What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is the world's most famous steeplechase horse race, held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. Run over 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs (approximately 6.9 kilometers), the race features 30 challenging fences that test the stamina, courage, and jumping ability of both horse and jockey. The Grand National attracts millions of spectators globally, with approximately 70,000 attending in person and countless millions watching via television, making it one of sport's greatest events.
The race is part of the three-day Grand National Festival, typically held in late March or early April each year. It has become a cultural institution in the United Kingdom, where millions of casual bettors who rarely wager on horse racing participate annually, making the Grand National the biggest betting race of the year by participation. The event represents the pinnacle of National Hunt racing and is considered the ultimate test of a steeplechaser's abilities.
Where Did the Grand National Originate? A Journey Through History
The First Running: 1839 and Beyond
The Grand National's history is as colorful and dramatic as the race itself. While some historians argue for earlier runnings, the first officially recognized Grand National took place on February 26, 1839, at Aintree Racecourse. The race was originally called the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase and was established by William Lynn, a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel in Liverpool.
The course was created on land leased from William Molyneux, 2nd Earl of Sefton. Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on February 7, 1829, marking the beginning of what would become racing's most iconic venue. The inaugural race in 1839 attracted a larger field of top horses and riders than previous years, greater press coverage, and increased attendance—factors that secured its place as the first "National" Grand National.
A horse called Lottery won that first race, while Captain Martin Becher, a notable rider of the era, fell at a now-world-famous brook that would later bear his name. In those early days, horses jumped stone walls, crossed ploughed land, and finished over two hurdles—a far more primitive course than today's carefully engineered obstacles.
Evolution and Development
The race underwent significant changes in its early decades. In 1843, Edward Topham, a respected handicapper and member of Lynn's syndicate, converted the chase from a weight-for-age race into a handicap race, a format that persists today. Topham took over the lease in 1848 and, one century later, the Topham family purchased the course outright.
By the 1840s, the fences were constructed from natural thorn hedges known as "thorn fences." These were eventually replaced with more modern materials. Today's fences are constructed from Sitka or Norway spruce, brought down from the Lake District and woven into plastic birch structures that provide flexibility should a horse make a mistake. The Aintree groundstaff team requires three weeks to build the fences from 16 lorry-loads of spruce prior to each Grand National Festival.
The race has evolved from a local Liverpool event to a global sporting phenomenon, yet it has maintained its essential character: a supreme test of jumping ability, stamina, and horsemanship over one of the most challenging courses in the world.
What Are the Famous Fences of the Grand National?
The Complete Fence Structure
The Grand National course features 16 individual fences, 14 of which are jumped twice, creating the 30 total jumps over the 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs distance. This is the longest jump racing distance in the UK. Each fence varies in height and construction, with the lowest measuring 4ft 6" and the highest reaching 5ft 2".
| Fence Name | Height | Width | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Chair | 5ft 2" | Variable | Highest fence; 5ft ditch on take-off side; jumped only once |
| Becher's Brook | 4ft 10" | 7ft 6" | Most famous fence; remodeled multiple times |
| Canal Turn | 5ft | 7ft | Sharp 90-degree left-hand turn after jump |
| Valentine's Brook | 5ft | 7ft | 5ft 6" brook on landing side |
| Open Ditch | 5ft | 10ft 6" | Three open ditch fences on course |
| Water Jump | 2ft 6" | Variable | Final fence on first circuit; wide water on landing side |
| Foinavon Fence | 4ft 6" | 3ft | Smallest fence; site of 1967 chaos |
The Most Iconic Fences
Becher's Brook (Fences 6 & 22) stands as the most famous fence in Grand National history. Named after Captain Martin Becher, who fell at this fence in the first Grand National in 1839, it has been remodeled several times. The drop on the landing side was leveled in the 1990s and again after the 2011 Grand National to improve safety while maintaining the challenge.
The Chair (Fence 15) is the highest fence on the course at 5ft 2" with a 5ft ditch before it and a raised landing side. It's jumped only on the first circuit and is named after the chair the distance judge used to sit in to gauge the official distance between the winner and runners behind. The original chair is now located on a podium in the Red Rum Garden at Aintree Racecourse.
