Royal Ascot
16–20 June 2026
Grand National 2027 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide
Expected April 2027 · Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Exact dates have not yet been confirmed by the organisers. This page will be updated as soon as they are.
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The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the world — a marathon over Aintree's unique spruce fences that turns the whole of Britain into punters for one Saturday each April. It is the one race a year where office sweepstakes, family each-way bets and once-a-year punters join the regulars.
The race has been modernised in recent years: a maximum field of 34, modified fences and an earlier start time have made it safer while preserving its essential character as the ultimate test of stamina and jumping.
Where to find the latest odds
All odds are indicative only and subject to change. New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+.
Grand National: fast facts
- The Grand National is run over about 4 miles 2½ furlongs — the longest distance in British jump racing.
- Runners jump 30 fences over two circuits, including famous obstacles such as Becher's Brook, the Canal Turn and The Chair.
- The maximum field was reduced from 40 to 34 runners in 2024 as part of safety reforms.
- The first official Grand National was won by a horse named Lottery in 1839.
- Tiger Roll (2018-19) became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals; Red Rum remains the only triple winner (1973, 1974, 1977).
- In 2021 Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, aboard Minella Times.
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nick Rockett | Willie Mullins' second National, ridden by his son Patrick |
| 2024 | I Am Maximus | Mullins' first National since 2005 |
| 2023 | Corach Rambler | Lucinda Russell's second National win |
| 2022 | Noble Yeats | Won under amateur Sam Waley-Cohen in his final ride |
| 2021 | Minella Times | Rachael Blackmore's historic first for female jockeys |
| 2020 | Not run | Cancelled due to the pandemic |
| 2019 | Tiger Roll | Back-to-back wins, first since Red Rum |
| 2018 | Tiger Roll | Won by a head from Pleasant Company |
| 2017 | One For Arthur | First Scottish-trained winner since 1979 |
| 2016 | Rule The World | Won on his first attempt over the National fences |
How to bet on Grand National
Each-way is the defining Grand National bet. With 34 runners and genuine chaos potential, even well-fancied horses are risky win-only propositions, so most of the nation bets each-way — and bookmakers compete hardest on extra place offers for this one race. Comparing place terms matters as much as comparing odds.
Form study for the National has its own rules: proven stamina beyond three miles, previous completions over the unique fences, and a manageable weight are the classic markers. Plenty of winners have still defied all of it — that unpredictability is the race's charm.
For many people the National is their only bet of the year, and that's exactly how it should be treated: a small stake, for fun, on the world's greatest race. If you're betting more than you'd happily lose on a 34-runner steeplechase, that's the moment to pause.
Popular markets
- Each-way (extra places standard)
- Win only
- Ante-post
- Place only markets
- Office sweepstake (not a bookmaker product)
- Forecast and tricast
Grand National 2027: your questions answered
When is the Grand National 2027?
The 2027 Grand National is expected in early-to-mid April 2027 at Aintree. The exact date will be confirmed by Aintree Racecourse and this page will be updated when it is.
How many horses run in the Grand National?
A maximum of 34 runners since 2024, reduced from 40 as part of safety changes.
Who won the 2025 Grand National?
Nick Rockett won the 2025 Grand National, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick Mullins.
How long is the Grand National?
About 4 miles 2½ furlongs with 30 fences jumped over two circuits of Aintree's National course — the ultimate stamina test in British racing.
What is an each-way bet in the Grand National?
It's a win bet plus a place bet in one. With such a big field, most National punters bet each-way, and bookmakers compete by paying extra places — sometimes six or more.