Grand National Board Game

The latest board game to the collection, a second hand but barely played eBay purchase.

A bit different for me again, a horse racing game but with a lot of thought and tactics needed, no dice are used in this game.

The famous Aintree Racecourse and the horses lined up for the start of the Grand National.

Both Jump and Turf cards can and will make a big difference to the fate of each horse.

Horses drawn randomly for this solo game, little point in holding an auction as would be the case in a multiplayer game. Each card gives information about the horse including its all important handicap mark as well as adjusted handicap ratings, dependent of the going on the day of the race. This is the four horses of Primrose Lodge Stables.

Meadowlands Stables

The Paddocks Stables.

Waterside Gallops Stables.

The Chase Stables.

Whitehouse Racing Stables.

The horses at the start line, each stables horses carry their stable colour on the jockey's silks, each horse within that stable is identified by either a red, black, white or blue cap. The cap colour is matched by the horses base for easier identification. Each stables most valuable horse wears a read cap, then next most a black cap etc.

The all important spin for today's going. Firm it is, so all horses have the maximum 64 speed points for use in this race.

Now the going is known, all horses Handicap Mark is adjusted to match the conditions. Some horses gain a big advantage on this going, others lose out dramatically. Yellow Stable is a good example, though Mr Whiplash in the red cap was the most valuable horse, his handicap dropped due to the conditions. However, Gun Metal in the white cap improved his handicap significantly.

Poor old Mr Pitiful has a handicap now of zero! He has to rely on his speed points and any bonus he may pick up along the way, it is doubtful he will even finish the race.

With the revised handicap ratings I can now make up the bookmaker's flimsy with all the odds. You can also bet in this game, but again, as I am solo I didn't bother.

Gun Metal is the clear favourite on 6/1 with Brown Sugar second favourite on 8/1 etc.

Mr Pitiful and Housewives Choice with a zero handicap rating are 150/1 long shots.

Now we are ready for starters orders and get the Grand National underway.