The Grand National at Aintree is the world's most famous horse race and one of the biggest betting events of the year for Irish punters. Run over 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs with 30 specialist fences, it draws over 40 runners and massive global betting volumes in April. This guide explains the race, the betting character, ante-post strategy, and each-way considerations for punters based in Ireland.
The Grand National: Race Profile
The Randox Grand National is a handicap steeplechase run at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, over 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards. It is run over specialist fences unique to Aintree — Becher's Brook, The Chair, Canal Turn — which require a different jumping technique from conventional courses. Fields of 36–40 runners (maximum 40) are typical. The race is run in April, usually two weeks after the Cheltenham Festival.
Ante-Post: Long-Range and Short-Range Strategy
The Grand National ante-post market is active from December. Key windows:
- February: After Cheltenham trials; Gold Cup contenders who may also carry a Grand National entry attract interest.
- Post-Cheltenham (March): Some Cheltenham runners are entered for the National; market reassessment happens immediately after the festival.
- Weights release: When the Aintree handicapper releases the weights (typically January), ante-post positions become more informed. Horses with a low to medium handicap weight and proven staying chasing form are most closely watched.
Non-runner risk in the National is significant due to the large entry list and the number of horses who may not make the final declarations. Always check whether non-runner money-back is offered before placing ante-post.
Each-Way Terms at the Grand National
With a field of 36–40 runners, the Grand National attracts some of the best each-way terms in the calendar:
- Standard terms: 5 places at 1/4 odds
- Many bookmakers extend to 6 or even 7 places during race week
At these terms, an each-way bet on a 50/1 runner who finishes sixth can still return a profit. Use our each-way calculator to work out potential returns before race week.
Handicap Considerations
The Grand National handicap is designed to give every horse an equal chance. In practice, top weight is not automatically a disadvantage — well-handicapped horses near the top have won. Horses with proven form in long-distance handicap chases, strong jumping records and experience of Aintree fences (or comparable obstacles) are considered most reliable as each-way investments. The race has been won by horses at prices from 7/1 to 100/1 in recent decades.
Responsible Betting
The Grand National is a large-field handicap with high uncertainty. This guide makes no specific selections. For responsible gambling support, contact the Gambling Awareness Trust at 1800 753 753 or visit gamblingcare.ie.
Grand National ante-post, race-week and race-day markets. GRAI-licensed bookmaker. GRAI remote betting licence in force. 18+ only, T&Cs apply.
Bet on the Grand National 2027 →Frequently Asked Questions
The Grand National 2027 is run in April at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The race is traditionally held on a Saturday; exact dates are confirmed by the Jockey Club. It falls approximately two weeks after the Cheltenham Festival.
The Grand National is run over 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards (approximately 7km) at Aintree. It is the longest race in the British and Irish National Hunt calendar's principal events.
Standard terms are 5 places at 1/4 odds. Many bookmakers offer 6 or even 7 places in race week. Always compare terms across bookmakers before placing your bet.
Yes. Irish-trained horses have won the Grand National many times, often trained by the leading Closutton and Fethard yards. Ireland produces the majority of staying chasers who make up the leading market positions each year.