Today (8th April 2010) is the start of the 2010 John Smiths Grand National race meeting - the largest race meeting in the UK which culminates on Saturday 10th April with the Grand National.

Whilst everyone is looking forward to placing their bets on this race, either through the office sweepstake or picking a horse with nice colours, or actually studying the form before placing your bets, one sector of the UK will be holding its collective breath - the bookmakers.

With over £100 million wagered on a typical Grand National, the potential is there for the bookies to suffer horrendous losses - the sheer volume and number of wagers mean that bar an outsider winning (like last years winner Mon Mone, who came in at 100/1) most bookmakers will make a loss on the race.

As such, many bookmakers, espcially online bookies, pull all their free bet offers in an attempt to minimise their exposure to any losses.

However, if you hunt around and sign up as a new player now, you can still take advantage of these new offers before they get taken down.

Here's what we have found

William Hill - £25 free bet. Simply sign up here and enter F25 into the promo code box and you will get a £25 free bet

Paddy Power - £20 free bet. Unlike their usual bonus offers, you actually have to place 5 bets on this before you qualify - probably only any use if you are placing the bets for an office sweepstake. Click here to have a look.

Bet365 - following on from their impressive Cheltenham offer, Bet365 are offering a 100% matched bonus up to £200. You have to apply for it. Simply click here to visit Bet365, and make your first deposit (obviously we recommend £200 so that you get the maximum bonus!). Once you open your account Bet365 will send you a 10 digit Offer Code ending in NCDB2 via email. To claim your bonus, simply visit the Enter Offer Code page in Members and enter the code.

Remember - if you are going to place a bet on the Grand National, then open an account with one of these bookmakers today - these offers may not be available on Saturday

So, three offers, all with different advantages. If you are thinking of placing a bet on the 2010 Grand National, then you definitely need to do it via one of these 3 companies to get yourself some free wagers!

Good Luck!