All you need to know about the 2023 Randox Grand National can be found in our comprehensive guide to the Aintree spectacular.
Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)
- When: 5.15pm, Saturday April 15
- Where: Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside
- TV: ITV1 & Racing TV (Sky channel 426)
- Odds: Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook
- Racecard & FREE video form
Grand National runners: The Final 40
(Horse/Age/Weight/Owner/Trainer)
- Any Second Now 11 11-12 Mr John P. McManus T. M. Walsh
- Noble Yeats 8 11-11 Mr Robert Waley-Cohen Emmet Mullins
- Galvin 9 11-11 Mr R. A. Bartlett Gordon Elliott
- Fury Road (9 11-6 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott
- The Big Dog 10 11-5 Damien J. Kelly/Colin Kelly Peter Fahey
- Capodanno 7 11-5 Mr John P. McManus W. P. Mullins
- Delta Work 10 11-4 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott
- Sam Brown 11 11-4 Mr T. C. Frost Anthony Honeyball
- Lifetime Ambition 8 11-3 Linda Mulcahy/Mary Wolridge Mrs J. Harrington
- Carefully Selected 11 11-1 Miss M. A. Masterson W. P. Mullins
- Coko Beach 8 11-0 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott
- Longhouse Poet 9 11-0 Sean & Bernardine Mulryan Martin Brassil
- Gaillard du Mesnil 7 11-0 Mrs J. Donnelly W. P. Mullins
- Darasso 10 10-13 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O'Brien
- Le Milos 8 10-11 The Jolly Good Partnership Dan Skelton
- Escaria Ten 9 10-10 McNeill Family Gordon Elliott
- The Big Breakaway 8 10-10 Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans Joe Tizzard
- Cape Gentleman 7 10-8 Mr Pierre Manigault John Joseph Hanlon
- Roi Mage 11 10-8 Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont Patrick Griffin
- Diol Ker 9 10-8 Gigginstown House Stud Noel Meade
- A Wave of The Sea 7 10-6 Mr John P. McManus Joseph Patrick O'Brien
- Minella Trump 9 10-6 Mr T. G. Leslie Donald McCain
- Vanillier 8 10-6 Mrs H. M. Keaveney Gavin Cromwell
- Velvet Elvis 7 10-6 Mr D. Kierans T. Gibney
- Ain't That A Shame 9 10-5 Robcour Henry de Bromhead
- Corach Rambler 9 10-5 The Ramblers Lucinda Russell
- Enjoy d'Allen 9 10-5 Mr John P. McManus Ciaran Murphy
- Mr Incredible 7 10-4 Mr P. Byrne W. P. Mullins
- Mister Coffey 8 10-4 Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford Nicky Henderson
- Cloudy Glen 10 10-4 Exors of the late Mr Trevor Hemmings Venetia Williams
- Hill Sixteen 10 10-2 J Fyffe & S Townshend Sandy Thomson
- Gabbys Cross 8 10-2 Mr R. S. Brookhouse Henry de Bromhead
- Recite A Prayer 8 10-1 The Turner Family W. P. Mullins
- Eva's Oskar 9 10-1 Sally & Richard Prince Tim Vaughan
- Our Power 8 10-0 Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group Sam Thomas
- Dunboyne 8 10-0 S. P. O'Connor Gordon Elliott
- Francky du Berlais 10 10-0 Mr Roddy Owen Peter Bowen
- Fortescue 9 10-0 Mrs L Nixon Henry Daly
- Back On The Lash 9 10-0 Maughan, Redknapp, Ryan, Salters Martin Keighley
- Born By The Sea 9 10-0 Natalie Gilligan Paul John Gilligan
When is the Grand National?
The 2023 Randox Grand National is due off at 5.15pm on Saturday April 15 at Aintree Racecourse.
Where can I watch it?
UK viewers can watch the race on ITV Racing or by subscribing to Racing TV.
ITV Racing is on Sky Channel 103 and Virgin Media Channel 103 - the full schedule will be released nearer the time.
Ed Chamberlin is the lead presenter, with Oli Bell hosting The Opening Show on Grand National day morning. Richard Hoiles is the main ITV commentator and the likes of Matt Chapman, Rishi Persad and Luke Harvey will be joined by National-winning jockeys Sir Anthony McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald and Ruby Walsh to provide their analysis.
Who is the Grand National favourite?
Last year's winner Noble Yeats is among the market leaders for the Randox Grand National. He caused a surprise when scoring at odds of 50/1 under now-retired amateur Sam Waley-Cohen in 2022 but has improved again this season and heads back to Aintree following a fine effort in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Corach Rambler won the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and is another leading contender according to the odds, with the Willie Mullins-trained Mr Incredible and Gordon Elliott's Glenfarclas Cross County Chase hero Delta Work also among the favourites.
