
Grand National – 2027 Date, Tickets, Runners & Results
The Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase, returns to Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, 10 April 2027. The main race is scheduled for 4:00 pm UK time, capping a three-day festival that runs from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April 2027. With a prize fund of £1 million and a field of 34 runners tackling 30 fences over 4 miles 514 yards, the event draws millions of viewers worldwide.
For those planning to attend or watch, the 2027 edition offers a mix of tradition and modern spectacle. The Jockey Club, which operates Aintree, has already released ticket pricing for the 2027 festival, with options ranging from £44.10 for the Embankment to £233+ for premium Lord Sefton seats. Early booking is recommended as demand consistently outstrips supply.
The 2026 race, held on 11 April 2026, was won by I Am Maximus at odds of 9/2, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins. That victory made I Am Maximus a two-time winner (he also won in 2024), and he is now the early ante-post favourite for 2027 at 12/1, aiming for a historic third win.
When Is the Grand National and How Can I Watch It?
10 April 2027, 4:00 pm UK time
From £44.10 (Embankment) to £233+ (Lord Sefton Seats)
BBC, ITV, Racing UK; live stream via official broadcasters
£1 million total; fastest time 8 min 47.8 sec (Mr Frisk, 1990)
- The Grand National 2027 will take place on Saturday, 10 April 2027 at Aintree Racecourse.
- The prize fund exceeds £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
- Tickets go on sale months in advance; early booking is recommended due to high demand.
- The race is broadcast live on BBC and ITV in the UK, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
- International viewers can watch via Racing UK or local broadcast partners.
- Official hospitality packages include the Festival Zone, Garden Club, and Princess Royal Roof.
- The fastest winning time remains 8 min 47.8 sec, set by Mr Frisk in 1990.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Race date | 10 April 2027 |
| First race | 1:45 pm BST (Grand National itself ~5:15 pm) |
| Distance | 4 miles 2½ furlongs (6.9 km) |
| Fences | 30 (16 distinct, jumped twice) |
| Prize fund | £1 million (2027 confirmed) |
| Most wins | 3 (Red Rum, Tiger Roll) |
| Average winning time | 9 min 10 sec |
| Fastest record | 8 min 47.8 sec (Mr Frisk, 1990) |
| Venue | Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, UK |
| Festival dates | Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 April 2027 |
Who Won the Grand National? Past Results and Winners
2026 Grand National Results
The most recent running, the 2026 Grand National on 11 April 2026, was won by I Am Maximus (9/2 favourite), trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend. Only 16 of the 34 starters finished the race. The full top five results are as follows:
| Position | Horse | SP | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | I Am Maximus | 9/2F | W.P. Mullins | Paul Townend |
| 2nd | Iroko | 18/1 | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | Jonjo O’Neill Jr |
| 3rd | Jordans | 28/1 | Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Ben Jones |
| 4th | Johnnywho | 12/1 | Jonjo & A.J. O’Neill | Richie McLernon |
| 5th | High Class Hero | 66/1 | W.P. Mullins | TBC |
Red Rum holds the record for most Grand National wins with three (1973, 1974, 1977). Tiger Roll won back-to-back in 2018 and 2019, the first horse to achieve that since Red Rum.
Previous Winners
Recent winners include Nick Rockett (2025, 33/1), I Am Maximus (2024, 7/1), Corach Rambler (2023, 8/1), Noble Yeats (2022, 50/1), and Minella Times (2021, 11/1). The 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For a complete list of winners since 1950, see the Previous Grand National winners full list.
Record for Most Wins
Red Rum’s three victories remain unmatched. Tiger Roll is the only other horse to win twice in the modern era. Bruce Hobbs became the youngest winning jockey at 17 years old in 1934. The slowest recorded winning time belongs to Lottery (1839).
What Are the Runners for the Grand National and How to Bet?
2027 Antepost Betting Odds
As of mid-2026, early ante-post odds for the 2027 Grand National have been published. I Am Maximus, the two-time winner (2024, 2026), is the favourite at 12/1. Other notable contenders include Iroko (16/1), Jordans (16/1), and Soldier In Milan (16/1). The full list of early favourites:
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| I Am Maximus | 12/1 |
| Iroko | 16/1 |
| Jordans | 16/1 |
| Soldier In Milan | 16/1 |
| Nick Rockett | 25/1 |
| Grangeclare West | 25/1 |
| Kiss Will | 25/1 |
| Johnnywho | 25/1 |
| Jagwar | 25/1 |
| Holloway Queen | 25/1 |
| Bar | 33/1 |
Antepost odds are subject to change as the race approaches. Runners may be withdrawn due to injury, ground conditions, or other factors. Always check the final declared runners on the day of the race.
