Grand National facts for kids

The Grand National is a super exciting horse race held every year in Aintree, England, near Liverpool. It's a special kind of race called a steeplechase, where horses jump over many fences. The first official race was way back in 1839.

Horses in the Grand National race for about 4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km) and jump 30 fences over two laps. These fences are much bigger than in most other horse races! Some famous ones include Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn. People say it's the "ultimate test" for both the horse and its rider.

The Grand National is one of the most important jump races in Europe. It has a huge prize fund, which was £1 million in 2017! Lots of people in the UK and around the world watch this race, even if they don't usually follow horse racing. It's a big part of British culture.

You can watch the Grand National live on TV. It has been broadcast since 1960. Today, it's shown on ITV and listened to on BBC Radio and Talksport. Millions of people in over 140 countries tune in!

Sometimes, the race has faced challenges. In 1993, it didn't happen because of problems at the start. In 1997, it was moved to a Monday due to a security alert. And in 2023, there was a delay because of protests about horse welfare.

The most recent race, the 2026 Grand National, was won by I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend. The 2025 Grand National was won by Patrick Mullins riding Nick Rockett. Since 2017, the race has been sponsored by Randox.

Quick facts for kids
Grand National

Premier Handicap race
The Grand National in 2011
Location	Aintree Racecourse Aintree, Merseyside, England
Inaugurated	26 February 1839; 187 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

Grand National

2025
Nick Rockett	I Am Maximus	Grangeclare West

Previous years
2024
I Am Maximus	Delta Work	Minella Indo
2023
Corach Rambler	Vanillier	Gaillard Du Mesnil
2022
Noble Yeats	Any Second Now	Delta Work
2021
Minella Times	Balko Des Flos	Any Second Now

2020-2011
2019
Tiger Roll	Magic Of Light	Rathvinden
2018
Tiger Roll	Pleasant Company	Bless The Wings
2017
One For Arthur	Cause Of Causes	Saint Are
2016
Rule The World	The Last Samuri	Vics Canvas
2015
Many Clouds	Saint Are	Monbeg Dude
2014
Pineau De Re	Balthazar King	Double Seven
2013
Auroras Encore	Cappa Bleu	Teaforthree
2012
Neptune Collonges	Sunnyhillboy	Seabass
2011
Ballabriggs	Oscar Time	Don't Push It

2010-2001
2010
Don't Push It	Black Apalachi	State of Play
2009
Mon Mome	Comply Or Die	My Will
2008
Comply Or Die	King Johns Castle	Snowy Morning
2007
Silver Birch	Mckelvey	Slim Pickings
2006
Numbersixvalverde	Hedgehunter	Clan Royal
2005
Hedgehunter	Royal Auclair	Simply Gifted
2004
Amberleigh House	Clan Royal	Lord Atterbury
2003
Monty's Pass	Supreme Glory	Amberleigh House
2002
Bindaree	What's Up Boys	Blowing Wind
2001
Red Marauder	Smarty	Blowing Wind

2000–1991
2000
Papillon	Mely Moss	Niki Dee
1999
Bobbyjo	Blue Charm	Call It A Day
1998
Earth Summit	Suny Bay	Samlee
1997
Lord Gyllene	Suny Bay	Camelot Knight
1996
Rough Quest	Encore Un Peu	Superior Finish
1995
Royal Athlete	Party Politics	Over The Deel
1994
Miinnehoma	Just So	Moorcroft Boy
1992
Party Politics	Romany King	Laura's Beau
1991
Seagram	Garrison Savannah	Auntie Dot

1990–1981
1990
Mr Frisk	Durham Edition	Rinus
1989
Little Polveir	West Tip	The Thinker
1988
Rhyme 'N' Reason	Durham Edition	Monanore
1987
Maori Venture	The Tsarevich	Lean Ar Aghaidh
1986
West Tip	Young Driver	Classified
1985
Last Suspect	Mr Snugfit	Corbiere
1984
Hallo Dandy	Greasepaint	Corbiere
1983
Corbiere	Greasepaint	Yer Man
1982
Grittar	Hard Outlook	Loving Words
1981
Aldaniti	Spartan Missile	Royal Mail

