Grand National

This article is about the British horse race. For other uses, see Grand National (disambiguation).

Grand National
Premier Handicap race
The Grand National in 2011
LocationAintree Racecourse
Aintree, Merseyside, England
Inaugurated26 February 1839; 185 years ago (1839-02-26)
Race typeSteeplechase
SponsorRandox
WebsiteGrand National
Race information
Distance4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km)
SurfaceTurf
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationSeven-years-old and up
Rated 125 or more by BHA
Previously placed in a recognised chase of 2 miles 7½ furlongs or more
WeightHandicap
Maximum: 11 st 10 lb
Purse£1,000,000 (2022)
Winner: £500,000
Grand National
2024
Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap MAROON, WHITE star and armlets, ROYAL BLUE cap Maroon, yellow stars, maroon sleeves, striped cap
I Am Maximus Delta Work Minella Indo
Previous years
2023
Purple, yellow chevrons, armlets and star on cap Red, yellow cross of lorraine and armlets, red and dark blue striped cap Yellow and black check, yellow sleeves, yellow cap, black star
Corach Rambler Vanillier Gaillard Du Mesnil
2022
Brown, orange seams and sleeves, orange and brown quartered cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap
Noble Yeats Any Second Now Delta Work
2021
Emerald green, yellow hoops, emerald green cap, white star Navy and yellow diamonds, maroon diamond hoop, orange collar and cuffs, orange cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap
Minella Times Balko Des Flos Any Second Now
2020-2011
2019
Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap Emerald green, yellow chevron and sleeves, red cap Dark blue and white diamonds, white sleeves, red cap
Tiger Roll Magic Of Light Rathvinden
2018
Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap Black and white check, yellow sleeves, black and white quartered cap Mauve, white hoops, halved sleeves, mauve cap
Tiger Roll Pleasant Company Bless The Wings
2017
Royal blue, white cross belts, maroon sleeves, white cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, emerald green cap, white star Light green, yellow inverted triangle, yellow sleeves, red diamonds, yellow cap, red diamonds
One For Arthur Cause Of Causes Saint Are
2016
Maroon, white star, armlets and star on cap Dark blue and yellow (quartered), striped sleeves Royal blue and yellow hoops, royal blue sleeves, royal blue cap, yellow star
Rule The World The Last Samuri Vics Canvas
2015
Emerald green and yellow (quartered), white sleeves and cap Light green, yellow inverted triangle, yellow sleeves, red diamonds, yellow cap, red diamonds Red, white stripe, white and red diabolo on sleeves
Many Clouds Saint Are Monbeg Dude
2014
White, emerald green stripe, white sleeves, dark blue armlets Red, royal blue stars, hooped sleeves and star on cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap
Pineau De Re Balthazar King Double Seven
2013
Royal blue, yellow diamond, checked sleeves, royal blue cap, yellow diamond Royal blue, pink hoop Dark blue and white stripes, halved sleeves
Auroras Encore Cappa Bleu Teaforthree
2012
Yellow, red star, yellow sleeves, white armlets, yellow cap, red star Emerald green, yellow hoops, emerald green cap, white star Maroon, white braces and sleeves
Neptune Collonges Sunnyhillboy Seabass
2011
Emerald green and yellow (quartered), white sleeves and cap Brown, orange seams and sleeves, orange and brown quartered cap Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap
Ballabriggs Oscar Time Don't Push It
2010-2001
2010
Emerald green, yellow hoops, white cap Emerald green, royal blue chevrons on sleeves, emerald green cap, royal blue star Royal blue, pink hoop
Don't Push It Black Apalachi State of Play
2009
Emerald green, purple armlets Royal blue, emerald green sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots white and black halved, red sleeves and cap
Mon Mome Comply Or Die My Will
2008
Royal blue, emerald green sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots EMERALD GREEN and ORANGE HOOPED, green and orange quartered cap Yellow, Black braces, Yellow and White quartered cap
Comply Or Die King Johns Castle Snowy Morning
2007
Black, light blue star, light blue sleeves, black stars, light blue cap Dark Green, Red chevron, quartered cap Royal Blue and White check, Royal Blue sleeves and cap
Silver Birch Mckelvey Slim Pickings
2006
Emerald green, black sleeves, white cap Emerald green and yellow (quartered), white sleeves and cap Emerald green and yellow hoops, white cap
Numbersixvalverde Hedgehunter Clan Royal
2005
Emerald green and yellow (quartered), white sleeves and cap Emerald green, yellow spots, yellow and emerald green halved sleeves, purple cap Red, white sash, green sleeves, white armlets, green cap
Hedgehunter Royal Auclair Simply Gifted
2004
Black, Red and White striped sleeves, hooped cap Emerald green and yellow hoops, white cap Royal blue, emerald green sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots
Amberleigh House Clan Royal Lord Atterbury
2003
