be sure to shop around.
As part of an each way bet, these places are referred to as each way places and you may have seen that term before. If you’ve placed a place bet on a horse at the Grand National, and your horse finished in the top number positions as per the bookmakers’ terms, you will be paid out on the place.
The number of places that pay out on a race are ultimately decided by the bookmaker who can add multiple extra places to some races like the Grand National, but there are a base number of places offered which is determined by the number of runners, and conditions of the race. Below is a table to give you a better idea of how the number of races affects the number of places.
These are by no means rules, and the number of places ultimately depends on the bookmaker. For example, some bookmakers can offer up to 8 places on the Grand National. These places are paid out at a fraction of the win odds (typically ¼ of the win odds) of the horse you bet on.
| No. of Runners in the Race | No. of Places Paid Out (typical) | Payout Odds (fraction of win Odds) |
| 2-4 | Win Only, No Places (1st) | – |
| 5-7 | 2 places (1st, 2nd) | ¼ |
| 8-11 | 3 places (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | 1/5 |
| 12-15 | 3 places (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | 1/5 |
| 16+ | 3 places for Graded Races (4 for Handicap Races) | 1/5 |
Something to note: you can see that while the number of places paid out generally stays the same when the race includes 8-11 runners or 12-15 runners.
However, you’ll find that the place payout odds are lower (1/5) as the number of runners decreases because the chances that your horse places are higher in a smaller field.
Grand National Each Way Betting Calculation – Example
Fear not, you will not be expected to calculate your potential winnings from your each way bet yourself, we have a whole range of Bet Calculators that are quick and simple to use, even for a new horse racing bettor. But its also important, and interesting, to understand how odds and winnings are calculated, so check out the example below.
- Rider: Red Rum
- Event: 1977 Grand National
In 1977, Grand National veteran and 2-time winner Red Rum entered the race. Despite his age, he entered the Grand National as a joint favourite with an SP (Starting Price) of 9/1, and had you placed an each-way bet on Red Rum, you would have made more money than a win-only bet, but your stake would have also been doubled.
Let’s calculate your payout had you placed a £5 each way bet (total betof £10) on Red Rum at the 1977 Grand National. This means, you would have placed:
- £5 on the win portion of the bet; and
- £5 on the place portion of the bet)
Calculating the Win Portion:
At 9/1 odds, your £5 bet would have given you a – £50 return
This is calculated by:
- [(numerator x bet amount) ÷ denominator] + original stake = winnings
- [(9 x £5) ÷ 1] + £5 = £50
Calculating the Place Portion:
The place portion of the bet is usually paid out a fraction of the win portion.
We’ll assume that each way portion of the bet is paid out at ¼ of the win portion – this means that it’s paid out at ¼ of 9/1 = 9/4
At 9/4 odds, your £5 bet would have given you a – £16.25 return
This is calculated by:
- [(numerator x bet amount) ÷ denominator] + original stake = winnings
- [(9 x £5) ÷ 4] + £5 = £16.25
Adding the win portion and the place portion together (£50 + £16.25) gives you a £66.25 return.
Examples of each way payouts with a £5 each way bet and ¼ odds on the place bet portion.
| Win Odds | Payout (including original £5 stake) | ||
| Win bet/portion | Place bet/portion | Total (each way bet) | |
| 2/1 | £15 | £7.50 | £22.50 |
| 5/1 | £30 | £11.25 | £41.25 |
| 10/1 | £55 | £17.25 | £72.50 |
| 25/1 | £130 | £36.25 | £166.25 |
| 50/1 | £255 | £67.50 | £322.50 |
| 100/1 | £505 | £130 | £635 |
The above table clearly illustrates just how much more lucrative each way betting can be. While win betting on outsiders at the Grand National can be profitable enough itself, each way of betting will often see a bet return profit even if the horse you bet on places, but does not win.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Grand National Each Way Betting
Advantages:
- Allows you to spread your risk and potentially make more money.
- You can bet on multiple outcomes in the same event, increasing your chances of winning.
- You can hedge your bets, reducing your risk and potential losses.
Disadvantages:
- It can be difficult to keep track of all the bets you have placed.
- You may need to make multiple bets in order to win, which can be costly.
- You may end up paying more in fees to the bookmaker than you would by betting on a single outcome.
How many Each Way Places does the Grand National usually pay?
While the standard number of places offered on the Grand National (a Handicap race with a large field) is 4, most bookmakers will pay five places on the big race, and as we mentioned earlier, some can pay up to 7 places each way on the Grand National. The following bookmakers typically provide some of the best each way betting offers during the Grand National:
Often when bookmakers offer extra places, they may compensate with slightly worse odds, although this isn’t always the case. Studying each way markets from different bookmakers and learning to find deals (for example, a bookmaker offering a lot of extra places as well as good odds), is ultimately the best way to profit in the betting market during the Grand National.
Making the Most of Each Way Betting
Here are some tips and strategies to consider to make the most of each way betting:
- Use our Grand National odds comparison to find the best value. Odds comparisons allow you to quickly compare the odds offered by different bookmakers on your selection.
- Research the form of each runner using our Grand National runners and riders racecard. Knowing which horses have been running well in recent races can help you to pick the best one to back in each way bets.
- Consider the place terms offered by the bookmaker. Some bookmakers will offer better terms for place bets than others, so it’s worth checking before you place your bet.
- Consider the value of each way betting. If a horse is a short-priced favourite (unusual in the Grand National) it might be best to bet win only.
- Take advantage of special promotions. Many bookmakers will offer special promotions for each way bets, such as enhanced place terms or extra places. Taking advantage of these offers can help to boost the value of your bets.