Grand National

Publication date: 25 Aug 2022

About the Grand National

The GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL RACE CARD is the most famous English steeplechase horse race held annually in April at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. The course is 3600 meters long. Athletes and their horses need to complete the course twice, overcoming 30 obstacles. Only half of the 40 riders who start the race reach the finish line. For many visitors even getting through the race is considered a victory. The event itself is a great spectacle. More than 100 000 spectators in the stands watch the races, and millions of people around the world watch the live TV broadcast. Interestingly, it is not the jockey who receives the prize but the horse’s owner.

The 2023 Aintree Grand National

The world-famous horse race, the 2023 Grand National, will take place from 13 to 15 April.

History of the Grand National

The Grand National was founded in 1829. It wasn’t until 1839 that the horse races became a national event, not least because an organizing committee was formed. The 1939 race was won by Jem Mason.

Throughout its history, the race was not held only in 1916-1918 and 1941-1945 due to hostilities. In 1993, the race was invalidated due to a bad start.

The 2020 Grand National was not held due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the first virtual race was held using CGI technology and based on 40-horse algorithms.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win a race. Her horse’s name is Minella Times. 

Previous Grand National results

2024 Grand National

It is known that the next Grand National will take place on 8 April 2024.

Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.