Green, red stars, white sleeves and cap with red stars Royal blue, dark blue chevrons on body, white cap Black, Red and White striped sleeves, hooped cap
Monty's Pass Supreme Glory Amberleigh House
2002
Emerald green, white stars, emerald green cap, white star Red, black diabolo, hooped sleeves, quartered cap Dark Blue, Yellow cross belts, collar and cuffs, striped cap
Bindaree What's Up Boys Blowing Wind
2001
Red, blue hoop, hoops on sleeves, hooped cap dark blue, pink sash, pink sleeves, dark blue armlets, dark blue cap with pink spots Dark Blue, Yellow cross belts, collar and cuffs, striped cap
Red Marauder Smarty Blowing Wind
2000–1991
2000
Emerald green, light blue seams, emGreen sleeves, emGreen cap,light blue star Black, white hoops, spots on sleeves, hooped cap Grey, maroon hoop, maroon sleeves, grey armlets, quartered cap
Papillon Mely Moss Niki Dee
1999
Red, yellow cross of lorraine and sleeves, green and yellow striped cap Blue and pink (halved), hooped sleeves, quartered cap Royal blue, red chevrons, white sleeves, blue cap, red hoops
Bobbyjo Blue Charm Call It A Day
1998
Black, yellow seams, yellow sleeves, quartered cap Blue, white star, white stars on sleeves and cap Black yellow stars, red sleeves, yellow stars on cap
Earth Summit Suny Bay Samlee
1997
Green and white stripes, black and white striped sleeves Blue, white star, white stars on sleeves and cap Emerald green and white diabolo, emerald green cap
Lord Gyllene Suny Bay Camelot Knight
1996
Navy blue, green sash, cerise cap Green, red cross of lorraine, red sleeves, green armlets, red cap White, red checked sleeves, red cap
Rough Quest Encore Un Peu Superior Finish
1995
Dark Blue, White sleeves, Dark Blue seams, Red cap, Dark Blue spots Pink, purple cross belts, hooped sleeves, purple cap
Royal Athlete Party Politics Over The Deel
1994
Red, yellow star, yellow sleeves, yellow cap, red star Dark blue, pink cap, dark blue star Red and yellow (quartered), red sleeves, yellow spots, red cap, yellow spots
Miinnehoma Just So Moorcroft Boy
1992
Pink, purple cross belts, hooped sleeves, purple cap Light blue, dark blue disc, striped sleeves, hooped cap Emerald Green, Yellow hoops, Emerald Green cap, White star
Party Politics Romany King Laura's Beau
1991
Light blue, red cross belts, red cap Orange, black star, striped sleeves, star on cap Red, white epaulets, red sleeves, white seams, red cap, white spots
Seagram Garrison Savannah Auntie Dot
1990–1981
1990
Green and red (quartered), yellow sleeves, red cap Light blue, dark blue seams, light blue cap Beige, brown cross of lorraine, hooped cap
Mr Frisk Durham Edition Rinus
1989
Light blue, red sleeves, light blue cap, black stripe Light blue, black sash, armlets and hoop on cap Green, white star, orange sleeves and cap
Little Polveir West Tip The Thinker
1988
Pink, Purple stars, Pink sleeves, Purple cap, Pink star Light blue, dark blue seams, light blue cap Dark blue, red seams, red cap
Rhyme 'N' Reason Durham Edition Monanore
1987
Black, scarlet cap Black, lilac cap Cerise, white cross belts, black cap, white star
Maori Venture The Tsarevich Lean Ar Aghaidh
1986
Light blue, black sash, armlets and hoop on cap Yellow, royal blue chevron and star on cap Red, white sash, light blue cap
West Tip Young Driver Classified
1985
Yellow, narrow black belt, and cap with gold tassel Black, white striped sleeves, pink sash and cap Light blue, orange chevrons, light blue sleeves and cap
Last Suspect Mr Snugfit Corbiere
1984
Black, emerald green spots on cap Light blue and red (halved), white sleeves, light blue cap Light blue, orange chevrons, light blue sleeves and cap
Hallo Dandy Greasepaint Corbiere
1983
Light blue, orange chevrons, light blue sleeves and cap Purple, pink disc, pink cap Orange, black spots, orange cap, black spots
Corbiere Greasepaint Yer Man
1982
Mauve and white hoops, quartered cap Grey, yellow hooped sleeves, yellow cap Black, white chevrons on body, hooped cap
Grittar Hard Outlook Loving Words
1981
White, royal blue sash, armlets and cap Rifle green, silver striped sleeves, quartered cap Light blue, purple spots, armlets and cap
Aldaniti Spartan Missile Royal Mail
1980–1971
1980
Emerald green and white (halved), striped sleeves, white cap, White, purple disc and cap, striped sleeves Red, yellow sleeves, red and blue hooped cap
Ben Nevis Rough and Tumble The Pilgarlic
1979
Light blue, light green cross of lorraine, white cap Scarlet, white sash, black and white hooped cap White, purple disc and cap, striped sleeves
Rubstic Zongalero Rough and Tumble
1978
Black, white braid, sleeves and spots on cap Saxe blue, canary sleeves, silver cap, blue spots Crimson, green sleeves and sash
Lucius Sebastian Drumroan
1977
Maroon, yellow diamond on body and cap Royal blue, gold star and sleeves, red and white check cap Olive green, pale blue sleeves, hooped cap
Red Rum Churchtown Boy Eyecatcher
1976
Ice blue and wine (halved), sleeves reversed Maroon, yellow diamond on body and cap Olive green, pale blue sleeves, hooped cap
Rag Trade Red Rum Eyecatcher
1975
