Race Type: Steeplechase

Course: Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside

Founded: 1839

Notable Winners: Ginger McCain, Red Rum

Grand National Tickets

The Grand National is one of the oldest and most interesting equestrian events in the world. This race is a steeplechase, which means that the horses and jockeys must navigate obstacles throughout the course. The Grand National is such an old and well-known event that many British people know the names of some of the fences in the course. Steeplechase races tend to be much longer than the flat horse racing that most people are familiar with. The Grand National is over 4 miles long. Other steeplechase races are shorter, clocking in around two miles in length. The obstacles in the Grand National are very difficult to surmount. In 1928, 41 horses fell during the race. The numbers have improved over the years: in 2013, just two horses fell during the first lap. The Grand National has always attracted interesting and highly competitive characters. The Duke of Albuquerque, for example, attempted the race seven times with no success.StubHub is the place to find tickets for this unique event.

How do I get Grand National tickets?

StubHub is your source for tickets to see the Grand National. StubHub is the largest ticket marketplace in the world and has tickets to all the best equestrian events.

How many horses compete in the Grand National?

Forty horses compete in the Grand National annually. In the modern era, the race has been firmly capped at this number for safety reasons. Four reserve horses are also selected for the race in case one of the 40 needs to pull out.

Where is the Grand National race held?

The Grand National is held at Aintree in Merseyside. Aintree was founded in 1829, a decade before the first Grand National was held. Founder William Lynn was a hotelier and a racing entrepreneur. Lynn leased the land from Lord Sefton, who laid the foundation stone at Aintree in 1829. Aintree has been through many ups and downs over the years. At one point after World War II, the land was sold and the future of the race was in doubt. Today, the race is firmly reestablished in popular culture. Aintree is currently owned and managed by Jockey Club Racecourses.

What is the Grand National schedule?

The Grand National takes place over three days in early April every year. The event always runs from Thursday to Saturday. Thursday starts off with races for novices and other young people. The Friday during the Grand National is always designated as Lady Day. The Grand National itself is held on Saturday. Traditionally, the Grand National started at 4 p.m. on Saturday. In recent years, this time has been pushed back to accommodate broadcaster ITV1. The earlier start time had many conflicts with other sports like soccer, and a later start time ensures that more Britons are able to see the event.

What are some great moments from Grand National history?

The Grand National has been won by five horses who faced 100-to-1 odds. The most recent horse to manage that is Mon Mome, in 2009. In 1967, the owner of 100-to-1 longshot Foinavon didn't even bother to attend the race. Everyone was shocked when his horse won the meet. In 2018, a more conventional longshot took the championship. Tiger Roll was listed at 10-to-1 and claimed the title in a close race. One odd moment from Grand National history came in 1928 when just two horses finished the event.

Who are some notable Grand National champions?

The first champion of the Grand National was Lottery, ridden by jockey Jem Mason. Lottery finished the course with a time of 14 minutes and 53 seconds. More recent champions have included the legendary Red Rum, who won the Grand National three times total, including two consecutive titles in 1973 and 1974.

Other events like the Grand National

After grabbing Grand National tickets at StubHub UK, check out other famous horse racing events coming up in 2020. We've got the latest listings for the Cheltenham Festival and Ascot.