Mullins also has another Festival winner Gaillard Du Mesnil and the JP McManus-owned Capodanno in the mix, while Longhouse Poet, Vanillier and Velvet Elvis are three of the more interesting outsiders.
Follow the links below to check out the latest odds and offers with our betting partners.
What is the Aintree Going?
- Chase & Hurdle Course: Good to Soft
- Grand National Course: Good to Soft
What is the Grand National course?
The Grand National is run over a distance of 4m2f and 74 yards.
It is open to seven-year-old horse and upwards who have finished in the first four in any steeplechase over a distance of 2m7f and 110 yards or more, and have run in at least six steeplechases altogether. They must be rated at least 125 and be seven years old or more.
A total of 30 fences are jumped, including Becher’s Brook, famed for its steep landing and jumped twice during the race. Despite having been reshaped for safety reasons, it remains a fearsome test and one of the most famous in jumps racing.
Becher's is followed by Foinavon, named after the only horse to clear it in the 1967 renewal. This obstacle is innocuous compared to what comes immediately before it, but still needs dealing with and can catch a horse out.
The Chair is almost unique in that it is jumped only once. It is tall and deep, with the ground on the landing side raised slightly, asking a horse to get organised quickly.
After The Chair comes the water jump, also jumped just once as runners head out on their final circuit.
Grand National Festival schedule and race times
THURSDAY APRIL 13 - Opening day
- 1.45pm Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f
- 2.20pm Jewson Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 1f ITV
- 2.55pm Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f ITV
- 3.30pm William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f ITV
- 4.05pm Randox Foxhunters’ Steeple Chase (Class 2) 2m 5f ITV
- 4.40pm Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 2m ITV
- 5.15pm Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2) 2m 1f
FRIDAY APRIL 14 - Ladies' day
- 1:45pm Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 3m 1f
- 2.20pm William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) 2m 4f ITV
- 2.55pm Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m ½f ITV
- 3.30pm Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1) 2m 4f ITV
- 4.05pm Randox Topham Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 2m 5f ITV
- 4.40pm Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f ITV
- 5.15pm Abersoch Land and Sea Handicap Hurdle (Conditional & Amateur Jockeys) (Class 2) 2m 1f
SATURDAY APRIL 15 - Grand National day
- 1:45pm EFT Systems Maghull Novices' Steeple Chase (Grade 1) 2m
- 2.25pm Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle 3m 1f ITV
- 3.00pm Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m 4f ITV
- 3.35pm JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m ½f ITV
- 4.15pm William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase 3m 1f ITV
- 5.15pm Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f ITV
- 6.20pm Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f
Grand National videos
Grand National preview and tips
Grand National quick fire horse-by-horse guide
Grand National Memories with Phil Turner
Grand National tips & features
Pinsticker's guide to the entire field
The entries are through for Saturday's Randox Grand National and you can check out David Ord's horse-by-horse guide to the great race.
Grand National Festival - Day three Value Bet preview
Our flagship tipping column recommended Noble Yeats at 50/1 in last year’s Randox Grand National – check out the unmissable preview for Saturday’s cracking Aintree card.
Five possible big gambles in the Grand National
Ben Linfoot takes a look at five horses that could be backed off the boards in the build-up to the 2023 Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Grand National course form - record over the Aintree fences
John Ingles highlights the runners in the Foxhunters', Topham and Grand National who have run well over the unique fences.
Donn McClean's Grand National Shortlist
The top Irish pundit and journalist Donn McClean reveals his three-horse shortlist for the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
Alex Hammond's Grand National shortlist
Sky Sports Racing's Alex Hammond delivers her predictions for the 2023 Randox Grand National in her latest blog.
My National shortlist - Ben Linfoot
Our top tipster Ben Linfoot reveals his three-horse shortlist for the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
My National shortlist - Rory Delargy
Half of the Punting Pointers duo Rory Delargy delivers his shortlist for the Randox Grand National.
My National shortlist - Simon Holt
Top commentator and star tipster Simon Holt nominates the trio of horses currently heading up his Randox Grand National shortlist.
Graham Cunningham - Reach for the L plates in National
It's that time of year and our columnist's Grand National File is all you'll need to be prepared for this year's Aintree showpiece.
How to win the National - the jockey's perspective
We have a conversation with Grand National-winning jockey Daryl Jacob about the day he won the 2012 renewal aboard Neptune Collonges.
The biggest jumping upsets
John Ingles looks at the jumpers who have pulled off shock victories.