Chocolate, blue hoops and cap Maroon, yellow diamond on body and cap Maroon and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, yellow cap
L'Escargot Red Rum Spanish Steps
1974
Maroon, yellow diamond on body and cap Chocolate, blue hoops and cap Black, silver sleeves, green cap
Red Rum L'Escargot Charles Dickens
1973
Maroon, yellow diamond on body and cap Yellow, cerise sleeves, cerise and white check cap Chocolate, blue hoops and cap
Red Rum Crisp L'Escargot
1972
Crimson, gold sleeves, hooped cap White, blue cross-belts, scarlet hooped sleeves, white cap, blue spots Black, white spots, harlequin cap
Well to Do Gay Trip Black Secret
1971
Emerald green, violet sleeves and spots on white cap Black, white spots, harlequin cap Flame, white cross-belts, check cap
Specify Black Secret Astbury
1970–1961
1970
White, blue cross-belts, scarlet hooped sleeves, white cap, blue spots Blue, red hooped sleeves, white cap Green and white check, white sleeves, white cap with green peak and button
Gay Trip Vulture Miss Hunter
1969
Sapphire blue, white sleeves, brown cap Claret, gold star and sleeves, check cap Dark and light blue (quartered), halved sleeves, dark blue cap, light blue spots
Highland Wedding Steel Bridge Rondetto
1968
Purple, green sleeves, striped cap Black and white (quartered), black sleeves, white cap Navy blue, white seams, red and white quartered cap
Red Alligator Moidore's Token Different Class
1967
Black, red and yellow braces and hoops on cap Chocolate, white sleeves, hooped cap Purple, green sleeves, striped cap
Foinavon Honey End Red Alligator
1966
Royal blue, white diamond and hooped cap, orange sleeves Blue, red sleeves Green, yellow sleeves, sash and cap
Anglo Freddie Forest Prince
1965
Silver grey, yellow cross-belts, quartered cap Blue, red sleeves White, navy blue collar and cuffs, quartered cap
Jay Trump Freddie Mr Jones
1964
Yellow, blue sleeves, red hoops, blue cap Blue, white sleeves, black and white striped cap Royal blue, gold seams and cap
Team Spirit Purple Silk Peacetown
1963
Ice blue and wine(halved), sleeves reversed Green, mauve sash Red, white cross-belts, black and white striped cap
Ayala Carrickbeg Hawas Song
1962
Royal blue, white diamond, hooped sleeves, orange cap Cerise Gold, black collar and diamond, red sleeves, red, black and gold striped cap
Kilmore Wyndburgh Mr What
1961
Cambridge blue, pink hoop and armlets, quartered cap White, Wallace tartan sash, red cap Green and white (quartered), black sleeves, white cap
Nicolaus Silver Merryman II O'Malley Point
1960–1951
1960
White, Wallace tartan sash, red cap Green and yellow hoops, yellow sleeves, quartered cap Green, yellow stripes, green sleeves and cap
Merryman II Badanloch Clear Profit
1959
Green, pink and white striped sleeves, pink cap Cerise Maroon, yellow hooped sleeves, yellow cap, maroon hoop
Oxo Wyndburgh Mr What
1958
Maroon, yellow hooped sleeves, yellow cap, maroon hoop Maroon and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, yellow cap Eton blue
Mr What Tiberetta Green Drill
1957
Flame, emerald green sleeves, flame cuffs Cerise Maroon and yellow (halved), sleeves reversed, yellow cap
Sundew Wyndburgh Tiberetta
1956
Green, white hoop and armlets Scarlet, green hoop, white cap Green, red sash, green cap
E.S.B. Gentle Moya Royal Tan
1955
Red, white and blue hoops, blue sleeves, red cap Black and emerald check, yellow cap Maroon, yellow hooped sleeves, yellow cap, maroon hoop
Quare Times Tudor Line Carey's Cottage
1954
Blue and red (halved), yellow sleeves, red, yellow and blue quartered cap Black and emerald check, yellow cap White, primrose sleeves, black cap
Royal Tan Tudor Line Irish Lizard
1953
Blue and red (halved), yellow sleeves, red, yellow and blue quartered cap Blue, yellow hoop on body and sleeves, yellow cap with blue hoop White, primrose sleeves, black cap
Early Mist Mont Tremblant Irish Lizard
1952
Navy blue, old gold spots, quartered cap Blue, yellow hoop on body and sleeves, yellow cap with blue hoop Royal blue, yellow sleeves and cross-belts, quartered cap
Teal Legal Joy Wot No Sun
1951
Black and lilac (halved), lilac cap White, green chevron, gold cap Green and gold hoops, quartered cap
Nickel Coin Royal Tan Derrinstown
1950–1946
1950
Blue and silver (halved), blue sleeves, scarlet cap Royal blue, yellow sleeves and cross-belts, quartered cap Purple, sea green hoops on body, sea green sleeves and cap
Freebooter Wot No Sun Acthon Major
1949
Black and white check, black sleeves, quartered cap Black, gold sleeves, red cap White, cherry cross-belts, check cap
Russian Hero Roimond Royal Mount
1948
Black and white (halved), sleeves reversed, gold cap Cambridge blue, pink hoop, pink cap Light blue and white hoops, light blue sleeves, hooped cap
Sheila's Cottage First of the Dandies Cromwell
1947
Green and blue (halved), white sleeves and cap Green, silver cap Green, gold seal, gold sleeves, Gordon tartan cap
Caughoo Lough Conn Kami
1946
Pearl grey, grass green hooped sleeves, grass green cap Black, pink cross-belts and cap Blue and primrose (quartered), primrose sleeves, blue cap
Lovely Cottage Jack Finlay Prince Regent
 

