Grand National facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Grand National

Premier Handicap race
The Grand National in 2011
Location	Aintree Racecourse Aintree, Merseyside, England
Inaugurated	26 February 1839; 186 years ago (1839-02-26)
Race type	Steeplechase
Sponsor	Randox
Website	Grand National
Race information
Distance	4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km)
Surface	Turf
Track	Left-handed
Qualification	Seven-years-old and up Rated 125 or more by BHA Previously placed in a recognised chase of 2 miles 7+1⁄2 furlongs (4.7 km) or more
Weight	Handicap Maximum: 11 stone 12 pounds (75 kg; 166 lb)
Purse	£1,000,000 (2022) Winner: £500,000

The Grand National is a famous horse race held every year in Aintree, England. It's a type of race called a steeplechase. This means horses and their riders jump over many fences. The race is about 4 miles 2+1⁄2 furlongs (4 miles 550 yards; 7 kilometres) long. Horses have to jump 30 fences over two laps.

The Grand National is the most valuable jump race in Europe. In 2017, it offered a huge prize fund of £1 million. Many people who don't usually watch horse racing tune in for this special event.

The course has much bigger fences than other races. Some fences, like Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn, are very famous. They are known for being a tough challenge for horses and riders.

The race has been shown live on TV in the UK since 1960. It was on the BBC for many years. Now, ITV broadcasts the event. Around 500 to 600 million people watch the Grand National in over 140 countries. You can also listen to it on the radio.

Sometimes, the race has faced big challenges. In 1993, it was cancelled because of false starts. In 1997, it was moved to a Monday due to a bomb threat. In 2023, animal rights protesters caused a delay.

The most recent winner, in 2024, was a horse named I Am Maximus. Since 2017, the race has been sponsored by Randox. The next Grand National will be held from April 3–5, 2025.

History of the Grand National Race

How the Race Began (1829–1850)

1890 drawing of horses jumping the famous Becher's Brook fence in the Grand National.

The Grand National was started by William Lynn. He was a hotel owner who rented land in Aintree. Lynn created the course and built a grandstand. The first stone was laid on February 7, 1829.

There's some debate about the very first official Grand National. Many historians now believe the first one was in 1836. It was won by a horse called The Duke. This horse won again in 1837. Sir William won in 1838. These races were once thought to be held elsewhere. But new evidence suggests they were at Aintree.

In 1838 and 1839, the race became much bigger. Another major race, the Great St. Albans Chase, stopped. This left a gap in the racing calendar. Also, a new railway line opened in 1839. This made it easier for people to travel to Liverpool. A special committee was also formed to organize the event better.

These changes made the 1839 race very popular. It attracted top horses and riders. The newspapers covered it widely. More people came to watch. Over time, the earlier races were forgotten. The 1839 race became known as the first official Grand National.

The 1839 race was won by Jem Mason on a horse named Lottery. The famous fence, Becher's Brook, is named after Martin Becher. He fell there during that race.

By the 1840s, William Lynn was not well. Edward Topham, a respected handicapper, took over. He changed the race to a handicap in 1843. This meant horses carried different weights based on their ability. Topham leased the land in 1848. His family later bought the racecourse.

War-Time Races (1916–1918)

During the First World War, Aintree Racecourse was used by the army. So, a different race was held at Gatwick Racecourse. This course is now where Gatwick Airport is.

In 1916, the race was called the Racecourse Association Steeplechase. In 1917 and 1918, it was called the War National Steeplechase. These races are not always counted as official Grand Nationals. Their results are often left out of winner lists.

Tipperary Tim's Surprise Win (1928)

The 1928 Grand National was very unusual. Before the race, a friend told Tipperary Tim's jockey, William Dutton, "You'll only win if all the others fall down!" This turned out to be almost true.

The weather was misty, and the ground was very heavy. As horses approached the Canal Turn, many fell. Only seven horses continued with their riders. By the second-to-last fence, only three were left.

Great Span looked like the winner, but its saddle slipped. Then Billy Barton fell. His jockey managed to get back on. But Tipperary Tim, a 100/1 outsider, crossed the finish line first. Only two horses finished the race. This is still the lowest number ever.

World War II and the 1950s Era

The Grand National was not held from 1941 to 1945. This was because Aintree Racecourse was used for defense during the war. The race started again in 1946. From 1947, it was moved to a Saturday. This was to make it easier for working people to attend. It has usually been on a Saturday ever since.

