How to run a free Grand National sweepstake — no money needed

Why skip the cash kitty?

A traditional sweepstake means collecting money, keeping track of who has paid and handing it out afterwards. That's admin, it can cause awkwardness at work, and rules on running lotteries and prize draws can apply once money changes hands. A free sweepstake keeps all of the excitement and none of the hassle.

Option 1: the classic draw

If your group wants the traditional luck-of-the-draw version, you only need the final list of runners.

1. Wait for the final field — the Grand National has up to 34 runners, confirmed a couple of days before the race.
2. Write each horse's name on a slip of paper and fold them into a hat.
3. Everyone draws one (or more, if there are fewer people than horses).
4. Agree the prizes: a treat for the winner's horse, something smaller for second and third.

Option 2: let everyone pick

A draw is pure luck. Letting each person choose their own horse is more fun for anyone who likes reading the form — and gives them someone to blame. You can make it a full afternoon by adding the other races on the card too.

In a Cosmic Oracle racing battle, a winner earns 5 points and a 2nd or 3rd place earns 2 points, so each race still matters even if your horse falls at the first. Odds, recent form and a Cosmic Edge score sit beside every runner, and the leaderboard updates as the results come in.

Ideas for prizes that aren't cash

• The person with the last-placed horse buys the winner a drink.
• Winner chooses the takeaway for the evening.
• A homemade rosette or trophy that stays on the winner's desk until next year.
• The office winner gets first pick of the biscuits for a month.
• Loser wears the winner's chosen jockey colours (or a paper version) for the day.

Running it in the office or a big family group

Pick one organiser, set a clear cut-off time before the off, and share the list of who has which horse somewhere everyone can see it. If people are spread out, a single invite link is easier than a paper sheet.

Free Cosmic Oracle battles take up to 8 players, which suits most friendship groups and families. For a whole office, an Oracle Club battle has no player limit.

Do the same for other big race days

The same approach works for the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, the Derby and Boxing Day racing. Battles can include UK and Irish races up to 14 days ahead, so you can set one up as soon as the race cards are out.