The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England. First run in 1839, it is a handicap steeplechase over an official distance of about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km)), with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.[1] It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2017.[2] An event that is prominent in British culture, the race is popular amongst many people who do not normally watch or bet on horse racing at other times of the year.[3]

The course over which the race is run features much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks. Many of these fences, particularly Becher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn, have become famous in their own right and, combined with the distance of the event, create what has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider".[4][5]

The Grand National has been broadcast live on free-to-air terrestrial television in the United Kingdom since 1960. From then until 2012 it was broadcast by the BBC. Channel 4 broadcast the event between 2013 and 2016: UK broadcasting rights were transferred to ITV from 2017.[6] An estimated 500 to 600 million people watch the Grand National in over 140 countries.[6][7][8] The race has also been broadcast on radio since 1927; BBC Radio held exclusive rights until 2013. Talksport acquired radio commentary rights in 2014:[9] Both the BBC and Talksport currently broadcast the race in full.

The Grand National had suffered three major disruptions in post-war history. The 1993 Grand National was not held due to a series of false starts, the postponement of the 1997 Grand National to a Monday because of an IRA bomb threat and the 2023 Grand National being delayed due to Animal Rising protesters.

The most recent running of the race, in 2024, was won by I Am Maximus. Since 2017, the race and accompanying festival have been sponsored by Randox.[10]

The next meeting will take place from 3–5 April 2025.

  1. ^ British Racing and Racecourses (ISBN 978-0950139722) by Marion Rose Halpenny – Page 167
  2. ^ "Prize Money". www.thejockeyclub.co.uk. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  3. ^ The Jockey Club and Aintree Racecourse www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
  4. ^ "Official Grand National fences guide". Aintree Racecourse. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  5. ^ Powell, Nick (6 April 2013). "Grand National comes home without casualties". Sky News. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Broadcasting of the Grand National". Aintree.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  7. ^ Armytage, Marcus (3 April 2006). "Evolution can't stop National interest". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  8. ^ "The BBC Story – Great Moments". BBC. Archived from the original on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Talksport to cover Grand National". talksport.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  10. ^ The Randox Health Grand National published 6 April 2019 by The Jockey Club