In the 1950s, trainer Vincent O'Brien was very successful. He trained three different winners in a row. Early Mist won in 1953. Royal Tan won in 1954. Quare Times completed his hat-trick in 1955.

The 1956 race had a very strange moment. A horse called Devon Loch, owned by the Queen Mother, was leading. It had cleared the last fence and was close to winning. But just Forty yards (37 m) from the finish, Devon Loch suddenly stumbled and collapsed.

Jockey Dick Francis tried to get the horse up. But Devon Loch couldn't finish. E.S.B. won the race instead. The Queen Mother famously said, "Oh, that's racing!" The phrase "to do a Devon Loch" is now used to describe a last-minute failure.

Foinavon's Unbelievable Victory (1967)

The 1967 Grand National saw a huge surprise. Most of the horses got tangled up at the 23rd fence. A loose horse, Popham Down, caused a big pile-up. Many horses stopped, refused to jump, or lost their riders.

Some horses even started running the wrong way! Foinavon, a horse nobody expected to win, was far behind. This gave his jockey, John Buckingham, time to steer around the chaos. He made a clean jump.

Even though many jockeys remounted, none could catch Foinavon. He won the race at amazing odds of 100/1. The 23rd fence was later named the 'Foinavon fence' in 1984.

The Red Rum Years (1970s)

The 1970s were important for the Grand National. In 1973, the racecourse was sold to Bill Davies. He raised ticket prices, and fewer people attended. Then, bookmaker Ladbrokes stepped in. They signed a deal to manage the Grand National.

During this time, a horse named Red Rum became a legend. He was bought for £420 as a young horse. Later, Ginger McCain bought him for £6,300. Red Rum had a bone problem, but McCain treated him by galloping him in sea-water.

Red Rum is the only horse to win the Grand National three times. He won in 1973, 1974, and 1977. He also finished second in 1975 and 1976.

In 1973, Red Rum was 15 lengths behind Crisp at the last fence. But he caught up quickly. Two strides from the finish, Red Rum won by a small margin. This is one of the most famous Grand National finishes ever. Red Rum also set a new speed record that year.

Bob Champion's Inspiring Win (1981)

Two years before the 1981 Grand National, jockey Bob Champion was very sick with cancer. Doctors said he only had months to live. But by 1981, he had recovered. He was cleared to ride in the Grand National.

He rode a horse named Aldaniti. Aldaniti had also recovered from serious leg problems. Despite a slow start, they won by 4+1⁄2 lengths. They beat Spartan Missile, ridden by a 54-year-old amateur jockey.

Champion and Aldaniti became instant celebrities. Their story was even made into a film called Champions.

Sponsorship and Changes (1984–Present)

From 1984 to 1991, Seagram sponsored the Grand National. This helped the race become strong again. The Jockey Club bought the course and managed the race. The last Seagram-sponsored race was won by a horse named Seagram.

The Race That Never Was (1993)

The 1993 Grand National was cancelled. This happened after a series of problems at the start. The starting tape didn't go up correctly. A false start was called. But many jockeys didn't realize this. They thought officials waving red flags were protesters.

Thirty of the 39 jockeys started the race. Seven horses completed the course. But the result was declared void. Esha Ness was the first past the post.

The Monday National (1997)

The 1997 Grand National was delayed. Two bomb threats were received from the Provisional Irish Republican Army. Police evacuated the course. Jockeys, staff, and 60,000 spectators had to leave. Many cars were left behind.

Local people opened their homes to those stranded. The race was held two days later, on Monday. Organizers offered 20,000 free tickets.

Recent Grand National Highlights

In 2004, Red Rum's trainer, Ginger McCain, won again. His horse, Amberleigh House, came first. McCain equalled the record for training four Grand National winners.

From 2005, John Smith's became the main sponsor. They even started a "People's Race" for members of the public to ride in a flat race.

In 2009, Mon Mome won at 100/1 odds. This was the longest odds winner in 42 years. It was also the first win for a female trainer, Venetia Williams, since 1995.

In 2010, the Grand National was the first horse race in the UK to be shown in high-definition TV. Crabbie's took over sponsorship in 2013. Then Randox Health became the sponsor from 2017.

The 2020 race was not run due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, a virtual race was created using computer graphics. Potters Corner won the virtual race. Another virtual race of past winners was also made. Red Rum won that one.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore made history. She became the first female jockey to win the race. She rode Minella Times.