Matt Brocklebank's Antepost Value Bet
Our flagship racing tipster is already thinking ahead to Aintree and he has a couple of 33/1 shots to consider for the 2023 Randox Grand National.
Mark Howard's Eyecatchers
The Racing TV pundit and author Mark Howard highlights several horses to follow from Cheltenham.
Who is 'well in' for the 2023 Grand National?
Grand National unlucky losers: Devon Loch
Any list of unlucky losers in the Randox Grand National can only start in once place. Phil Turner remembers Devon Loch.
Grand National Greats: Golden Miller
Grand National Greats: L'Escargot
Let's talk about... favourite National horses
Our racing team recall some of their favourite horses to have contested the Grand National over the years as our week reminiscing about all things Aintree continues.
Let's talk about... Foinavon
The luckiest winner in Grand National history? 100/1 shot Foinavon emerged from a melee to win in 1967 and we want your recollections of this famous day - as well as your own good-luck stories.
Grand National Sweepstake
Will appear here...
Grand National results & starting prices
Here is a list of previous Grand National winners and their starting prices since the second World War. Seven clear favourites have won the race, with three winners at 100/1.
2022: Noble Yeats (50/1)
2021: Minella Times (11/1)
2020: Meeting abandoned due to Covid
2019: Tiger Roll (4/1 favourite)
2018: Tiger Roll (10/1)
2017: One For Arthur (14/1)
2016: Rule The World (33/1)
2015: Many Clouds (25/1)
2014: Pineau De Re (25/1)
2013: Auroras Encore (66/1)
2012: Neptune Collonges (33/1)
2011: Ballabriggs (14/1)
2010: Don’t Push It (10/1 joint-favourite)
2009: Mon Mome (100/1)
2008: Comply or Die (7/1 joint-favourite)
2007: Silver Birch (33/1)
2006: Numbersixvalverde (11/1)
2005: Hedgehunter (7/1 favourite)
2004: Amberleigh Hous (16/1)
2003: Monty’s Pass (16/1)
2002: Bindaree (20/1)
2001: Red Marauder (33/1)
2000: Papillon (10/1)
1999: Bobbyjo (10/1)
1998: Earth Summit (7/1 favourite)
1997: Lord Gyllene (14/1)
1996: Rough Quest (7/1 favourite)
1995: Royal Athlete (40/1)
1994: Miinnehoma (16/1)
1992: Party Politics (14/1)
1991: Seagram (12/1)
1990: Mr Frisk (16/1)
1989: Little Polveir (28/1)
1988: Rhyme ‘n’ Reason (10/1)
1987: Maori Venture (28/1)
1986: West Tip (15/2)
1985: Last Suspect (50/1)
1984: Hallo Dandy (13/1)
1983: Corbiere (13/1)
1982: Grittar (7/1 favourite)
1981: Aldaniti (10/1)
1980: Ben Nevis (40/1)
1979: Rubstic (25/1)
1978: Lucius (14/1)
1977: Red Rum (9/1)
1976: Rag Trade (14/1)
1975: L’Escargot (13/2)
1974: Red Rum (11/1)
1973: Red Rum (9/1 joint-favourite)
1972: Well To Do (14/1)
1971: Specify (28/1)
1970: Gay Trip (15/1)
1969: Highland Wedding (100/9)
1968: Red Alligator (100/7)
1967: Foinavon (100/1)
1966: Anglo (50/1)
1965: Jay Trump (100/6)
1964: Team Spirit (18/1)
1963: Ayala (66/1)
1962: Kilmore (28/1)
1961: Nicolaus Silver (28/1)
1960: Merryman II (13/2 favourite)
1959: Oxo (8/1)
1958: Mr What (18/1)
1957: Sundew (20/1)
1956: E.S.B. (100/7)
1955: Quare Times (100/9)
1954: Royal Tan (8/1)
1953: Early Mist (20/1)
1952: Teal (100/7)
1951: Nickel Coin (40/1)
1950: Freebooter (10/1 favourite)
1949: Russian Hero (66/1)
1948: Sheila’s Cottage (50/1)
1947: Caughoo (100/1)
1946: Lovely Cottage (25/1)
Do favourites have a good record in the Grand National?
Check out the recent fate of the favourite in the famous Aintree marathon.
