Four horses unseated their riders in last year's Grand National - how many will last the course in 2025?
The 177th running of the Randox Grand National takes place at 4pm on Saturday 5th April - a second successive renewal at this time to counter safety issues from 2023.
It is the highlight of Aintree’s three-day Grand National Festival, which started on Thursday. Click here for a runner-by-runner guide to each of the final runners and get all the best offers for the race.
Last year, Run Wild Fred and Chambard were withdrawn on the morning of the race after being found lame, reducing the field to 32 runners.
How long does the Grand National last?
The Grand National lasts for approximately nine minutes. The course record is held by the 1990 winner, Mr Frisk, who recorded a winning time of 8 minutes, 47 seconds.
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What is the race distance of the Grand National?
It is traditionally described as a 4½-mile race, but the official length of the race is four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards (4m2f, 74y) - it is the longest jump race held in the United Kingdom.
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How many fences are there in the Grand National?
There are 16 individual fences, with 14 of those navigated twice. In total, 30 fences will be jumped in the race. 21 of the 32 runners who went to post in 2024 finished the race - seven were pulled up and four unseated their riders.
The most famous fences in the Grand National
The fences in the Grand National are not as treacherous as they once were, but a few of them are still very unique and, of course, extremely famous.
Becher’s Brook (Fence 6 & 22)
It isn’t the biggest fence to jump, but its traditional landing side - 10 inches lower than the take-off side - makes it extremely difficult for the horse to get from one side to the other.
It is named after Captain Martin Becher, a jockey who fell at this stage in the first running of the race in 1839 and hid in the brook.
Valentine’s Brook (Fence 9 & 25)
A horse names Valentine reportedly jumped the fence hind legs first in 1840, making the fence famous and giving it this unique name. Stattler was pulled up at this fence in 2024.
The Chair (Fence 15)
This is the highest fence on the course, which stands at five feet and two inches. Both Mahler Mission and Mr Incredible unseated their riders at this fence 12 months ago.
Canal Turn (Fence 8 & 24)
This five-foot fence must be jumped at a sharp turn to the left.
Foinavon (Fence 7 & 23)
One of the smallest fences to negotiate. It is famously named after a horse who, at 100/1 in 1967, avoided a monstrosity pile-up to go on and win the race.
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How many horses will run in the Grand National?
The total number of horses eligible to compete in the race this year remains at 34. This alteration was made in order to improve the safety of the race. Shakem Up'Arry, Roi Mage, Favori De Champdou and Fantastic Lady are the reserves at the time of writing.
