The Grand National: Runners & riders stats through history

At more than four miles long with 30 fences to face over two laps, including the famous Becher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn, The Grand National is one of the most gruelling horse races, and one the British public is greatly fascinated with.

So, whether you want to impress your mates down the pub or would like a few stats before placing your bets, British Racecourses has compiled a guide of everything you ever wanted to know about the famous steeplechase.

When was the first Grand National race?

The first-ever Grand National race took place on Tuesday, February 26, 1839, and attracted a field of 17 runners, originally named the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.

Held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, a horse called Lottery won the event.

What was the largest field ever assembled for the Grand national?

The largest field ever assembled was 66 horses in the 1929 Grand National race.

The safety limit for the 2022 Grand National is 40 runners and there will never be another time the field will be so large and have 66 runners again.

What was the smallest field of runners in Grand National History?

The smallest field of runners was in 1883 when just 10 horses faced the starter for the Grand National race.

The media in 1883 baulked at the idea of running in the Grand National and claimed the Grand National obstacles were too small.

Which trainer has won the most Grand Nationals?

The horse racing trainers with the highest amount of Grand National winners are George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain – all with four wins under their belt.

Which horse won the most Grand Nationals?

The horse with the highest amount of Grand National wins is Red Rum winning in 1973, 1974 and 1977, making him the most successful horse in Grand National history.

he finishing post at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Picture: PA

Which horse holds the record for the fastest Grand National?

The fastest ever Grand National time was in 1990 when Mr Frisk ran it in 8 minutes 47.8 seconds.

Trained by Kim Bailey and ridden by Mr Marcus Armitage, Mr Frisk is the only horse in the history of the Grand National to ever run under nine minutes.

The slowest winning time was in the first Grand National back in 1839 when it took Lottery 14m 53s to make it to the finish line in front.

The average winning time over the past decade is 9 minutes and 10 seconds.

Which horse was the shortest-priced winner of the Grand National?

The shortest-priced winner in Grand National history was Poethlyn setting off at 11-4 in 1919.

Poethlyn had won the ‘War National’ (an unofficial substitute for the Grand National), run the previous year.

The favourite to back up that win at the National, he did so in style winning by eight lengths.

How many female horses have won the grand national?

There have been 13 female horses to win the Grand National, the most recent being Nickel Coin in 1951.

Who is the oldest grand national winner?

The oldest horse to win the Grand National was 15-year-old Peter Simple in 1853.

Has a grey horse ever won the Grand National?

A grey horse has won the Grand National on four occasions – The Lamb won in 1868 and 1871, Nicolaus Silver won in 1961 and in 2012, Neptune Collonges crossed the winning line first.

Grand National course: More than four miles and a total of 30 fences over two laps. Picture: PA

Which jockey has won the most Grand Nationals?

Cheltenham-born George Stevens is the jockey who has won the most Grand Nationals with five wins to his name.

Riding to victory on Freetrader in 1856, Emblem in 1863, Emblematic in 1864 and The Colonel in in 1869 and 1870.

He died in 1871 after suffering a skull fracture being thrown from his horse who bolted on a quiet ride home.

The average Grand National winning distance

After racing over 4 miles 2f and jumping 30 obstacles it is an amazing Grand National stat that the average winning distance is three lengths.

The most recent Grand National winning distances are:

2021: 6.5 lengths

2019: 2.75 lengths

2018: a head

2017: 4.5 lengths

2016: 6 lengths

2015: 1.75 lengths

2014: 5 lengths

How many times has the favourite won the grand national?

In the last 50 years, the favourite has won the Grand National eight times which gives the favourite an approximate 16% chance of winning going on previous data.

:: For details on how to buy tickets for the Randox Grand National Festival 2022, click here.