Year Favourite SP Result
2022 Any Second Now 15/2 Second
2021 Cloth Cap 11/2 Pulled up before three out.
2020 Race cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic
2019 TIGER ROLL 4/1 WON.
2018 Total Recall 7/1 Pulled up before two out.
2017 Blaklion 8/1 Fourth.
2016 The Last Samuri 8/1 Second. Many Clouds 8/1 16th.
2015 Shutthefrontdoor 6/1 Fifth.
2014 Double Seven 10/1 Third. Teaforthree 10/1 unseated rider 15th.
2013 Seabass 11/2 13th.
2012 Seabass 8/1 Third, Shakalakaboomboom 8/1 Ninth.
2011 The Midnight Club 15/2 Sixth.
2010 DON’T PUSH IT 10/1 WON. Big Fella Thanks 10/1 Fourth.
2009 Butler’s Cabin 7/1 Seventh.
2008 COMPLY OR DIE 7/1 WON. Cloudy Lane 7-1 Sixth.
2007 Point Barrow 8/1 Fell 1st. Joes Edge 8/1 Pulled before 20th, Monkerhostin 8/1 Refused 7th.
2006 Hedgehunter 5/1 Second. Clan Royal 5/1 Third.
2005 HEDGEHUNTER 7/1 WON.
2004 Clan Royal 10/1 Second. Bindaree 10/1 Unseated rider 6th. Joss Naylor 10/1 Pulled up before 19th. Jurancon II 10/1 Fell 4th.
2003 Shotgun Willy 7/1 Pulled up after 21st.
2002 Blowing Wind 8/1 Third.
2001 Edmond 10/1 Fell at the Chair (15th). Inis Cara 10/1 Fell 4th. Moral Support 10/1 Hampered and refused first Canal Turn (8th).
Grand National Quiz
QUESTIONS:
1. Which dual winner of the Grand National ran in the race eight times and now has a race at the meeting named after him?
2. Leighton Aspell won the race back-to-back in 2014 and 2015. Can you name both horses?
3. What horse was second to Mr Frisk when he broke the course record in 1990?
4. The 1967 Grand National is one of the most famous of all and the winner now has a fence named after him – what is its name?
5. How old was Red Rum when he won his first Grand National in 1973?
6. American import Ben Nevis won in 1980 ridden by American amateur Charlie Fenwick. Who trained him while he was in England?
7. When Red Marauder was successful in 2001, how many horses completed the course?
8. Racing was in mourning in October when owner Trevor Hemmings died at the age of 86. How many times did he see his colours carried to victory?
9. In 2012 Neptune Collonges recorded the shortest winning distance in the race when prevailing by a nose and was retired on the spot. But who did he beat?
10. What was unusual about Rule The World’s win in 2016?
11. Ginger McCain is famous for training thee-times winner Red Rum, but he won the race with another horse. Can you name him?
12. In 1997 Lord Gyllene won the race for trainer Steve Brookshaw and jockey Tony Dobbin. But for what other reason is that year particularly remembered for?
13. Which father and son duo won with Bobbyjo in 1999?
14. Anne, Duchess of Westminster owned the one and only Arkle. But she also won the Grand National. Can you name her winner?
15. Name either of the two horses to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.
16. Seagram was ridden to victory in 1991 by Nigel Hawke. What was his connection to dual winner Tiger Roll?
17. Snow Leopardess is aiming to become the first mare since when to win the race?
18. During World War One which racecourse staged a substitute version becoming the race’s temporary home and is now the site of an airport?
19. Sir Anthony McCoy’s only National win came in 2010 with Don’t Push It. What price was the horses returned?
20. Rachael Blackmore created history on Minella Times last year, beating stablemate Balko Des Flos. Who rode Balko Des Flos?
Scroll down to the bottom of article for the answers...
Randox Grand National in numbers
4 – The record number of wins for a trainer in the Grand National. This was achieved by the late Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain with Red Rum (1973, 1974 and 1977) and Amberleigh House (2004) – and the late Fred Rimell with ESB (1956), Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970) and Rag Trade (1976)
4 – The number of times greys have won the Grand National, The Lamb (1868 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges (2012)
4m 2f 74y – The distance of the Randox Grand National
5 – Of the last 22 Grand National winners have been clear or joint favourites
5 – The number of times George Stevens rode the winner of the Grand National – Freetrader (1856), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864) and The Colonel (1869 and 1870), the most of any jockey
7 – The minimum age a horse can be to run in the Grand National
8 mins 47.8 secs – The fastest winning time for the Grand National, set by Mr Frisk (1990)
9st 6lb – The lightest winning weight in Grand National history, carried by Freetrader in 1856. The minimum weight for the Randox Grand National is now 10st.
11/4 – The shortest-priced winner of the Grand National ever, Poethlyn (1919)
12st 7lb – The largest winning weight ever in the Grand National, carried by Poethlyn (1919), Jerry M (1912), Manifesto (1899) and Cloister (1893).
11st 10lb – The maximum weight that can now be carried in the Grand National.