In 2023, the race was delayed by Animal Rising protesters. This was the first major disruption since 1997.

The Grand National Course

The Grand National race takes place on the National Course at Aintree. It has two laps with 16 fences. The first 14 fences are jumped twice. Horses cover a distance of about 4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km). This is the longest National Hunt race in Britain.

Since 2013, the start has been moved forward. This reduced the race distance slightly. The course also has a very long run-in to the finish line. It's about 494 yards (452 m) long.

The Grand National was originally a cross-country race. Horses started outside the racecourse. They raced over fields and ditches towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. They jumped natural obstacles like hedges and gates. Then they returned to the racecourse. Today, this countryside is part of the modern course. People still call it "the country."

Famous Fences on the Course

There are 16 fences on the National Course. They are topped with spruce branches. Since 2012, the cores of 12 fences are made of flexible plastic. This makes them safer than old wooden fences. They still have at least 14 inches (36 cm) of spruce on top. Some fences have special names from the race's history. All 16 are jumped on the first lap. On the final lap, horses skip The Chair and the Water Jump.

• Fence 1 & 17
  • Height: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m)
  • This fence is often met at high speed. Many horses can fall here. The landing side was made less steep after 2011. It was moved closer to the start in 2024 to slow down the horses.

• Fence 2 & 18
  • Height: 4 feet 7 inches (1.40 m)
  • This fence was once called The Fan. It was named after a mare who refused to jump it three years in a row.

• Fence 3 & 19 – Open Ditch
  • Height: 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m); with a 6 feet (1.83 m) ditch before it.
  • This is the first big challenge. Horses are still getting used to the obstacles. In 2022, the race was shortened by skipping this fence due to a horse injury.

• Fence 4 & 20
  • Height: 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m)
  • This is a tough obstacle. It often causes falls. In 2011, it was the first fence ever to be skipped on the final lap due to a horse injury.

• Fence 5 & 21
  • Height: 5 feet (1.52 m)
  • This is a simple fence. It comes just before the most famous fence on the course.

• Fence 6 & 22 – Becher's Brook
  • Height: 5 feet (1.52 m). The landing side is 6 inches (15 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm) lower than the take-off side.
  • The drop after this fence often surprises horses. It's a popular spot for spectators. Jockeys must lean back to handle the steep drop. It's named after Martin Becher. He fell here in the first Grand National. He took shelter in the brook while other horses jumped over him.

• Fence 7 & 23 – Foinavon
  • Height: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m)
  • This is one of the smallest fences. It was named in 1984 after the 1967 winner, Foinavon. That horse avoided a pile-up here to win the race.

• Fence 8 & 24 – Canal Turn
  • Height: 5 ft (1.52 m)
  • This fence is known for a sharp 90-degree left turn right after landing. In the past, loose horses sometimes ended up in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. A ditch before the fence was filled in after a pile-up in 1928.

• Fence 9 & 25 – Valentine's Brook
  • Height: 5 feet (1.52 m) with a 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) brook.
  • This fence was renamed after a horse named Valentine. It was said to have jumped it backwards in 1840.

• Fence 10 & 26
  • Height: 5 feet (1.52 m)
  • This is a plain fence. It leads horses along the canal towards two ditches.

• Fence 11 & 27 – Open Ditch
  • Height: 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m). It has a 6 feet (1.83 m) ditch before it. This fence was lowered slightly in 2024.

• Fence 12 & 28 – Ditch
  • Height: 5 feet (1.52 m). It has a 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) ditch on the landing side.

After these fences, horses cross the Melling Road. This is where they re-enter the "racecourse proper."

• Fence 13 & 29
  • Height: 4 feet 7 inches (1.40 m)
  • This is a plain fence. It rarely causes problems as horses are usually in a good rhythm here.

• Fence 14 & 30
  • Height: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m)
  • This is the last fence on the final lap. Tired horses sometimes fall here. No horse deaths have happened at this fence so far.

On the first lap, horses jump two more fences that are only jumped once:

• Fence 15 – The Chair
  • Height: 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m). It has a 6 feet (1.8 m) wide ditch before it.
  • In 1862, a jockey named Joe Wynne fell here and sadly died. This led to the ditch being added to slow horses down. The ground on the landing side is higher than the take-off side. This is the opposite of Becher's Brook. It's a very popular fence for spectators.

