Horse Racing
How Many Horses Will Run In The Grand National 2025?
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Get to know Joe Lyons betterPublished03 Apr 2025
The Aintree Grand National is one of the world’s most famous horse races and the nature of its difficult fences and huge field is what draws in such a crowd – but how many horses will run in the Grand National 2025 – now they’ve reduced the maximum field size?
How Many Horses Will Run In The Grand National 2025?
Until 2023, the maximum Grand National field size was 40 runners but that was reduced to 34 from the 2024 renewal onwards.
The £1 million Aintree showpiece was adjusted in order to increase the level of safety and ensure that horse welfare is of the utmost importance.
Some of the Grand National fences have also been altered to this and some may argue the race isn’t quite the same anymore.
Aintree’s clerk of the course later explained that research and analysis revealed there is a direct correlation between the number of runners and the risk of falling, unseating or being brought down.
They were also aware that if they reduced the field size too greatly, it could create a faster-run race and have an adverse impact on safety so the number 34 was settled on.
You can take a look through our guide detailing each of the 34 hopefuls and five-star ratings for every horse set to line up in the Grand National.
WATCH: I Am Maximus Wins The 2024 Grand National
When Are The Final Grand National Runners Announced?
The final Grand National line-up will be confirmed on Thursday, 3rd April at 10am when declarations for Saturday’s racing is finalised.
What Is The Biggest Grand National Field In History?
An incredible 66 runners contested the Grand National in 1929. Naturally, the race was won by 100/1 shot Gregalach, marking the second successive year a horse with triple figure odds took the spoils.
The fourth-placed Melleray’s Belle was priced at 200/1. All but one horse returned safely home.
What Is The Smallest Grand National Field In History?
The smallest field in National history saw just ten runners go to post in 1883. 12/1 poke Zoedone won by ten lengths.
Will There Be Any Grand National Reserve Runners In 2025?
In 2023, new rules were introduced to block reserves from lining up in the race if any runners were pulled out on the day – which led to just 32 horses going to post last year.
However the reserves system has been reinstated for 2025 as technical complications regarding accommodating runners numbered beyond 40 are no longer an issue due to the field size changes.
2025 Aintree Grand National Race Details
📅 Date: Saturday, April 5th 2025
⌚ Time: 4:00pm
🏇 Racecourse: Aintree
🔄 Trip: 4m 2 1/2f
💷 Winner: £500,000
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV
See here the full 2025 Aintree Grand National Festival race schedule, running order and TV channels.
According to the best horse racing betting sites, Irish Grand National winner Intense Raffles is currently the 7/1 favourite to land the pot.