13 – The number of times mares have won the Grand National – Charity (1841), Miss Mowbray (1852), Anatis (1860), Jealousy (1861), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), Casse Tete (1872), Empress (1880), Zoedone (1883), Frigate (1889), Shannon Lass (1902), Sheila’s Cottage (1948) and Nickel Coin (1951)
14 mins 53 secs – The slowest winning time for the Grand National, set by Lottery (1839)
17 – The age of the youngest jockey to win the Grand National, Bruce Hobbs on Battleship (1938)
29 – The number of times a female rider has competed in the Grand National
30 – The number of fences jumped in the Randox Grand National
40 – The maximum number of runners in the Randox Grand National
48 – The age of the oldest rider to win the Grand National, the amateur Dick Saunders on Grittar (1982)
68 – The age of the oldest rider to complete the Grand National, the amateur Tim Durant on Highlandie, who came home 15th in 1968
100/1 – The biggest starting price for a Grand National winner, allocated to Tipperary Tim (1928), Gregalach (1929), Caughoo (1947), Foinavon (1967) and Mon Mome (2009)
173rd – Running of the Grand National in 2021
181 years – The number of years since the running of the first race named the Grand National, won by Lottery in 1839
1840 – The first time an amateur rider won the Grand National, Mr Bretherton on Jerry
1934 – The only year a racehorse – Golden Miller – has won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National
1975 – The second and latest time a racehorse – L’Escargot – won the Grand National after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but unlike the first – Golden Miller – not in the same year
1977 – The first year a female rider took part in the Grand National, Charlotte Brew on Barony Fort
1982 – The first year a female rider completed the Grand National, Geraldine Rees, finishing 8th on Cheers
1990 – The last time an amateur rider won the Grand National, Marcus Armytage on Mr Frisk
2012 – Katie Walsh became the highest placed female rider in Grand National history, finishing third on Seabass
2012 – The shortest winning margin in Grand National history, when just a nose separated winner Neptune Collonges from Sunnyhillboy
£1,500,000 – The amount spent at Aintree on welfare measures in recent years
9,600,000 – The peak live terrestrial TV viewing audience for the 2019 Grand National
£50,000,000 – Spent on new and upgraded facilities at Aintree in the last 30 years
600,000,000 – The estimated global television audience for the Randox Grand National
What are the most famous Grand National stories and landmarks?
1837: THE DUKE wins the first Great Liverpool Steeplechase at Maghull, some three miles from the present site of Aintree racecourse.
1839: Aintree becomes the new home for the event, with LOTTERY carrying off the prize and Captain Martin Becher christening the now-famous brook as he crawls in for safety after a fall.
1847: MATTHEW records the first Irish-trained victory on the day the race is officially named the Grand National.
1897: MANIFESTO, the 6-1 favourite, records the first of his two wins in the race. He ran eight times up to the age of 16, also finishing third three times and fourth once.
1927: Ted Leader rides SPRIG to a popular victory in the first National to be covered by a BBC radio commentary.
1934: The legendary GOLDEN MILLER becomes the only horse ever to win the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season, carrying 12st 2lb to victory in record time.
1956: DEVON LOCH and jockey Dick Francis, looking certain to give the Queen Mother victory when clear on the run-in, suddenly sprawls flat on the ground yards from the winning post, allowing ESB to win.
1967: The year of the horrific pile-up at the 23rd. John Buckingham and complete outsider FOINAVON avoid the melee and gallop on to a 100-1 win.
1977: The incomparable RED RUM rewrites the record books with his historic third victory. ‘Rummy’ had five runs, with three wins and two seconds, from the age of eight to 12.
1979: RUBSTIC makes history by becoming the first Scottish-trained winner. His homecoming party was heralded by a piper leading him back to the hamlet of Denholm, Roxburghshire.
1981: ALDANITI, nursed back from career-threatening injury three times, wins a fairytale National ridden by Bob Champion, who fought, and beat, cancer.
1982: Dick Saunders, at the age of 48, becomes the oldest winning jockey on GRITTAR. Geraldine Rees becomes the first woman to complete the course, riding the leg-weary CHEERS.
1983: Years of doubt about the National’s future are ended when the Jockey Club, helped by public donations, buys the course. CORBIERE’s victory ensures Jenny Pitman goes into the history books as the first woman to train the winner.
1987: Jim Joel becomes the oldest winning owner at 92. He is on his way back from South Africa when MAORI VENTURE wins a thrilling race from The Tsarevich.
1993: The darkest day in the history of the National. There is chaos after a second false start as most of the field continue. John White passes the post first on the Jenny Pitman-trained ESHA NESS, only to discover the race has been declared void.
