The Grand National is the most bet-on horse race in Britain. It's run at Aintree Racecourse, just outside Liverpool, in April, on the Saturday of a three-day meeting, over about four and a quarter miles and 30 fences. Millions of people who never normally bet have a flutter, so it's also a big day for new visitors to a racing site.
How the race works
- Two circuits, 30 fences. The runners jump 16 fences on the first circuit and 14 on the second. The Chair and the Water Jump are jumped once only.
- Famous fences include Becher's Brook, the Canal Turn and the Chair, the tallest fence on the course.
- A handicap. Better-rated horses carry more weight, which is meant to give every runner a chance.
- A maximum of 34 runners since 2024, down from 40, when the race also moved to an earlier start time with a standing start closer to the first fence.
What to look for in a National horse
- Proven stamina over three and a half miles or more.
- A sound jumping record: falls and unseated riders in the form are a warning sign.
- Previous experience over the Grand National fences, for example in other races at the Aintree meeting.
- A weight the horse can carry: the top weights have a harder task.
Form figures tell you a lot of this at a glance. Our guide to reading a racecard explains them.
Betting each way on the National
With a big field and a genuine chance for outsiders, the Grand National is the classic each-way race. Standard terms for a handicap of 16 or more runners pay four places at a quarter of the odds, but most bookmakers pay extra places on the National, often five, six or more. Compare the terms: an extra place is often worth more than a slightly bigger price. See each-way betting explained for how the returns work.
FAQs
How many runners are in the Grand National?
The Grand National has a maximum field of 34 runners. It was reduced from 40 in 2024 as part of a set of safety changes, which also included a standing start and an earlier start time.
How many fences are in the Grand National?
Runners jump 30 fences over two circuits of Aintree's Grand National course: 16 on the first circuit and 14 on the second, because the Chair and the Water Jump are only jumped once.
How many places do bookmakers pay on the Grand National?
Standard each-way terms for a big-field handicap are four places at a quarter of the odds, but many bookmakers offer extra places on the Grand National as a promotion, often five to eight. Terms vary between bookmakers, so compare them before betting.