• Fence 16 – Water Jump
  • Height: 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m)
  • This was once a stone wall. It used to be a very popular jump for spectators. It showed off the horses' jumping skills.

After the 30th fence on the final lap, horses turn right. They avoid The Chair and Water Jump. Then they head onto a long "run-in" to the finish line. This run-in is not perfectly straight. It has an "elbow" that requires a slight turn. Many horses have lost the race on this long stretch. Famous examples include Devon Loch in 1956 and Crisp in 1973.

Grand National Records

Here are some amazing records from the Grand National:

• Leading Horse:
  • Red Rum – 3 wins (1973, 1974, 1977)

• Leading Jockey:
  • George Stevens – 5 wins (between 1856 and 1870)

• Leading Trainers:
  • George Dockeray – 4 wins (between 1839 and 1852)
  • Fred Rimell – 4 wins (between 1956 and 1976)
  • Ginger McCain – 4 wins (Red Rum's 3 wins and Amberleigh House in 2004)

• Leading Owners:
  • Noel Le Mare – 3 wins (Red Rum, 1973, 1974, 1977)
  • Trevor Hemmings – 3 wins (Hedgehunter 2005, Ballabriggs 2011, Many Clouds 2015)
  • Gigginstown House Stud – 3 wins (Rule The World 2016, Tiger Roll 2018, 2019)
  • J. P. McManus – 3 wins (Don't Push It 2010, Minella Times 2021, I Am Maximus 2024)

• Fastest Winning Time: Mr Frisk (1990); 8 minutes, 47.80 seconds
• Slowest Winning Time: Lottery (1839); 14 minutes, 53 seconds
• Oldest Winning Horse: Peter Simple (1853); aged 15
• Youngest Winning Horse: Alcibiade (1865), Regal (1876), Austerlitz (1877), Empress (1880), Lutteur III (1909); all aged five
• Oldest Winning Jockey: Dick Saunders (1982); aged 48
• Youngest Winning Jockey: Bruce Hobbs (1938); aged 17
• Longest Odds Winner: Tipperary Tim (1928), Gregalach (1929), Caughoo (1947), Foinavon (1967), Mon Mome (2009); all 100/1
• Shortest Odds Winner: Poethlyn (1919); 11/4
• Largest Field: 66 runners (1929)
• Smallest Field: 10 runners (1883)
• Most Horses to Finish: 23 (1984)
• Fewest Horses to Finish: 2 (1928)
• Most Rides in the Race: 21 (Richard Johnson, 1997-2019)
• Most Rides Without Winning: 21 (Richard Johnson, 1997-2019)

Grand National Winners (Last Ten Years)

Jockeys in the Grand National

The Grand National was first meant for "gentlemen riders." These were men who weren't paid to race. But many professional riders also took part from the beginning. In the past, amateur riders often won the race.

After World War II, it became rare for amateurs to win. The last amateur jockey to win was Sam Waley-Cohen in 2022. He rode Noble Yeats. Before him, Marcus Armytage won in 1990. He set the fastest course record that still stands. Today, most jockeys are professionals.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 allowed female jockeys to enter. The first female jockey was Charlotte Brew in 1977. The first to finish the race was Geraldine Rees in 1982.

While there aren't many female riders, they are now getting rides on horses that can win. In 2005, Carrie Ford finished fifth. In 2012, Katie Walsh finished third. This was the best result for a female jockey at the time. In 2021, Rachael Blackmore made history. She became the first female jockey to win the Grand National. She rode Minella Times.

Professional jockeys now dominate the race. Better training and gear help their careers last longer. This gives them more chances to ride in the Grand National. Richard Johnson holds the record for most rides, with 21 attempts. However, he never won.

Many famous jockeys have tried but never won the Grand National. These include John Francome and Jonjo O'Neill. Some jockeys have led over the last fence but lost the race. Dick Francis famously led on Devon Loch in 1956. But the horse collapsed just before the finish line.

Horse Safety and Welfare

The Grand National is known as a higher-risk horse race. The British Horseracing Authority says the average fatality rate for jump racing is 0.43%. But for the Grand National, it's more than twice as high, at 1.12% over the last ten years.

History of Horse Fatalities

Between the 1970s and 1980s, 12 horses died in the Grand National. Half of these deaths happened at Becher's Brook. From 1990 to 2010, 17 horses died. This was when many changes were made to the course.

In 2011 and 2012, two horses died in each race. In 2013, there were no deaths in the main race. But two horses died in other races on the same course. An animal welfare group counted 40 horse deaths at the three-day meeting from 2000 to 2013.