1980–1971
1980
Ben Nevis	Rough and Tumble	The Pilgarlic
1979
Rubstic	Zongalero	Rough and Tumble
1978
Lucius	Sebastian	Drumroan
1977
Red Rum	Churchtown Boy	Eyecatcher
1976
Rag Trade	Red Rum	Eyecatcher
1975
L'Escargot	Red Rum	Spanish Steps
1974
Red Rum	L'Escargot	Charles Dickens
1973
Red Rum	Crisp	L'Escargot
1972
Well to Do	Gay Trip	Black Secret
1971
Specify	Black Secret	Astbury

1970–1961
1970
Gay Trip	Vulture	Miss Hunter
1969
Highland Wedding	Steel Bridge	Rondetto
1968
Red Alligator	Moidore's Token	Different Class
1967
Foinavon	Honey End	Red Alligator
1966
Anglo	Freddie	Forest Prince
1965
Jay Trump	Freddie	Mr Jones
1964
Team Spirit	Purple Silk	Peacetown
1963
Ayala	Carrickbeg	Hawas Song
1962
Kilmore	Wyndburgh	Mr What
1961
Nicolaus Silver	Merryman II	O'Malley Point

1960–1951
1960
Merryman II	Badanloch	Clear Profit
1959
Oxo	Wyndburgh	Mr What
1958
Mr What	Tiberetta	Green Drill
1957
Sundew	Wyndburgh	Tiberetta
1956
E.S.B.	Gentle Moya	Royal Tan
1955
Quare Times	Tudor Line	Carey's Cottage
1954
Royal Tan	Tudor Line	Irish Lizard
1953
Early Mist	Mont Tremblant	Irish Lizard
1952
Teal	Legal Joy	Wot No Sun
1951
Nickel Coin	Royal Tan	Derrinstown

1950–1946
1950
Freebooter	Wot No Sun	Acthon Major
1949
Russian Hero	Roimond	Royal Mount
1948
Sheila's Cottage	First of the Dandies	Cromwell
1947
Caughoo	Lough Conn	Kami
1946
Lovely Cottage	Jack Finlay	Prince Regent

The Grand National's Story

How It All Began (1829–1850)

The Grand National was started by a man named William Lynn. He owned a hotel and rented some land in Aintree. In 1829, he created a racecourse there.

There's a bit of a mystery about when the first official Grand National happened. Some historians think it was in 1836, with a horse called The Duke winning. Others say the real start was in 1839. Either way, the race quickly became very popular!

In 1839, a few things helped the race grow. A big rival race stopped, and new railways made it easier for people to travel to Liverpool. Also, a group was formed to organize the race better. These changes made the 1839 race much bigger, with more horses, riders, and spectators.

The 1839 Grand National is often called the first official race. It was won by a horse named Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. Another famous rider, Martin Becher, fell during this race. A famous fence, Becher's Brook, is named after him!

Later, Edward Topham took over the organization. He made the race a "handicap" in 1843. This meant horses carried different weights to make the race fairer. His family eventually bought the racecourse.

War-Time Races (1916–1918)

During the First World War, the Aintree Racecourse was used by the army. So, for three years, a different version of the race was held at Gatwick Racecourse. These races were called the War National Steeplechase. They are not always counted as official Grand Nationals.

Tipperary Tim's Big Surprise (1928)

The 1928 Grand National was one of the most amazing races ever! The weather was foggy, and the ground was very muddy. Before the race, someone told jockey William Dutton, who was riding Tipperary Tim, "You'll only win if all the others fall down!"

And guess what? Almost all of them did! Out of 42 horses, 41 fell during the race. Tipperary Tim, who was a huge underdog at 100/1 odds, managed to stay on his feet. He crossed the finish line first, making it a truly unforgettable victory! Only two riders finished the race that year.

After World War II (1940s-1950s)

The Grand National continued during the Second World War for a short time. But from 1941 to 1945, the Aintree Racecourse was needed for defense, so no races were held. It started again in 1946. From 1947, the race was moved to a Saturday to make it easier for more people to watch.

In the 1950s, a trainer named Vincent O'Brien was very successful. He trained three different winners in a row: Early Mist in 1953, Royal Tan in 1954, and Quare Times in 1955.

The Mystery of Devon Loch (1956)

The 1956 Grand National had a very strange moment. A horse named Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, was far ahead and about to win. But just Forty yards (37 m) from the finish line, the horse suddenly stumbled and fell!