1994: MIINNEHOMA, owned by comedian Freddie Starr, gives multiple champion trainer Martin Pipe his first National victory, and 51-year-old grandmother Rosemary Henderson completes the course on her own horse FIDDLERS PIKE, who finishes fifth.
1995: Jenny Pitman, the first lady of Aintree, gains her second success – two years late – with ROYAL ATHLETE.
1997: A bomb hoax causes Aintree to be evacuated, but the great race is staged two days late and is won in spectacular style by LORD GYLLENE.
1999: Father-and-son trainer-jockey team Tommy and Paul Carberry combine to land a first Irish win for 24 years with BOBBYJO.
2001: RED MARAUDER and Smarty are the only horses to put in clear rounds in a race run in atrocious conditions, though all horses return fine.
2003: MONTY’S PASS lands a massive gamble, with owner Mike Futter netting close to £1million from ante-post bets.
2004: Ginger McCain, veteran trainer of Red Rum, enjoys an emotional victory as 12-year-old AMBERLEIGH HOUSE lands the spoils, having been third in 2003.
2005: HEDGEHUNTER becomes the first horse since Corbiere in 1983 to carry more than 11st to victory in the great race, romping clear in great style under Ruby Walsh to slam Royal Auclair by 14 lengths.
2008: COMPLY OR DIE allows David Pipe to join his legendary father, Martin, in the record books as a National-winning trainer in just his second season.
2009: MON MOME becomes the biggest-priced winner since Foinavon when powering home at 100-1 for trainer Venetia Williams and jockey Liam Treadwell.
2010: DON’T PUSH IT, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by legendary gambler JP McManus, provides perennial champion jockey Tony McCoy with his first success at the 15th attempt.
2011: DONALD McCAIN, son of Ginger, follows in the footsteps of his four-time National-winning father as he sends out Ballabriggs to glory under Jason Maguire.
2012: NEPTUNE COLLONGES becomes the first grey to win since Nicolaus Silver in 1961, getting up right on the line to beat Sunnyhillboy by a nose. KATIE WALSH finishes third on SEABASS to achieve the best placing yet by a female rider.
2015: It is a moment Leighton Aspell will never forget as the victory of MANY CLOUDS makes it back-to-back wins for the jockey after Pineau De Re in 2014. Also one Tony McCoy will remember, albeit for different reasons, as his honourable fifth-placed finish on SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR is his last ride in the great race before retirement.
2017: ONE FOR ARTHUR becomes the first Scottish-trained winner since 1979 as he triumphs for Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox.
2019: The remarkable TIGER ROLL becomes the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals as he defies a 9lb rise for owner Gigginstown House Stud and trainer Gordon Elliott, who was winning his third National after Silver Birch in 2007.
2020: For the first time since World War II, the race is cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2021: RACHAEL BLACKMORE becomes the first female jockey to win the race as she steers the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times to victory over stablemate Balko Des Flos.
Grand National records
Leading horse:
- Red Rum – 3 wins (1973, 1974, 1977)
Leading jockey:
- George Stevens – 5 wins (Freetrader, 1856; Emblem 1863; Emblematic, 1864; The Colonel, 1869, 1870)
Leading trainers:
- George Dockeray – 4 wins (Lottery, 1839; Jerry, 1840; Gaylad, 1842; Miss Mowbray, 1852)
- Fred Rimell – 4 wins (E.S.B., 1956; Nicolaus Silver, 1961; Gay Trip, 1970; Rag Trade, 1976)
- Ginger McCain – 4 wins (Red Rum, 1973, 1974, 1977; Amberleigh House, 2004)
Leading owners:
- James Octavius Machell – 3 wins (Disturbance, 1873; Reugny, 1874; Regal, 1876)
- 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)
- Fastest winning time: Mr. Frisk (1990); 8:47.80
- Slowest winning time: Lottery (1839); 14:53
- 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 greys
WINNERS:
Three different grey horses have won the Grand National four times:
The Lamb (1868 and 1871)
Nicolaus Silver 1961)
Neptune Collonges (2012).
GREYS PLACED SINCE 1997:
1997 Suny Bay (2nd), 1998 Suny Bay (2nd), 2002 What’s Up Boys (2nd), 2002 Kingsmark (4th), 2008 King Johns Castle (2nd)
Grand National mares
WINNING MARES (13):
Charity (1841), Miss Mowbray (1852), Anatis (1860), Jealousy (1861), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), Casse Tete (1872), Empress (1880), Zoedone (1883), Frigate (1889), Shannon Lass (1902), Sheila’s Cottage (1948) and Nickel Coin (1951).
