Grand National
Do Grand National Favourites Ever Win? The Statistics That Will Surprise You!
For decades, the Grand National at Aintree has stood as a test where expectation rarely equates to triumph, with only a handful of favourites actually crossing the line first.
Even as market confidence surges, the statistics tell a story of unpredictability, with William Hill often witnessing the drama unfold.
The Grand National is more than a horse race – it is a cultural spectacle where fortune and history intertwine. Year after year, discussions return to a perennial question: How often does the starting price favourite win the Grand National?
The answer, steeped in decades of results, reveals a persistent tension between anticipation and outcome. This article explores the numbers, the myths and the remarkable exceptions that have defined the race.
The Record Of Favourites In The Grand National
It is easy to assume that the favourite, often backed by the majority, stands a strong chance. Yet, the figures are stark: in the past fifty runnings, just seven favourites out of 66 have managed to win, equating to an 11% win rate.
More recently, from 2000 to 2023, clear favourites prevailed five times out of 23 races – and only 14% of all starting price leaders. These statistics prompt reflection on whether it is worth betting on the Grand National favourite, given the rarity of success.
Unpredictable Outcomes: Why Favourites Rarely Prevail
What makes this event so resistant to prediction? The Grand National’s combination of a marathon distance, demanding fences and a large field creates conditions where even renowned horses falter.
In many cases, the favourite fails to finish, with nearly a third of them not making it to the end. This unpredictability entrenches its status as a race where form and price seldom guarantee results, and explains why favourites rarely win Aintree’s showpiece race
Memorable Victories and Shortest Price Winners
Amidst the unpredictability, there are moments when expectation aligns with reality. The shortest price winner in Grand National history remains Poethlyn at 11/4 in 1919.
It took a century for another contender to approach this, with Tiger Roll winning at 4/1 in 2019. The most recent favourite success came in 2023, when Corach Rambler defied 8/1 odds.
Joint favourites have also occasionally prevailed, as seen with I Am Maximus in 2024. Each favourite’s victory becomes a story in itself, a rare alignment of circumstance and performance.
The Persistent Appeal of the Favourite
Despite the numbers, the favourite retains a unique allure. When did the Grand National favourite last win? The answer shifts every year, but the underlying narrative persists: the favourite is not a predictor, but a protagonist within an uncertain script.
Punters continue to debate what percentage of Grand National favourites win, and whether it is worth backing them at all. The drama lies in the chase and the rare moment when calculation meets destiny.
More Grand National News & Tips At William Hill
- Promotional Betting Offers For 2026 Grand National
- The Biggest Liabilities After Grand National Weights
- Topham Chase & Foxhunters Chase Ante-Post Tips
- William Hill Now NRMB On The 2026 Grand National
- Grand National Antepost Tips Following Latest Scratchings
- How Many Times Has Nicky Henderson Won The National?
- What Is The Average SP For A Grand National Winner?
- How Many Grey Horses Have Won The Grand National?
- Gavin Cromwell’s Irish Grand National and Aintree Grand National Runners
- Five Each Way Fancies for the 2026 Grand National
- How Much Alcohol Is Sold and Consumed At The Grand National?
Safer Gambling: Gambling should be regarded as an entertainment activity, not as a means of making money. For advice, visit www.begambleaware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