Canal Turn (Fences 8 & 24) gets its name from the nearby Leeds-Liverpool canal. It's notable for the sharp 90-degree left-hand turn that runners must make immediately after jumping the 5ft high, 7ft wide fence—a unique feature that catches many horses and riders off guard.
Valentine's Brook (Fences 9 & 25) features a 5ft 6" brook on the landing side and was originally known as Second Brook. It was renamed after a horse called Valentine was said to have jumped it hind legs first in 1840, creating a lasting legend.
Foinavon Fence (Fences 7 & 23) is an otherwise ordinary 4ft 6" fence that became extraordinary in 1967 when multiple horses shied and caused chaos on the course. The fence was subsequently named after the only horse to successfully jump it at the first attempt, Foinavon, who went on to win the race at 100/1 odds.
Which Legendary Horses Have Won the Grand National?
Red Rum: The Greatest Grand National Horse
Red Rum stands as the most legendary Grand National horse of all time. Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1965, Red Rum was bred to be a sprinter but became the only horse ever to win the Grand National three times. He achieved victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977, and finished second on his other two starts, making him the greatest Grand National performer in history.
Red Rum's story is one of triumph over adversity. He suffered from pedalosteitis, a bone disease that should have rendered him unraceable. However, trainer Donald "Ginger" McCain discovered that training on Southport beach worked wonders for the condition. McCain ran Red Rum into the seawater, working an amazing transformation that allowed the horse to compete at the highest level.
His 1973 victory is particularly memorable. Starting at 9/1 favorite, Red Rum chased down the Australian chaser Crisp, who carried top weight of 12st and had built up a lead of more than 15 lengths with four fences remaining. Red Rum gradually wore down his rival, beating Crisp by three-quarters of a length in a then-record time of 9 min 1.9 sec. This performance earned Red Rum a Royal Mail stamp and pride of place in Grand National history.
Other Notable Grand National Winners
Aldaniti won the 1981 Grand National in one of sport's greatest comeback stories. Trained by Josh Gifford and ridden by Bob Champion, Aldaniti's victory came after both horse and jockey had overcome serious health challenges. Bob Champion had recovered from cancer, while Aldaniti had suffered from a leg injury that threatened his career.
Foinavon achieved one of the most improbable victories in 1967, winning at 100/1 odds after benefiting from chaos at fence 7. John Buckingham steered his mount wide of a pile-up caused by the riderless Popham Down, allowing Foinavon to emerge from the melee and lead over the final seven fences to win by 15 lengths.
Manifesto holds the record for most Grand National runs, competing in eight Grand Nationals between 1895 and 1904, winning twice (1897 and 1899) and finishing third on three other occasions.
Notable Jockey Records
Bruce Hobbs, aged just 17, was the youngest winning jockey in 1939, riding Battleship, the smallest horse ever to win the Grand National. In contrast, Dick Saunders, aged 48, was the oldest successful rider, winning on Grittar in 1982—remarkably, it was his first and only Grand National ride, after which he retired.
Jenny Pitman made history as the first woman to train a Grand National winner, capturing the race with Corbiere in 1983 and again with Royal Athlete in 1995. More recently, Sue Smith (Auroras Encore, 2013) and Lucinda Russell (One For Arthur, 2017) have also trained Grand National winners, demonstrating the sport's evolution toward greater inclusivity.
How Do the Grand National Fences Compare to Other Jump Racing Obstacles?
