All about the Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most-watched races in the world. It attracts a multi-million TV audience around the globe.

When is the Grand National?

The Grand National is held at Aintree every April, where 40 runners line up to tackle the marathon 4m2½f trip.

In 2023, the race is on Saturday, 15th April, with it due off at 17:15.

How many fences are jumped in the Grand National?

The runners and riders jump 30 fences, including:

• Becher’s Brook
• The Chair
• Canal Turn
• Foinavon

Some of these fences have famous stories giving them their names, while others are down to their location on the Aintree course.

The history of the Grand National

The first officially recognised Grand National was held in 1839 and won by Lottery – a fitting name given the luck needed in-running.

With such a long and rich history, there have been plenty of upsets down the years. In 2009, Mon Mome became the fifth horse to win the race at odds of 100/1. Could we see another outsider storm to victory on Merseyside this year?

And there’s certainly no shortage of great tales from previous renewals of the Grand National. From Devon Loch’s slip allowing E.S.B to win the 1956 race to the 1973 battle between Red Rum and Crisp.

What happened in the 2022 Grand National?

Last year’s Grand National saw 50/1 shot Noble Yeats become the first seven-year-old to win the race since Bogskar in 1940.

It was a memorable race as jockey Sam Waley-Cohen had announced that his ride in the Grand National would be his last. And he certainly bowed out in style, leading home an Irish-trained 1-2-3.

Any Second Now – third in 2021 – went one place better, finishing 2¼ lengths behind the winner, while Delta Work came home in third.

Who are the most successful trainers in the Grand National?

Only two trainers have won the Grand National four times. Fred Rimell landed the race four times in 20 years between 1956 and 1976. While the legendary Ginger McCain is well known for his handling of three-time winner Red Rum.

One man looking to join that elite duo is Gordon Elliott. The Irish trainer has won the Grand National three times – Silver Birch (2007) and Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019). Can one of his runners make it four?

How do you pick your Grand National horse?

Everyone has their own way of choosing their horse for the Grand National. How do you pick yours?

Whether you study the form or make your decision based on number or colour of the silks, keep up-to-date with the latest Grand National news at news.williamhill.com.

Plus, keep an eye out for ambassador picks in the build-up to the world’s great steeplechase from AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty, Nick Luck and more.