Devon Loch couldn't finish the race, and another horse, E.S.B., won instead. The Queen Mother famously said, "Oh, that's racing!" This moment became a famous story in British sports. Even today, people say "to do a Devon Loch" when someone fails at the very last moment.

Foinavon's Lucky Win (1967)

The 1967 Grand National saw another incredible surprise! At the 23rd fence, a loose horse caused a huge pile-up. Many horses stopped, refused to jump, or lost their riders. It was total chaos!

But a horse named Foinavon, who was far behind the others, managed to avoid the mess. His jockey, John Buckingham, steered him wide. Foinavon jumped the fence cleanly and suddenly found himself way out in front! Even though many jockeys remounted, no one could catch Foinavon. He won the race at huge odds of 100/1! The 23rd fence was later named the 'Foinavon fence' in his honor.

The Red Rum Era (1970s)

The 1970s were a special time for the Grand National because of a legendary horse named Red Rum. He was bought for a small amount of money and had a leg problem. His trainer, Ginger McCain, helped him recover by galloping him in seawater on Southport beach.

Red Rum became the only horse ever to win the Grand National three times! He won in 1973, 1974, and 1977. He also came in second place in the two years in between.

In 1973, Red Rum had an amazing finish. He was far behind the leader, Crisp, at the last fence. But Red Rum galloped incredibly fast and caught Crisp right at the finish line, winning by a tiny margin! It was one of the most exciting finishes ever.

Bob Champion's Inspiring Win (1981)

The 1981 Grand National tells an amazing story of courage. Two years before the race, jockey Bob Champion was very ill with cancer. Doctors thought he might not live. But Bob fought hard, recovered, and was able to ride again!

He rode a horse named Aldaniti, who had also overcome serious leg problems. Despite a difficult start, Bob and Aldaniti won the race by a good distance. Their inspiring story was even made into a movie called Champions!

Seagram's Sponsorship (1984–1991)

From 1984 to 1991, a company called Seagram sponsored the Grand National. Their support helped the race grow and improve. They even helped the Jockey Club buy and manage the racecourse. The last race sponsored by Seagram in 1991 was won by a horse named Seagram!

The Race That Never Was (1993)

The 1993 Grand National was a very unusual event. The race was declared void, meaning it didn't count, after a series of mix-ups.

At the start, there was a false start, but many jockeys didn't realize it. They kept racing! Officials tried to stop them with red flags, but some jockeys thought they were protesters. Seven horses finished the course, but because of the confusion, the race was canceled.

The Monday National (1997)

The 1997 Grand National had to be postponed. There was a security alert, and police had to evacuate everyone from the racecourse, including 60,000 spectators. Many people were stranded without their cars. Local residents kindly opened their homes to help those who were stuck. The race was finally run two days later, on a Monday.

Recent Grand National Moments (2004–Present)

In 2004, Ginger McCain, the famous trainer of Red Rum, returned to win the Grand National again! His horse, Amberleigh House, won the race. This made Ginger McCain one of only a few trainers to win the Grand National four times.

In 2009, a horse named Mon Mome won at very long odds of 100/1, surprising everyone! His trainer, Venetia Williams, became the first female trainer to win since 1995.

The 2010 Grand National was the first horse race in the UK to be shown on high-definition TV.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore made history! She became the first female jockey ever to win the Grand National, riding her horse Minella Times.

The 2023 Grand National faced delays due to protests about horse welfare. Following this, the organizers made several changes for the 2024 race, including reducing the number of horses allowed to run.

The 2025 Grand National was won by Patrick Mullins riding Nick Rockett. The most recent race, the 2026 Grand National, was won by I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend.

The Race Course

The Grand National takes place on the National Course at Aintree. Horses run two laps and cover a distance of 4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km). It's the longest National Hunt race in Britain! The course has a very long stretch to the finish line after the last fence, which is 494 yards (452 m) long.

When the Grand National first started in 1839, it was more like a cross-country race. Horses jumped over natural obstacles like gates, hedges, and ditches in the countryside around the racecourse. Today, that countryside is part of the modern course, but commentators still sometimes call it "the country."