PLACED MARES SINCE 1951:
Gentle Moya (2nd 1956), Tiberetta (3rd 1957, 2nd 1958 & 4th 1959), Miss Hunter (3rd 1970), Eyecatcher (3rd 1976 and 1977), Auntie Dot (3rd 1991), Ebony Jane (4th 1994), Dubacilla (4th 1995) and Magic Of Light (2nd 2019).
Grand National reserves
Since 2000, every year bar four (2004-39, 2015-39, 2016-39, 2018-38) has seen a full field of 40 line up in the Grand National. This is partly due to a system of reserves begun in 2000.
The 40 declared runners for the Grand National are revealed over 48 hours before the race, shortly after 10am on the Thursday, and up to four reserves are decided then too.
The reserves can be utilised if one of the original declarations is a non-runner by 1pm (used to be 9am up to and including 2015) on the day before the race. The change to the deadline for reserves was made after Carlito Brigante was taken out in 2015 at 11.12am on the Friday, leaving 39 to face the starter.
A total of 10 reserves have run in the Randox Grand National.
More Grand National facts and figures
Grand National – in numbers
1 – Rachael Blackmore is the only woman to have ridden a Grand National winner – on Minella Times in 2021.
2 – Dual winners of the National are not a complete rarity over the years, with nine horses having won the race twice – most recently Tiger Roll in 2019.
3 – Red Rum is the only horse to have won the race three times, in 1973, 74 and 77.
4 – Ginger McCain, Red Rum’s trainer, was also successful with Amberleigh House in 2004 meaning he shares the record with Fred Rimell and George Dockeray for the most wins in the race at four.
5 – The number of times George Stevens rode the winner of the Grand National – Free Trader (1856), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864) and The Colonel (1869 and 1870) – the most of any jockey.
6 – 6-1 was the SP of 1920 winner Troytown, who has a handicap chase named after him at Navan.
7 – The minimum age of a horse allowed to run in the National is seven.
8 – Jonjo O’Neill trained 2010 winner Don’t Push It, but had eight rides in the race and never completed the course.
9 – Most common age of the winner. 46 of 174 runnings (with a winning age recorded).
10 – In 2010 the 10-year-old Don’t Push It won as the 10-1 joint-favourite
11 – Gordon Elliott saddled 11 runners in 2019.
12 – Peter Scudamore, champion jockey eight times, had 12 rides in the race without winning.
13 – Total number of mares to win the race. Charity (1841), Miss Mowbray (1852), Anatis (1860), Jealousy (1861), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), Casse Tete (1872), Empress (1880), Zoedone (1883), Frigate (1889), Shannon Lass (1902), Sheila’s Cottage (1948) and Nickel Coin (1951).
14 – Hedgehunter won by 14 lengths in 2005 to give Willie Mullins his first win in the race and Ruby Walsh his second.
15 – It took Sir Anthony McCoy 15 attempts before finally winning the National on Don’t Push It.
16 – Manifesto, who ran in the race eight times, winning twice, made his final appearance at the age of 16 in 1904.
17 – Bruce Hobbs is the youngest jockey to win the National on Battleship in 1938.
18 – In 2018 Tiger Roll won the first of his two Grand Nationals. The Covid-19 pandemic denied him the chance to win a third.
19 – In 1919 the shortest-priced winner of the race Poethlyn (11-4) won.
20 – Tom Scudamore rode in the race 20 times before his recent retirement and was never placed.
21 – Champion jockey Richard Johnson had 21 rides in the race without winning. The closest he came was What’s Up Boys (2002) and Balthazar King (2014) who were both second.
22 – In 2022 amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen announced his ride on Noble Yeats would be the last of his career, and promptly went and won it.
23 – The largest number to complete the course in 1984 when Hello Dandy won
24 – Bobbyjo became the first Irish winner for 24 years when providing father and son Tommy and Paul Carberry with a famous success.
25 – Rubstic, the first of only two Grand National winners trained in Scotland in 1979 was returned at 25-1. One For Arthur (Lucinda Russell) is the other.
26 – In 1926 Jack Horner won, ridden by Tasmanian-born William (Billy) Watkinson. Sadly Watkinson died in a fall at Bogside just three weeks later.
27 – The first radio commentary was on the BBC in 1927, the race was won by Sprig.
28 – In 1928 the smallest number of finishers completed the course when just two came home with Tipperary Tim winning.
29 – In 1929 the biggest ever field went to post, 66.
30 – There are 30 fences on the Grand National course.
31 – Philip Hobbs has had 31 runners in the race without a winner.
32 – Tom Rimell won in 1932 with 50-1 chance Forbra. Tom’s son, Fred, went on to train four Grand National winners.
