Met Office

Grand National

Jockeys prefer the course conditions to be 'good'

Events calendar sponsored by AVIS

Aintree racecourse hosts a three-day, 30 fence, jump race event each year, culminating in the most popular race day in the UK, the Grand National.

The Grand National has been a national event since 1839 when a horse called Lottery won the first race. Last year saw champion jockey Tony McCoy win his first Grand National on Don't Push It.

After 14 failed attempts McCoy won his first National by five clear lengths over Black Apalachi, and will be looking to take the title again this year on the same horse.

Back to the events calendar.

Grand National

Grand National

22 April - Check the weather forecast for the biggest steeplechase event in the UK, the Grand National.

The course and the weather

The four miles and four furlong course is watched by more than 70,000 spectators and they are all looking for the perfect race conditions to suit the style of their chosen horse and rider. All 40 riders will be looking for a clear and not too gusty day.  

On the day of the race the course officials will check the course conditions and inform the owners and jockeys. This information also helps those who have an interest in the race.

Owners will be looking for the course to be classed as 'good' which means the ground will be neither too hard or too soggy.

Will the weather make for a successful race day? Check the Aintree racecourse weather forecast.

Red Rum

Red Rum is probably the most famous name to be associated with the Grand National. Red Rum won the Grand National in 1973 and 1974, but then came second in the next two Grand Nationals. After having two years of poor race placements and calls to retire due to being over raced his trainer Donald McCain had faith that the winning horse could take one more title. Red Rum went on to win the 1977 Grand National.

Red Rum passed away at the age of 30 and is buried at the finishing line of the Grand National course. There is also a gold statue of the three-time winner at Aintree.

To check all the runners and riders in this year's Grand National check the official  Grand National site.

You can check the weather forecast for other events through the Events Calendar.

If you're looking for content for your own website, take a look at our widget.

Get updates