Grand National 2024: All You Need To Know

The 2024 Cheltenham Festival is now in the history books, so the eyes of National Hunt fans across the land quickly turn to Aintree and the Grand National. The most famous race in the world will see a revised smaller field this season, with only 34 runners now allowed after 40 ran last season and in previous years. Here we detail all you need to know about the 2024 renewal...

What is the Grand National?

The Grand National was first run in 1839 at Aintree racecourse and has over the years become one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar each and every year. It is the longest steeplechase of the season and only the hardiest of stayers need apply to run in the Aintree showpiece. The distance of the race is four miles and two and a half furlongs, with thirty fences for the entrants to navigate if they want to claim glory. Over the years some iconic names have won the race, with Red Rum arguably the most famous Grand National winner of all. In recent years, the most high profile winner was the back-to-back champion of 2018 and 2019; Tiger Roll.

When does the 2024 Grand National take place?

The 2024 Grand National will take place at 16:00 on Saturday April 13th. The revised start time is a change from the past few years when the feature race of the Aintree Festival began at 17:15. This change was, in the words of the BHA, “To help us to maintain optimal jumping ground, as warm or breezy conditions can dry out the racing surface".

Who won the 2023 Grand National?

Corach Rambler won the 2023 Grand National in fabulous style for Lucinda Russell, the same trainer who claimed glory in 2017 with One For Arthur. The horse etched his name into Aintree folklore and delighted the hordes of fans who backed the favourite on the day, after winning at that year's Cheltenham Festival in the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Who is favourite for the 2024 Grand National?

Last year's champion Corach Rambler will have more weight to carry this time around, but after a brilliant third in the Chetltnham Gold Cup he has rocketed to 5/1 favouritism once more for the Aintree showpiece. It would be a tremendous feat were he to win the National for the second successive year, but judging by his form this season he is up to it. Irish raiders make up the majority of the field and the two strongest Irish fancies are I Am Maximus for Willie Mullins and Vanillier for Gavin Cromwell - who was second in the race last year.

What is the schedule at Aintree for the 2024 Grand National Festival?

The Aintree Grand National Festival encompasses three days of quality racing at Aintree racecourse, with Thursday kicking things off and the meeting concluding on Saturday evening after the feature race. Below is the schedule for each of the three days: 

Thursday 11th April

• 1:45pm - Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• 2:20pm - Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 2:55pm - Aintree Bowl Chase (Grade 1)
• 3:30pm - Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 4:05pm - Foxhunters’ Chase
• 4:40pm - Red Rum Handicap Chase
• 5:15pm - Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race

Friday 12th April

• 1:45pm - Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)
• 2:20pm - William Hill Handicap Hurdle
• 2:55pm - Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 3:30pm - Melling Chase (Grade 1)
• 4:05pm - Topham Handicap Chase
• 4:40pm - Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 5:15pm - Lydiate Handicap Hurdle

Saturday 13th April

• 1:20pm - Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 1:55pm - Turners Mersey Novices; Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 2:30pm - William Hill Handicap Chase
• 3:05pm - Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1)
• 4:00pm - Grand National
• 5:00pm - Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
• 5:35pm - NH Flat Race