33 – Carrie Ford was 33 when, in 2005, she finished fifth on Forest Gunner – the highest placing for a female rider at that time.
34 – Golden Miller became the first and so far only horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year.
35 – Former actress Mirabel Topham becomes a director of Tophams Ltd and remained in control of Aintree until its sale in 1973.
36 – Reynoldstown, ridden by Fulke Walwyn and trained and owned by Noel Furlong, win the second of his two Grand Nationals in 1936.
37 – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Aintree for the first time in the Coronation year of 1937, with Royal Mail an apt winner. Queen Elizabeth would later see her own Devon Loch snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in 1956.
38 – In 1838 the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase attracted just three runners. It was one of three unofficial precursors of the official Grand National.
39 – Lottery is classed as the winner of the first Grand National in 1839 for historical purposes. The race was renamed the Grand National in 1847.
40 – The maximum number of runners in the Grand National.
Has a female jockey ever won the Grand National?
YES - Rachael Blackmore became the first female rider to win the Randox Grand National at Aintree when partnering Minella Times to victory in 2021.
COMPLETE RECORD OF FEMALE RIDERS (Ms, Miss, Mrs denotes an amateur rider):
2021 Rachael Blackmore Minella Times 11/1 WON
2021 Tabitha Worsley Sub Lieutenant 50/1 14th
2020 - Meeting abandoned due to COVID
2019 Rachael Blackmore Valseur Lido 66/1 10th
2019 Lizzie Kelly Tea For Two 25/1 PU 29th
2018 Bryony Frost Milansbar 25/1 5th
2018 Ms Katie Walsh Baie Des Iles 16/1 12th
2018 Rachael Blackmore Alpha Des Obeaux 33/1 F 15th
2017 Ms Katie Walsh Wonderful Charm 28/1 19th
2016 Ms Nina Carberry Sir Des Champs 20/1 F 15th
2016 Ms Katie Walsh Ballycasey 50/1 UR 29th
2015 Ms Nina Carberry First Lieutenant 14/1 16th
2014 Ms Katie Walsh Vesper Bell 40/1 13th
2013 Ms Katie Walsh Seabass 11/2F 13th
2012 Ms Nina Carberry Organisedconfusion 20/1 UR 8th
2012 Ms Katie Walsh Seabass 8/1JF 3rd
2011 Ms Nina Carberry Character Building 25/1 15th
2010 Ms Nina Carberry Character Building 16/1 7th
2006 Ms Nina Carberry Forest Gunner 33/1 9th
2005 Carrie Ford Forest Gunner 8/1 5th
1994 Mrs Rosemary Henderson Fiddlers Pike 100/1 5th
1989 Tarnya Davis Numerate 100/1 PU 21st
1988 Penny Ffitch-Heyes Hettinger 200/1 F 1st
1988 Gee Armytage Gee-A 33/1 PU 26th
1988 Miss Venetia Williams Marcolo 200/1 F 6th
1987 Jacqui Oliver Eamons Owen 200/1 UR 15th
1984 Mrs Valerie Alder Bush Guide 33/1 F 8th
1983 Mrs Joy Carrier King Spruce 28/1 UR 6th
1983 Mrs Geraldine Rees Midday Welcome 500/1 FELL 1st
1982 Miss Charlotte Brew Martinstown 100/1 UR 3rd
1982 Mrs Geraldine Rees Cheers 66/1 8th
1981 Mrs Linda Sheedy Deiopea 100/1 REF 19th
1980 Mrs Jenny Hembrow Sandwilan 100/1 PU 19th
1979 Mrs Jenny Hembrow Sandwilan 100/1 FELL 1st
1977 Miss Charlotte Brew Barony Fort 200/1 REF 27th
FIRST TO TAKE PART:
Charlotte Brew on Barony Fort in 1977.
FIRST TO COMPLETE:
Geraldine Rees, eighth on Cheers in 1982.
Grand National Quiz
ANSWERS:
1. Manifesto
2. Pineau De Re and Many Clouds
3. Durham Edition
4. Foinavon
5. Eight
6. Captain Tim Forster
7. Four
8. Three (Hedgehunter 2005, Ballabriggs 2011 and Many Clouds 2015)
9. Sunnyhillboy
10. It was his first win over fences
11. Amberleigh House
12. It was run on a Monday due a bomb scare on the Saturday
13. Tommy and Paul Carberry
14. Last Suspect (1985)
15. Golden Miller and L’Escargot
16. He bought the horse for £10,000 at the sales and trained him for his first win over hurdles
17. Nickel Coin (1951)
18. Gatwick
19. 10-1 joint-favourite
20. Aidan Coleman