Grand National Trends

The Grand National is the most famous horse race in the world and is still the only race of the year that captures the imagination of the general public, even those not normally into horse racing. The race is a real spectical but with a field of 40 runners lining up, it is considered one of the hardest races of the season to pick the winner, or is it?

The National has some strong statistical trends that can be used to dramatically narrow down the big field. Factors such as weight, age and course experience more or less determine what horses can and which ones can’t win the race.

Weight Factor

Only one horse in the last 25 years has carried more than 11 stone to victory. Only one horse in the last 51 years, the great Red Rum, has won the race carrying more than 11 stone 5lbs. This is a very important statistic to keep in mind when you consider the numbers involved during that period.

Age Factor

A seven year old has not won the Grand National for 68 years and it's 95 years since a six year old was last victorious.

Nine year olds have won 4 Nationals in the last 10 years and runners aged between ten and twelve have won 12 of the last 19 renewals.

Teenagers need to be avoided with none even in the frame since 1969. The last winner was 86 years ago.

Grand National Form

Only one horse that either won or was placed in a previous year’s National has gone on to win a later renewal of the race since 1998. During the same period there have been three National winners who didn’t finish a previous year’s contest.

Other Stats of Note

There have been five Irish trained winners in the last nine renewals.

Since 1970 every winner had previously won over 3 miles or more.

4 of the last 5 Grand National winners had run over hurdles in the year they won the race.

French bred runners have a poor record.

Runners with an official rating of between 136 and 157 have been responsible for winning the last 21 renewals.

All of the last 11 winners had previously won a chase worth at least £17,000.

Grand National Resources

Grand National Tips - Free tips on the Aintree Grand National from the EBA Forum.

2009 Grand National Runners - list of the runners, their odds and all the info you need to pick the winner.

Aintree Racecourse - The home of the Grand National.

Where to Bet on the The Grand National?

There are ante post markets on offer from most bookies. If you are new to betting online then we suggest placing your grand national bet with SkyBet