Famous Fences

There are 16 fences on the National Course. They are topped with spruce branches from the Lake District. Many of the fences have flexible plastic cores now, which makes them safer than the old wooden ones. They are still topped with at least 14 inches (36 cm) of spruce. Some jumps are named after famous moments or people from the race's history. All 16 fences are jumped on the first lap. On the final lap, horses turn right towards the finish, skipping The Chair and the Water Jump.

Here are some of the famous fences:

Fence 1 & 17

Height: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m)
This fence is often met at high speed, which can cause horses to fall. Its drop on the landing side was made smaller after the 2011 race.

Fence 3 & 19 – Open Ditch

Height: 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m); with a 6 feet (1.83 m) ditch in front
This is the first big challenge, as horses are still getting used to the course.

Fence 6 & 22 – Becher's Brook

Height: 5 feet (1.52 m), with the landing side 6 inches (15 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm) lower than the takeoff side
This is one of the most famous fences! The drop on the landing side can surprise horses. It's named after Martin Becher, who fell here in the first Grand National and took shelter in the brook.

Fence 7 & 23 – Foinavon

Height: 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m)
This is one of the smaller fences. It was named in 1984 after the horse Foinavon won the 1967 race by avoiding a big pile-up here.

Fence 8 & 24 – Canal Turn

Height: 5 ft (1.52 m)
This fence is known for a very sharp 90-degree left turn right after landing. In the past, loose horses sometimes ended up in the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal!

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 supposedly jumped it backwards in 1840!

Fence 15 – The Chair

Height: 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m), with a 6 feet (1.8 m) wide ditch before it
This fence is unique because the ground on the landing side is higher than the takeoff side. It's a popular spot for spectators.

Fence 16 – Water Jump

Height: 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m)
This jump used to be a stone wall. It was always a great sight for those in the stands.

After the 30th fence on the final lap, horses turn right and head towards the finish line. This long "run-in" is where many races have been won or lost at the very last moment!

Grand National Records

Here are some amazing facts and 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 wins in 1973, 1974, 1977; and Amberleigh House in 2004)
• Willie Mullins – 4 wins (Hedgehunter, 2006; I Am Maximus, 2024, 2026; Nick Rockett, 2025)

Leading owners:

• J. P. McManus – 4 wins (Don't Push It, 2010; Minella Times, 2021; I Am Maximus, 2024, 2026)

• 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 jockey: Bruce Hobbs (1938); aged 17
• Longest odds winner: Tipperary Tim (1928), Caughoo (1947), Foinavon (1967), Mon Mome (2009); all 100/1
• Largest field: 66 runners (1929)
• Fewest horses to finish: 2 (1928)
• Most rides in the race: 21 (Richard Johnson, 1997–2019)

Recent Winners

The table below shows the winners of the last ten Grand Nationals:

Year	Horse	Age	Handicap (st-lb)	Jockey	Trainer	Owner(s)	SP
2026	I Am Maximus	10	11–12	Paul Townend	Willie Mullins	J. P. McManus	1004.5 9/2 F
2025	Nick Rockett	8	11–08	Patrick Mullins	Willie Mullins	Stewart & Sadie Andrew	1004.5 9/2 F
2024	I Am Maximus	8	11–06	Paul Townend	Willie Mullins	J. P. McManus	1007 7/1 JF
2023	Corach Rambler	9	10–05	Derek Fox	Lucinda Russell	The Ramblers	1008 8/1 F
2022	Noble Yeats	7	10-10	Sam Waley-Cohen	Emmet Mullins	Robert Waley-Cohen	1050 50/1
2021	Minella Times	8	10–03	Rachael Blackmore	Henry de Bromhead	J. P. McManus	1011 11/1
2019	Tiger Roll	9	11–05	Davy Russell	Gordon Elliott	Gigginstown House Stud	1004 4/1 F
2018	Tiger Roll	8	10–13	Davy Russell	Gordon Elliott	Gigginstown House Stud	1010 10/1
2017	One For Arthur	8	10–11	Derek Fox	Lucinda Russell	Two Golf Widows	1014 14/1
2016	Rule The World	9	10-07	David Mullins	Mouse Morris	Gigginstown House Stud	1033 33/1

Jockeys in the Grand National

In the past, the Grand National was meant for "gentlemen riders." These were people who weren't paid to race. But even in the early days, many professional riders took part. Over time, professional jockeys became much more common.

