Grand National

The Grand National is a famous horse race held every year at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, England, close to the city of Liverpool. It started in 1839 and is now one of the most important horse races in Europe.

The race is long, about 4 miles and a half, and horses must jump over 30 big fences. Because of its difficult course and big prize money, it is a true test for both horse and rider.

The Grand National is very famous in British culture. Many people watch it even if they don’t usually watch horse races. It has been shown live on television since 1960. Different channels have broadcast it, including the BBC, Channel 4, and now ITV. Today, many people in over 140 countries watch the race.

Even though the Grand National is exciting, it has had some interruptions. For example, in 1993 the race couldn’t start because of false starts, and in 1997 it was moved to another day because of a security concern. In 2023, the race was delayed by people protesting for animal rights. Despite these challenges, the Grand National continues to be a major event, with the 2026 race won by I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. Since 2017, the event has been supported by the company Randox.

History

Founding and early Nationals (1829–1850)

The Grand National started in 1839. It was founded by William Lynn, who owned the Waterloo Hotel and leased land from Lord Sefton in Aintree. Lynn built a racecourse and a grandstand. Early races were held in the 1830s, but the 1839 race is considered the first official Grand National. The race grew in popularity because of better organization, railway connections, and fewer competing events.

War National Steeplechase (1916–1918)

During the First World War, the race was held at Gatwick Racecourse instead of Aintree because the Aintree course was used by the War Office. These races are sometimes not counted as official Grand Nationals.

Tipperary Tim (1928)

In 1928, a horse named Tipperary Tim won the race in surprising conditions. Many horses fell during the race, and Tipperary Tim managed to finish first despite long odds.

Second World War and the 1950s

The Grand National was not held from 1941 to 1945 because Aintree was used for defense purposes. It resumed in 1946 and was moved to a Saturday in 1947 to make it easier for people to attend. In the 1950s, a trainer named Vincent O'Brien trained winners for three years in a row.

Foinavon (1967)

In 1967, a horse named Foinavon won surprisingly after many leading horses fell at one fence. This allowed Foinavon, who was far behind, to win easily.

1970s and Red Rum

The 1970s saw Red Rum become the most successful horse in Grand National history, winning the race three times. He also came second the other two years he raced.

Bob Champion's National (1981)

In 1981, jockey Bob Champion, who had recovered from a serious illness, rode a horse named Aldaniti to victory. Their story became very popular and was made into a film.

Seagram's sponsorship (1984–1991)

From 1984 to 1991, the Grand National was sponsored by Seagram, a company that helped support the race and its course.

The race that never was (1993)

In 1993, a misunderstanding at the starting line led to a false start. Many jockeys began racing, but officials tried to stop them. Only a few horses finished, and the race result was declared void.

The Monday National (1997)

The 1997 race was moved to Monday after bomb threats were received. The course was secured, and the race was held two days later.

Recent history (2004–present)

In recent years, the Grand National has seen new sponsors and changes. In 2020, the race was not held because of health concerns, but a virtual race was created using computer technology. In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the race. In 2023, the race faced disruptions due to protests.

The course

The Grand National is a big horse race held each year at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool in England. Horses run two laps around a special track, jumping over 30 fences. The race is about 4 miles and 550 yards long, making it one of the toughest races in Britain.

The race started in 1839 and was originally run over open countryside before using the current course. The track includes fences made from special materials to keep horses safe. Some fences have special names and are famous parts of the race. The race ends with a long stretch called the "run-in" where many exciting moments happen.

Records

The Grand National has had many amazing achievements. Some horses, like Red Rum, have won the race more than once. Jockey George Stevens holds the record for the most wins by a rider.

Trainers such as George Dockeray, Fred Rimell, Ginger McCain, and Willie Mullins each have won the Grand National four times. Owner J. P. McManus also has four wins.

Other records include the fastest and slowest winning times, the oldest and youngest winning horses and jockeys, and the largest and smallest groups of runners in the race.

Winners

Main article: List of Grand National winners

Here is a list of the winners from the last ten Grand National races:

Jockeys

The Grand National was meant for riders who were not paid, called "gentlemen riders." Over time, many of these riders were actually professionals. Even during the Victorian era, having an amateur rider did not usually stop a horse from winning.

After World War II, it became rare for amateur riders to compete. The last amateur to win was Mr Patrick Mullins in 2025. By the 21st century, very few amateur riders took part, and those who did were often young riders close to becoming professionals.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 allowed female jockeys to enter the race. The first female jockey to enter was Charlotte Brew in 1977. The first to finish the race was Geraldine Rees in 1982. In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

Today, professional jockeys race most often. Better training and safety gear have helped riders have longer careers. Some jockeys have raced many times without winning, while others have had many tries before their first victory.

Horse welfare

The Grand National has had more problems for horses than other races.

Race organizers have worked with animal welfare groups to help keep horses safe. They have changed some fences and improved medical care. New facilities help vets treat injured horses faster. Some fences are now lower and safer, and extra steps have been taken at tricky turns to stop accidents. These changes try to lower the risks for horses during the race.

Grand National Legends

In 2009, the race sponsors asked people to pick five special people or horses to be honored as the first Grand National Legends. The winners were announced in 2010 and their names were put on special signs at the race track. They included famous trainers, horses, and a commentator who talked about the race for many years.

More legends were added in 2011 and 2012. This included jockeys who won the race many times, trainers who helped winning horses, and a fan who came to watch the race every year for fifty years. These legends are remembered for their important roles in making the Grand National a special event.

Sponsorship

Since 1984, this race has been supported by five different companies.

Popular culture

In the 1944 movie National Velvet, Elizabeth Taylor plays a girl who dreams of riding her horse in the Grand National. The movie, with Mickey Rooney, won 2 Oscars.

The race is also in the 2010 Jilly Cooper novel Jump!, where a female jockey rides the winning horse to victory.