Grand National
April 10, 2027
About Grand National
The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world, run each spring over the demanding fences of Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. The 2027 renewal takes place on Saturday, 10 April 2027, as the climax of the three-day Randox Grand National Festival. Watched by tens of millions of people around the globe, it is the highlight of the British and Irish jump racing calendar.
The Story Behind the Grand National
The origins of the Grand National stretch back to the early 19th century. The race is generally regarded as having first been run at Aintree in 1839, when a horse named Lottery won the inaugural contest in front of large crowds. The event grew out of earlier steeplechases in the Liverpool area, and the figure most associated with founding the race is the hotelier and entrepreneur William Lynn, who leased the land at Aintree and laid out the original course.
Throughout the Victorian era the Grand National became a national institution, drawing royalty, aristocracy and ordinary racegoers alike. Its fearsome fences, including the legendary Becher’s Brook, named after Captain Martin Becher who fell there in 1839 and sheltered in the water, gave the race a reputation for danger and drama that endures to this day.
The 20th century produced some of the most celebrated moments in sporting history. In 1956 the Queen Mother’s horse Devon Loch inexplicably collapsed yards from the finish while clear of the field, one of racing’s enduring mysteries. The 1960s and 1970s belonged to Red Rum, the only horse to win the race three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, who became a national hero and is buried at the Aintree winning post. In 1981 Bob Champion won aboard Aldaniti having recovered from cancer, a victory that inspired a feature film.
In more recent decades the race has modernised. The fences have been made safer, the welfare of horses has been given far greater priority, and in 2021 Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to ride the winner when she partnered Minella Times to victory. The Grand National has evolved while keeping the spectacle and unpredictability that have always defined it.
When and Where is the Grand National Held?
The Grand National is run at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, on the outskirts of Liverpool. It takes place on a Saturday in early April each year as the final day of the Grand National Festival, which spans three days from Thursday to Saturday. In 2027 the festival runs from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April, with the Grand National itself on Saturday, 10 April 2027. Because the race date shifts within early April from year to year, the table below shows the scheduled dates for the coming years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, 10 April |
| 2028 | Saturday, 8 April |
| 2029 | Saturday, 14 April |
| 2030 | Saturday, 6 April |
| 2031 | Saturday, 12 April |
Traditions and Customs
The Grand National is wrapped in customs that make it as much a social occasion as a sporting one.
- The office sweepstake – Millions of people who never otherwise bet take part in a Grand National sweepstake, drawing a horse at random from a hat in workplaces and homes across the country.
- Ladies Day – The Friday of the festival is famous for fashion, with racegoers dressing up and prizes awarded for the best-dressed attendees.
- Becher’s Brook – The most storied fence on the course, named after Captain Becher, remains a focal point of the race for spectators and commentators.
- The annual flutter – The race is the busiest betting day of the British calendar, with bookmakers reporting bets from people who place just one wager a year.
- Watching together – Families and friends gather in front of the television, in pubs and at parties to watch the race, making it a shared national moment.
Ways to Celebrate the Grand National
Whether you are at Aintree or watching from home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day.
- Organise a sweepstake – Print off the runners and let everyone draw a horse. It is a fun way to get a whole group involved in the race.
- Host a viewing party – Invite friends round, lay on some food and watch the build-up and the race together.
- Dress for the occasion – Embrace the spirit of Ladies Day with hats and finery, even if you are only watching at home.
- Attend in person – Tickets for the Aintree festival go on sale well in advance for those who want to experience the atmosphere first-hand.
- Learn the history – Read about past winners such as Red Rum and Aldaniti to appreciate the heritage behind the race.
- Support racehorse welfare – Donate to charities that rehome retired racehorses and promote high standards of equine care.
Facts and Figures
- The race is generally dated to 1839, when Lottery won the first running at Aintree.
- Red Rum is the only horse to have won the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977.
- The course covers roughly four and a quarter miles with 30 fences to jump over two circuits.
- Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to ride the winner in 2021 aboard Minella Times.
- The Grand National is broadcast to a global audience estimated in the hundreds of millions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a celebrated steeplechase horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. First run in 1839, it is the centrepiece of British and Irish jump racing and one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.
When is the Grand National in 2027?
The 2027 Grand National takes place on Saturday, 10 April 2027, as the final day of the three-day Grand National Festival running from 8 to 10 April.
Where is the Grand National run?
The race is run at Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, on the outskirts of Liverpool, over a course of around four and a quarter miles featuring 30 fences.
Spread the Word
Share the Grand National with your community using #GrandNational and #GrandNational2027. Whether you mark the occasion by organising a sweepstake or hosting a viewing party, every bit of excitement helps keep this great sporting tradition alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Kentucky Derby – The most famous flat horse race in the United States, another spring highlight for racing fans worldwide.
- Palio Horse Race in Siena – A historic Italian horse race steeped in tradition and local rivalry.
- Celebration of the Horse Day – A day dedicated to honouring horses and the bond between people and these animals.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash.
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