The last amateur rider to win the Grand National was Mr Patrick Mullins in 2025, riding Nick Rockett. Before that, Sam Waley-Cohen won in 2022 on Noble Yeats. Today, it's rare to see amateur riders in the race.

Female Jockeys Making History

Thanks to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, female jockeys can now enter the race. The first female jockey to compete was Charlotte Brew in the 1977 race.

In 1982, Geraldine Rees became the first female jockey to finish the race. More recently, female jockeys have had great success. In 2012, Katie Walsh finished third, which was the best result for a female jockey at the time.

A huge moment came in 2021 when Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National! She rode Minella Times to victory.

Jockeys with Many Rides

Jockeys today often have longer careers. This gives them more chances to ride in the Grand National. Richard Johnson holds the record for the most rides in the race, with 21 attempts between 1997 and 2019. However, he never won the race.

Many famous jockeys have tried and failed to win the Grand National. Even some who led over the last fence, like Dick Francis on Devon Loch in 1956, lost the race at the very end!

Horse Welfare and Safety

The Grand National is known for being a challenging race. Horse welfare is very important, and organizers work hard to make the race as safe as possible.

Safety Improvements Over Time

Over the years, officials at Aintree have made many changes to improve safety. They work with animal welfare groups to make fences less severe and improve medical care for horses.

In 2008, a new veterinary surgery was built at the racecourse. It has modern equipment like X-ray machines. Vets can treat horses quickly, and special horse ambulances can take injured horses to a nearby hospital if needed. Vets are also stationed around the course during the race to help immediately.

Some of the famous fences have been changed. For example, after the 1989 race, the brook at Becher's Brook was filled in. After the 2011 race, the landing side of Becher's was made flatter to slow horses down. Other fences have been made shorter, and the rules for which horses can enter the race are stricter.

The course was also widened in 2009. This allows horses to go around a fence if there's an incident. This happened in the 2011 race when horses were diverted around fences where other horses had fallen.

After the 2023 race, more big changes were announced for 2024. The number of horses allowed to run was reduced from 40 to 34. Fences were moved to help slow the race down at the start. These changes aim to protect both horses and jockeys even more.

Horse Injuries and Care

While organizers have made many improvements, injuries can still happen. The British Horseracing Authority reported that the rate of serious injuries in the Grand National is higher than in other jump races.

There were no serious injuries in the main Grand National race for seven years until 2019. In 2021, one horse was treated after the race. In 2022, two horses were treated for injuries. In 2023, one horse was treated after a fall.

In April 2025, there were concerns after a horse fell while leading and another needed attention after the race. Animal rights organizations often raise questions about horse safety in the Grand National. Organizers continue to review and improve safety measures for all participants.

Grand National Legends

In 2009, a poll was held to find the first "Grand National Legends." These special personalities were honored with plaques at Aintree.

The first legends included:

• Ginger McCain and his amazing three-time winning horse Red Rum.
• John Buckingham and Foinavon, the surprising winners of the 1967 race.
• Manifesto, a horse who ran in the race eight times and won twice.
• Jenny Pitman, the first woman to train a Grand National winner in 1983.
• Sir Peter O'Sullevan, a famous commentator who described 50 Grand Nationals on radio and TV.

Experts also chose three more legends:

• George Stevens, the jockey who won the race five times.
• Captain Martin Becher, who helped bring the race to Liverpool and gave his name to Becher's Brook.
• Edward Topham, whose family played a huge part in the race for over 100 years.

In 2011, nine more legends were added, including:

• 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 victory.
• Vincent O'Brien, who trained three winners in a row in the 1950s.

Sponsorship of the Race

The Grand National has had different sponsors over the years. These companies help fund the race and the festival around it.

Period	Sponsor	Branding
1975–1977	News of the World	News of the World Grand National
1978	The Sun	The Sun Grand National
1979	Colt Car Company	Colt Car Grand National
1980–1983	The Sun	The Sun Grand National
1984–1991	Seagram	Seagram Grand National
1992–2004	Martell	Martell Grand National
2005–2013	John Smith's	John Smith's Grand National
2014–2016	Crabbie's	Crabbie's Grand National
2017–2026	Randox Health	Randox Health Grand National (2017–2020) Randox Grand National (2021–present)

Since 1984, five different companies have sponsored the Grand National.

See also

In Spanish: Grand National para niños

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