2021 Grand National: Why horses for courses applies to the investment world

Four horses

clock • 5 min read

With Grand National weekend upon us, Darius McDermott uses the well-known racing metaphor 'horses for courses' to explore a few investment funds and what they might offer a portfolio

With a history dating back more than 180 years, the Grand National is undoubtedly one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Held at Aintree racecourse, the handicap steeplechase is over 4 miles long and the sight of more than 40 horses going over the first fence is one of the most famous in all British sport. Last run in 2019, it is estimated that 13 million people bet on the race with up to £250 million heading to the bookies. The average price of a horse winning the race is 20/1. The race itself is all about stamina. Horses have to jump 30 fences and less than half of them us...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Darius McDermott: The lessons from 2025 and opportunities ahead

Darius McDermott: The lessons from 2025 and opportunities ahead

'2025 has been a salutary lesson in the difficulty of timing markets'

Darius McDermott
clock 07 January 2026 • 5 min read
Trump, Modi and US-India trade tensions – who cares?

Trump, Modi and US-India trade tensions – who cares?

A bottom-up approach to finding hidden gems

Gabriel Sacks
clock 02 January 2026 • 4 min read
2026: Year of the racehorse or workhorse?

2026: Year of the racehorse or workhorse?

'Every year brings its challenges, and 2026 will be no exception'

Russell Andrews
clock 02 January 2026 • 4 min read