There were no horse deaths in the main Grand National race for seven years. Then, in 2019, one horse died at the first fence. In 2021, one horse was put down after the race due to an injury. Two more horses were put down after injuries in 2022.

In 2023, one horse died after falling at the first fence. Two other horses were taken away by ambulance. Some people in horse racing blamed animal rights protesters for the deaths. They said the protest delayed the start. This made the horses "hyper." The protesters denied these claims.

Changes by Race Organizers

Aintree officials work with animal welfare groups to make the race safer. They have improved veterinary facilities. In 2008, a new veterinary surgery was built. It has treatment boxes, X-ray units, and more. Vets can treat horses faster now. Seriously injured horses can be taken to a special hospital.

Some of the toughest fences have been changed. After 1989, the brook at Becher's was filled in. After 2011, the landing side of Becher's was made flatter. This was to slow horses down. Other fences have also been made lower. The rules for entering the race are now stricter.

Parts of the course were widened in 2009. This allows horses to go around fences if needed. This happened in 2011 when horses were diverted around fences 4 and 6.

Some people in horse racing believe that lowering fences makes horses race faster. This might actually make things more dangerous.

After the 2023 race, the Jockey Club announced big changes for 2024. The number of horses in the race was reduced from 40 to 34. This was something welfare groups like the RSPCA had asked for. Fences were also moved to slow down the race at the start. More checks on horses before the race were also added.

Grand National Legends

In 2009, the race sponsors, John Smith's, created the 'Grand National Legends' award. Five people and horses were chosen to be honored. Their names were put on plaques at Aintree.

The first legends were:

• Ginger McCain and his horse Red Rum, who won three times.
• John Buckingham and Foinavon, the surprise winners in 1967.
• Manifesto, a horse who ran in the race eight times and won twice.
• Jenny Pitman, the first woman to train a winner in 1983.
• Sir Peter O'Sullevan, a famous commentator who covered 50 Grand Nationals.

A group of experts also chose three more legends:

• George Stevens, the jockey who won five times.
• Captain Martin Becher, who helped start the race. The sixth fence is named after him.
• Edward Topham, who played a big role in organizing the race. His family owned the course for many years.

In 2011, nine more legends were added:

• Bob Champion and Aldaniti, the inspiring winners of the 1981 race.
• West Tip, a horse who ran in six Nationals and won once.
• Richard Dunwoody, a jockey who won twice and was placed in eight races.
• Brian Fletcher, a jockey who won three times, including Red Rum's first win.
• Vincent O'Brien, who trained three winners in a row in the 1950s.
• Tom Olliver, a jockey who rode in 19 Nationals and won three times.
• Count Karl Kinsky, the first international winner in 1883.
• Jack Anthony, a jockey who won three times.
• Peter Bromley, a BBC radio commentator.

Five "people's legends" were also chosen:

• Arthur Ferrie, a groundsman.
• Edie Roche, a local resident who helped people during the 1997 bomb threat.
• Ian Stewart, a fan who attended 50 Nationals.
• Police Constable Ken Lawson, who escorted winners for Merseyside Police.
• Tony Roberts, a fan who brought many friends and family to the race.

In 2012, five more legends were added by public vote:

• Fred Winter, who won two Nationals as a jockey and trained two more.
• Carl Llewellyn, a jockey who won two Nationals.
• Fred Rimell, a trainer of four different National winners.
• Michael Scudamore, a jockey who rode in 16 Nationals and won once.
• Tommy Carberry, a jockey who won in 1975 and later trained a winner.

The selection panel also inducted three more:

• Tommy Pickernell, a 19th-century jockey who rode in 17 Nationals and won three.
• Battleship, the only horse to win both the Grand National and the American Grand National, and his jockey Bruce Hobbs, the youngest jockey to win the Aintree race.
• George Dockeray, a trainer who won four Nationals, starting with Lottery in 1839.

Grand National Sponsors

The Grand National has had different sponsors over the years. Since 1984, five different companies have sponsored the race.

Images for kids

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  The Grand National in 2011

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  1890 engraving of horses jumping the famous Becher's Brook fence in the Grand National.

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  Ballabriggs, the winner of the 2011 Grand National.

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  A map of the National Course at Aintree

See also

In Spanish: Grand National para niños

• Horse racing in Great Britain
• List of British National Hunt races