The world's greatest steeplechase - complete guide with AI predictions, race schedule and expert betting tips for Aintree
Dates
8-10 April 2027
Venue
Aintree Racecourse
Fences
30 (National Course)
Max Runners
34 in the National
The Grand National meeting runs from 8-10 April 2027, with three days of world-class racing culminating in Grand National Day on Saturday 10 April. Come back on 8 April 2027 for live racecards, tips and AI predictions. Check our daily tips for today's predictions from other tracks.
The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the world. First run in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, this extraordinary steeplechase has captured the imagination of millions for nearly two centuries. The 2027 meeting takes place from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April, with the Grand National itself the feature race on the final day. No other race in the sport commands such widespread public attention, as a field of up to 34 runners tackles 30 of the most iconic fences in racing over a distance of approximately four miles and two furlongs.
What sets the Grand National apart from every other race is the unique combination of distance, obstacle severity, and field size. The National Course at Aintree features fences that are found nowhere else in British racing. Becher's Brook, with its steep drop landing on the far side, has been a decisive factor in countless Nationals. The Chair, the tallest fence on the course at five feet two inches with a six-foot ditch on the take-off side, stands alone as the most formidable single obstacle in steeplechasing. Canal Turn requires horses to negotiate a sharp ninety-degree left-hand turn immediately after jumping, while Valentine's Brook tests both bravery and technique. These obstacles have been modified over the decades to improve horse welfare, but they retain their character and their capacity to influence the outcome of the race.
The Grand National's history is woven into the fabric of British sporting culture. The race was first staged at Aintree in 1839, although earlier versions of a steeplechase took place at nearby Maghull from 1836. Lottery, the winner of that inaugural 1839 race, set a template for the type of bold, athletic jumper required to win the National. Over the decades that followed, the race grew into the most celebrated event in the racing calendar, attracting runners from across Britain and Ireland and commanding enormous public interest.
The roll of honour includes some of the most beloved names in racing history. Red Rum remains the most famous Grand National horse of all, winning three times in 1973, 1974, and 1977, and finishing second in the intervening two years. Trained by Ginger McCain on the sands at Southport beach, Red Rum's remarkable career captured the nation's heart. Aldaniti's victory in 1981, ridden by Bob Champion who had recovered from cancer, remains one of the most emotionally powerful moments in sporting history. Tiger Roll emulated Red Rum's consecutive victories by winning in 2018 and 2019, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell, proving that the old magic of the National endures in the modern era.
The Grand National course is unique in world racing. Runners complete two circuits of the National Course, jumping 30 fences in total. The first circuit includes 16 fences, and the second circuit bypasses two of them, with the field jumping the remaining 14. The fences are constructed from spruce, packed tightly to create a solid but forgiving obstacle. Since significant safety modifications were introduced from 2012 onwards, the cores of several fences have been softened and the profiles adjusted to reduce the risk of falls, while preserving the essential character of the course.
The Aintree meeting traditionally opens with a quality card built around championship-level hurdles and novice chases, alongside competitive handicaps. The Aintree Hurdle and Mildmay Novices' Chase are established highlights of the opening day programme. The final 2027 race order and timings will be confirmed closer to the meeting.
Friday at Aintree is Ladies Day, known for its combination of fashion and top-class racing. The traditional programme includes the Melling Chase, the Topham Chase over the National fences and the Sefton Novices' Hurdle. The Topham can offer valuable clues about how the course is riding ahead of Saturday's feature. The detailed 2027 card and timings will be confirmed closer to the meeting.
The climax of the three-day meeting centres on the Grand National itself. Exact race times and the final supporting card will be confirmed closer to the meeting, but all eyes will focus on the big race. With up to 34 runners going to post, the Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and rider over the most demanding steeplechase course in the world. The atmosphere at Aintree on National day is unmatched in racing, creating an electric environment from the first race to the last.
The Grand National has produced some of the most memorable stories in sporting history. Beyond Red Rum and Tiger Roll, the race has been won by horses and jockeys whose names have become part of the national consciousness. Aldaniti's triumph in 1981, partnered by Bob Champion, was made into the film "Champions" and remains one of the most celebrated moments in racing. Hedgehunter won for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh in 2005, showing that Irish trainers can master the unique demands of Aintree. Many Clouds gave Trevor Hemmings a third National winner in 2015, carrying top weight to victory under Leighton Aspell. Neptune Collonges provided the closest ever Grand National finish in 2012, defeating Sunnyhillboy by a nose.
The Grand National is the biggest betting race of the year. Its maximum field of 34 runners creates unique challenges and opportunities for punters. Successful Grand National betting requires understanding the specific demands of the race and the characteristics of horses that tend to perform well over the unique fences.
First run in 1839. Distance: approximately 4 miles 2 furlongs. 30 fences over two circuits. Maximum field of 34 runners. Minimum age 7 years old. Handicap chase with weights allocated by the BHA handicapper.
Aintree Racecourse is located in Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS. The nearest railway station is Aintree, which is on the Merseyrail Northern Line from Liverpool Central. By car, the racecourse is accessible from the M57 and M58 motorways. Park-and-ride services operate on Grand National day. Tickets are available through the Jockey Club website.
As Gordon Elliott, trainer of Tiger Roll and one of the most successful Grand National trainers of the modern era, has said: "The Grand National is the one race every trainer dreams of winning. It's the people's race, and there's nothing like the feeling of saddling a winner at Aintree." Nicky Henderson, who trained the 2017 runner-up Blaklion and has long sought to add the National to his extraordinary record, has described Aintree as "the ultimate test of a staying chaser - you need stamina, jumping ability, and luck in equal measure." Lucinda Russell, who trained One For Arthur to win the 2017 Grand National, reflected: "Winning the Grand National changed everything for our yard. It's the one race that captures the imagination of the entire country."
Use our racecards for detailed runner-by-runner analysis during the Aintree meeting, and calculate potential returns with our betting calculator. For singles, focus on the Grade 1 races where form is most reliable. For the National itself, consider each-way bets that provide returns for placed horses. View our tomorrow's tips each evening of the meeting for next-day predictions backed by confidence scores and AI analysis.