Grand National vs. Cheltenham Festival
The Grand National fences are significantly more challenging than those at the Cheltenham Festival, the other major National Hunt racing venue in the UK. While Cheltenham courses feature fences of similar heights, the Grand National's unique combination of distance (4 miles 2.5 furlongs), fence design, and the cumulative effect of 30 jumps makes it uniquely demanding.
| Aspect | Grand National | Cheltenham Festival |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 4 miles 2.5 furlongs | 2 miles - 3 miles 5 furlongs |
| Number of Fences | 30 | 12-16 |
| Fence Height Range | 4ft 6" - 5ft 2" | 4ft 6" - 5ft |
| Course Characteristics | Flat, open, exposed | Undulating, varied terrain |
| Difficulty Rating | Extreme | Very High |
| Unique Features | Famous named fences | Multiple course variations |
The Grand National's length and the repetitive jumping over the same fences twice (except The Chair) create a cumulative fatigue factor that distinguishes it from other races. The flat, open nature of the Aintree course also means horses cannot use terrain to their advantage as they can at Cheltenham.
How Do You Bet on the Grand National?
Understanding Grand National Betting
The Grand National attracts millions of casual bettors annually, making it the biggest betting event in the UK horse racing calendar. Betting on the Grand National offers several options, each with different risk-reward profiles.
Win Betting is the simplest form. You select a horse to finish first. If your horse wins, both your stake and winnings are returned. For example, a £5 bet on a horse at 9/1 odds would return £50 (£45 profit plus your £5 stake) if the horse wins.
Each-Way Betting is the most popular form of Grand National betting. An each-way bet consists of two equal bets: one on the horse to win and one on the horse to place (finish in the top positions). The number of places offered varies by bookmaker but typically ranges from 1/4 to 1/5 of the win odds.
For example, a £5 each-way bet at 9/1 odds costs £10 total (£5 to win, £5 to place). If your horse wins, both parts pay out at full odds. If it finishes in the placed positions, only the place part returns a payout at the reduced odds.
| Odds Range | Place Odds | Number of Places |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 | 1/4 | 2 places (1st-2nd) |
| 8-11 | 1/5 | 3 places (1st-3rd) |
| 12-15 | 1/4 | 3 places (1st-3rd) |
| 16+ | 1/5 | 4+ places |
Lay Betting on betting exchanges allows you to bet against a horse winning. This is a more advanced betting strategy that can be profitable but carries higher risk.
Grand National Betting Strategies
The Banker Approach involves selecting one or two strong favorites and building multiple bets around them, reducing overall risk while maintaining potential returns.
The Value Play strategy focuses on horses with odds that don't reflect their true winning chances. Experienced bettors analyze form, weights, and track conditions to identify undervalued runners.
The Spread Betting Strategy involves placing small bets on multiple horses to ensure a return regardless of which horse wins, though at reduced profit margins.
Responsible Betting
The Grand National's mass appeal means many casual bettors participate without extensive knowledge. It's crucial to:
- Set a strict budget before the race
- Never bet more than you can afford to lose
- Avoid chasing losses
- Remember that betting should be for entertainment, not income
- Use betting exchange tools to set loss limits
How Has the Grand National Improved Safety and Welfare?
Historical Safety Concerns
The Grand National has historically faced criticism regarding horse and jockey safety. The demanding nature of the course, combined with the large field sizes (up to 40 horses), has resulted in injuries and fatalities over the years. The least number of horses to complete the race was just two in 1928 (Tipperary Tim and Billy Barton, who remounted). In 2001, Red Marauder beat Smarty in a race where only four of the forty horses completed the course.
Modern Safety Improvements
In response to welfare concerns, Aintree has implemented significant safety measures:
Reduced Field Size: The Grand National reduced the maximum field from 40 horses (unchanged since 1984) to 34 horses, reducing congestion and the risk of pile-ups at fences.
Softened Fences: Fences now use foam and rubber toe boards to reduce the impact of falls and make jumping errors less catastrophic. The landing sides of several fences have been leveled to reduce drops.
Modified First Fence: Changes to the opening fence have been implemented to help runners settle into the race more safely.
Earlier Start Time: The Grand National now starts earlier in the day, potentially improving visibility and reducing fatigue.
Improved Course Maintenance: Better drainage and surface preparation reduce the risk of horses slipping or stumbling.
Veterinary and Medical Support: Enhanced medical facilities and veterinary teams are on standby throughout the race.
