Grand National Facts

Whether you are entering a pub quiz and want some fun facts on the Grand National or a horse racing tipster for the Grand National researching information about the world’s most famous race, we have a large collection of stats, facts and figures for you to enjoy.

From record-breaking winning times, the oldest ever horses to win the Aintree Grand National to stats on the number of Grand National fallers we have everything you may need.

If you are looking to have a flutter on the 2024 race you can make the most of the superb Grand National betting promotions in September 2024 and apply your new knowledge when you are looking to pick your selection from the Grand National runners and riders.

Punters enjoy studying factual information and we recently updated all our horse racing statistics in September 2024 related to Irish and UK horse racing.

Find out some great Grand National facts:

Facts About the Grand National

Find interesting Grand National racing facts & figures from previous years. Our team have researched, collected all the facts and collected them into one huge guide of interesting facts related to the UK Grand National:

When was the first Grand National race?

The first ever Grand National race took place on Tuesday 26 February 1839 and attracted a field of 17 runners.

According to historical Grand National stats, the first race was held in 1839 and was called the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase which later became known as the Grand National.

The first Grand National race was held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England and the horse called Lottery won the racing event.

What was the largest field ever assembled for the Grand national?

The largest field ever assembled was 66 horses in the 1929 Grand National race.

The 1929 Grand National featured the most starters in the race when 66 runners lined up.

The safety limit for the 2024 Grand National is 40 runners and there will never be another time the field will be so large and have 66 runners for health and safety reasons.

What was the smallest field of runners in Grand National History?

The smallest field of runners was in 1883 when just 10 horses faced the starter for the Grand National race.

The media in 1883 baulked at the idea of running in the Grand National and claimed the Grand National obstacles were too small.

The 1883 Grand National was acknowledged to be a poor renewal, lacking strength in depth and Zoedone won the race in a slow 11 minutes 39.0 seconds time.

How heavy is a Grand National horse (how much weight can they carry)?

A Grand National horse can carry up to a maximum of 12 stone 7 pounds (175 pounds) – this is is the weight of the jockey and saddle.

The Grand National Weights are determined by the horse’s official rating as the racing event is a handicap race.

Any horse who carries a top weight of over 12 stone and wins the Grand National is an exceptional horse.

Grand National Winner Statistics

When looking back in history and researching the grand national winner stats you understand the heritage of the famous Grand National event.

Here are the winning statistics of the Aintree Grand National.

Which trainer has won the most Grand Nationals?

The horse racing trainer with the highest amount of Grand National winners are:

• George Dockeray – 4 wins
• Fred Rimell – 4 wins
• Ginger McCain – 4 wins

Which Horse Has Won the Most Grand Nationals?

The horse with the most Grand National wins is Red Rum. This legendary racehorse is celebrated as the most successful in Grand National history, winning the prestigious race three times: in 1973, 1974, and 1977. Trained by Ginger McCain, Red Rum became a national hero and remains an enduring symbol of the Grand National’s spirit.

Which Horse Holds the Record for the Fastest Grand National?

The fastest time ever recorded in a Grand National was set by Mr Frisk in 1990, completing the course in 8 minutes 47.8 seconds. Trained by Kim Bailey and ridden by Marcus Armitage, Mr Frisk’s record-breaking run remains unbeaten. This exceptional performance is notable for being the only time a winning horse has completed the Grand National course in under nine minutes.

What Is the Slowest Winning Time in Grand National History?

The slowest winning time in the Grand National was set by Lottery in the first-ever race in 1839, taking 14 minutes 53 seconds to complete the course. The contrast between Lottery’s time and modern winning times highlights the evolution of the race and the improvements in training, strategy, and horse performance over the years.

Which Horse Was the Shortest-Priced Winner of the Grand National?

The shortest-priced winner in Grand National history was Poethlyn, who won at odds of 11-4 in 1919. Poethlyn had previously won the “War National,” an unofficial substitute during World War I, and went on to secure victory at Aintree the following year, becoming the shortest-priced favourite to do so.

How Many Female Horses Have Won the Grand National?

A total of 13 female horses (mares) have won the Grand National. The most recent mare to win was Nickel Coin in 1951. This fact highlights the rarity of mares achieving victory in this grueling race, which often favours the endurance and strength of geldings and colts.

What Is the Attendance Capacity at the Grand National?

The Grand National, held at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, attracts huge crowds every year. The racecourse has a capacity of 50,000 spectators at any one time, meaning over the three days of the event, the attendance can reach up to 150,000 people. This massive turnout underscores the event’s popularity and status as a major highlight in the British sporting calendar.

Who Is the Oldest Horse to Win the Grand National?