How to Bet on the Grand National
Betting on the Grand National is available through licensed bookmakers, both online and on the racecourse. Common bet types include win, each-way, and forecast. The British Horseracing Authority oversees regulation; responsible gambling practices are encouraged.
How Many Runners Typically Compete?
The Grand National field is limited to 34 runners, a reduction from 40 implemented in recent years as part of safety reforms. In 2026, only 16 of 34 starters completed the course.
What Is the History and Significance of the Grand National?
Early Origins
The Grand National traces its roots to the early 19th century. The first official running is considered to be 1839, won by Lottery. The race was originally run over a course of about 4 miles across open country at Aintree, near Liverpool.
Modern Era
Since 1950, the race has been run under the National Hunt rules. The distance has been standardised to 4 miles 514 yards with 30 fences jumped over two circuits. The prize fund has grown from modest beginnings to £1 million in 2027.
Key Rule Changes
Recent safety reforms include reducing the maximum field size from 40 to 34, modifying fence designs, and introducing a standing start. The BHA (British Horseracing Authority) continues to review safety measures. The 2026 race saw 16 of 34 runners finish, reflecting the demanding nature of the course.
The Grand National has faced scrutiny over horse welfare. The BHA and Aintree have implemented several changes, including softer fences, mandatory veterinary checks, and a reduced field size. No major changes have been announced for 2027 as of mid-2026.
What Is the Grand National Timeline?
- 1836–1839: Early origins; first official race in 1839 won by Lottery.
- 1973–1977: Red Rum wins three times (1973, 1974, 1977).
- 1990: Mr Frisk sets the fastest winning time (8 min 47.8 sec).
- 2018–2019: Tiger Roll wins back-to-back, first since Red Rum.
- 2020: Race cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2024: I Am Maximus wins for the first time (7/1).
- 2025: Nick Rockett wins at 33/1.
- 2026: I Am Maximus wins second Grand National (9/2).
- 2027 (scheduled): 10 April 2027 at Aintree.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Grand National 2027?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date: Saturday, 10 April 2027, at Aintree Racecourse. | Final runners and odds – subject to withdrawals and changes. |
| Race time: 4:00 pm UK time. | Weather conditions on race day. |
| Prize fund: £1 million total. | Any last-minute safety reviews or rule changes. |
| Ticket prices based on 2026 pricing. | Exact number of runners (34 maximum). |
| Early ante-post favourite: I Am Maximus at 12/1. | Whether I Am Maximus will attempt a third win. |
Why Is the Grand National So Important?
The Grand National is the most watched horse race in the world, attracting an estimated global audience of 600 million. Its unique combination of distance, fences, and unpredictability sets it apart from other National Hunt races. The race generates significant economic impact for Liverpool and the wider horse racing industry, with millions of pounds in betting, hospitality, and tourism.
Compared to other major races such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Scottish Grand National, the Aintree event is distinguished by its length and the scale of its obstacles. Recent safety reforms have aimed to modernise the race while preserving its historic character.
For a detailed guide to the venue, see the Aintree Racecourse guide and travel information.
Where Can I Find Official Grand National Information?
Official information is published by The Jockey Club, which operates Aintree Racecourse. The 2027 event page includes ticket details, schedules, and hospitality options. The British Horseracing Authority provides regulatory updates and safety information. Major news outlets such as BBC Horse Racing news offer race previews and results. For official race replays, the Racing UK YouTube channel is a trusted source.
The UK Government’s racing regulations can be accessed via UK Government – racing regulations. The British Horseracing Authority oversees the sport’s standards.
What’s Next for the Grand National?
Key upcoming dates include the launch of 2027 tickets (already on sale as of 2026), the declaration of runners in the week before the race, and the final draw. Live updates on race day will be available via official broadcasters and social media. A follow-up article covering the 2027 results and analysis will be published shortly after the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many horses run in the Grand National?
The field is limited to 34 runners, reduced from 40 in recent years for safety reasons.
Can I refund my Grand National ticket?
Refund policies vary by ticket type. Check the official ticketing terms from The Jockey Club.
What is the youngest age to attend?
Children under 18 are admitted free with a paying adult in certain areas, but some enclosures have age restrictions.
Are there any discounts for groups?
Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Aintree’s hospitality team for details.
What happens if a horse is withdrawn?
If a horse is withdrawn before the race, bets are typically voided. Each-way bets may be affected.
How are the fences numbered?
Fences are numbered from 1 to 16, with the first six jumped twice. The Chair is fence 15.
Can I bet online from the racecourse?
Yes, most bookmakers offer mobile betting apps, and on-course bookmakers are also available.