Last Updated: 13 april 2026
GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL RACE CARD is a famous English steeplechase held every April. It takes place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The course is 3,600 meters long with 30 fences to overcome. Horses and riders must complete the course over two laps. The race is known for its extreme difficulty and unpredictability. Only about half of the 40 starters usually manage to finish. For many participants, simply finishing the race is a major achievement. The event attracts millions of viewers through live global broadcasts. More than 100,000 fans attend the race at Aintree annually. Interestingly, the prize goes not to the jockey but to the horse’s owner.
The 2027 Grand National will traditionally be held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is expected to take place in early April, tentatively on April 3rd. It is one of the most famous events in the world of equestrian sport, featuring a challenging steeplechase over a distance of approximately four miles with 30 obstacles. The race is part of a three-day festival that includes several days of racing, with the main race taking place on Saturday, attracting a huge audience of spectators and bettors from around the world. The final schedule and entry list are traditionally confirmed closer to the race date.
The Grand National was founded in 1829. By 1839, the race had grown into a national event, thanks to the creation of an organizing committee. Past highlights include Jem Mason’s victory in 1839.
Races were not held during the First and Second World Wars (1916–1918, 1941–1945). In 1993, the Grand National was declared void due to a false start. The 2020 Grand National was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but featured the first-ever virtual race using CGI technology and algorithms simulating 40 horses.
In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times.
The Grand National stands out for its scale, level of difficulty, and unique fences, including the famous Becher’s Brookand The Chair. Riders and horses must cover a course of approximately 4 miles, testing endurance, strength, and strategy. Only the best of the best can complete this prestigious British race.
| The year | Venue | Results |
| 2026 | Aintree Racecourse (Liverpool, England) | Jockey: Paul Townend
Horse: I Am Maximus |
| 2025 | Aintree Racecourse (Liverpool, England) | Jockey: Patrick Mullins
Horse: Nick Rockett |
| 2024 | Aintree Racecourse (Liverpool, England) | Jockey: Paul Townend
Horse: I Am Maximus |
Little is known about the 2028 Grand National race: an official date has not yet been announced. However, the race traditionally takes place in early April at Aintree Racecourse, so the main race is expected to take place on the first or second Saturday of the month—approximately in early April 2028.
Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.
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