The oldest horse to win the Grand National was Peter Simple in 1853 at the age of 15. Peter Simple’s victory remains unmatched as the oldest winning horse in the history of the Grand National. The joint second oldest winners were Sergeant Murphy and Why Not, both aged 13.

Has a Grey Horse Ever Won the Grand National?

Yes, grey horses have won the Grand National four times. Three different grey horses have achieved victory: The Lamb (1868 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961), and Neptune Collonges (2012). Grey horses are relatively rare in racing, making these wins particularly notable in Grand National lore.

Which Jockey Has Won the Most Grand Nationals?

The jockey with the most Grand National wins is George Stevens, who claimed victory five times between 1856 and 1870. His final triumph in 1870 cemented his reputation as the most successful jockey in Grand National history.

Grand National winning distances?

After racing over 4 miles 2f and jumping 30 obstacles it is an amazing Grand National stat that the average winning distance is 3 lengths.

Many would predict long-distance winning margins in the Grand National but the handicapper has done a great job to minimise the grand national winning distances.

What Is the Tallest Fence in the Grand National?

The tallest fence in the Grand National is The Chair, standing at 5 feet 3 inches. This formidable jump, the 15th fence on the course, is known for its difficulty and has become a decisive obstacle where many races are won or lost.

Has a Horse Won Both the Grand National and the American Grand National?

Yes, Battleship is the only horse to have won both the Aintree Grand National in the UK and the American Grand National. Battleship achieved this rare double feat, showcasing incredible versatility and endurance.

Who Are the Official Partners of the Grand National?

The Grand National is officially sponsored by Randox, which has a five-year agreement to back the event. Other official partners include Betway, Goffs, Weatherbys, and Pinsent Masons, each contributing to the success and profile of the Grand National.

How Often Has the Favourite Won the Grand National?

Over the past 50 years, the favourite has won the Grand National 8 times, giving the favourite an approximate 16% chance of winning based on historical data. Despite being the favourite, the Grand National’s unpredictability often leads to surprising outcomes.

For more information check out our guide on the current Grand National favourites in September 2024.

Has the Queen Ever Won the Grand National?

No, Her Majesty The Queen has never won the Grand National. Despite the Royal Family’s deep involvement in horse racing, they have yet to secure a win at this historic event. The closest they came was in 1956 when Devon Loch, owned by the Queen Mother, famously collapsed just yards from the finish line while leading the race.

Who was the First Female Jockey to win the Grand National?

In 2021, the Grand National returned after a year off during the pandemic. Rachael Blackmore won the race with Minella Times in 2021 and became the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

More and more female jockeys are enjoying incredible success, with an influx of new jockeys into the sport.

What Is the Biggest Outsider to Win the Grand National?

The biggest outsider to win the Grand National was Tipperary Tim, who triumphed in 1928 at odds of 100-1. A year later, Gregalach also won at 100-1 odds. The most recent long-shot winner was Aurora’s Encore in 2013, winning at 66-1 odds.

International Participants

The Randox Grand National is a world-renowned event that is watched by millions. Here are some of the International trainers and horses.

• New Zealand has had winners in the Grand National with Seagram winning in 1991. New Zealand bred winners include the 1997 event winner – Lord Gyllene.
• Two french trained horses have won at the Grand National with Huntsman (1862) and Cortolvin (1867).
• There’s been one welsh trained winner with Kirkland back in 1905. Evan Williams also deserves a mention with his incredible five consecutive races, placing in each one.
• Rubstic won the Nationals in 1979 and was a Scot

Grand National Statistics on Finishers

Here are the Aintree Grand National statistics on finishers in the history of the iconic race:

What is the least finishers in the Grand National?

The least finishers to complete the Grand National race was just two horses.

The 1928 Grand National record the smallest number of finishers ever with only two finishing and one of those included 100-1 outsider Tipperary Tim to get second place.

What is the most finishers in the Grand National?

The most finishers to complete the Grand National race was 23 horses.

The 1984 Grand National record the greatest number of finishers ever with 23 finishing and Hallo Dandy was the winner.

How many horses usually finish the Grand National?

On average 18 horses usually finish the Grand National.

The race starts with 40 runners and riders and on average more than half do not complete the whole race.

The Grand National statistics show the average percentage to finish is 45% of horses which is 18 out of the 40 who start the race.

Summary of Grand National Facts

We hope you have enjoyed our Grand National facts page – we have looked at stats on finishes, the record of favourites and some of the main historical facts and figures surrounding the race.

If there are extra facts you’d like to share or include get in touch and we will get them added!

Good luck if you are placing a bet on the Grand National this year!

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If you do choose to bet, please bet responsibly.

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