Ongoing Welfare Discussions
The Grand National remains a subject of ongoing debate between animal welfare advocates and racing enthusiasts. The British Horse Racing Authority continues to review safety protocols, and discussions about further modifications are ongoing. The sport has moved toward greater transparency regarding welfare outcomes and incident reporting.
What Are Interesting Facts About the Grand National?
- First Official Running: 1839, though some historians argue races were held at Aintree in 1836-1838
- Course Construction: Takes the Aintree groundstaff team three weeks to build fences from 16 lorry-loads of spruce
- Global Reach: Broadcast to millions worldwide; estimated 600+ million people watch annually
- Betting Scale: Millions of casual bettors participate; the race generates hundreds of millions in betting turnover
- Completion Rate: Historically, only a small percentage of runners complete the course (sometimes fewer than 50%)
- Weight Variations: Horses carry handicap weights ranging from around 10st to 12st
- The Topham Trophy: A separate race held on Ladies Day (second day of the festival)
- Sponsorship: The race is now sponsored by Randox Health (officially the Randox Grand National)
- Festival Duration: The Grand National Festival spans three days with 21 races
How Does the Grand National Differ from Other Steeplechases?
The Grand National stands apart from other steeplechases in several key ways:
Distance: At 4 miles 2.5 furlongs, it's the longest National Hunt jump racing distance in the UK, significantly longer than typical steeplechases (2-3 miles).
Fence Difficulty: The Grand National's fences are larger, more varied, and more challenging than standard steeplechase fences. The combination of 30 jumps over such a distance creates a unique test.
Field Size: The Grand National traditionally features one of the largest fields in jump racing (now capped at 34), creating a more crowded and chaotic racing environment.
Prestige and Prize Money: The Grand National offers substantial prize money and attracts the best steeplechasers from around the world, making it the most prestigious steeplechase globally.
Media Coverage: The Grand National receives far greater media attention than any other steeplechase, with coverage extending beyond racing enthusiasts to the general public.
Cultural Significance: The Grand National is woven into British culture in a way that other races are not, with millions of non-racing enthusiasts participating in betting pools and viewing parties.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Grand National
What time does the Grand National start? The Grand National typically starts in the early afternoon (usually around 3:15 PM) on the third day of the Aintree Festival in April.
How many horses run in the Grand National? The field is now capped at 34 horses, reduced from the previous maximum of 40 to improve safety and reduce congestion.
What is the distance of the Grand National? The Grand National is run over 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs (approximately 6.9 kilometers), the longest jump racing distance in the UK.
How many fences are in the Grand National? There are 30 total fences jumped during the Grand National, consisting of 16 individual fences with 14 of them jumped twice.
What is Becher's Brook? Becher's Brook is the most famous fence in the Grand National, named after Captain Martin Becher who fell at this fence in the first Grand National in 1839. It stands 4ft 10" high and 7ft 6" wide.
Can I bet on the Grand National online? Yes, most UK bookmakers and betting exchanges offer Grand National betting online. You can place bets from home or on mobile devices via their apps.
What does "each way" mean in Grand National betting? An each-way bet is two equal bets: one on the horse to win and one on the horse to place (finish in the top positions). If your horse wins, both parts pay out; if it only places, you get a return on the place part at reduced odds.
What was Red Rum's record in the Grand National? Red Rum won the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977) and finished second twice, making him the greatest Grand National horse of all time.
Is the Grand National safe for horses? While the Grand National remains a demanding and challenging race, modern safety improvements including reduced field sizes, softened fences, and enhanced veterinary support have made it safer than in previous decades. However, it remains a subject of ongoing welfare debate.
When is the next Grand National? The Grand National is held annually in late March or early April. The 2026 Grand National is scheduled for April 11, 2026, as part of the three-day Aintree Festival.
What is the prize money for winning the Grand National? Prize money varies year to year but typically ranges from £500,000 to over £1 million for the winner, with substantial purses for placed horses as well.
How do I watch the Grand National? The Grand National is broadcast live on BBC Television and Radio 4, with international coverage available through various sports networks. You can also watch online through BBC iPlayer (UK residents) or through various betting sites and streaming services.