If there’s one race that brings in the crowds on course, as well as the eyeballs on screens, it has to be the Aintree Grand National. Steeped in history and tradition, the National is unmissable for even casual fans of horse racing, let alone the die hards. With event history tracing back to 1839, it’s no wonder that it draws in both huge domestic and worldwide appeal to the tune of hundreds of millions of viewers; it’s a race that is eagerly anticipated by all. The public are with those taking part over every one of the 30 tough National course fences (including the notoriously difficult Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and Chair).

Many of us have a memory of our favourite Grand National Runners from the past and present. The likes of three time winner Red Rum (1973, 1974, and 1977), Shergar (performing well in 1981 before sadly being kidnapped in 1983), Tiger Roll (winner in 2018 and 2019), and Aldaniti (ridden to victory in 1981 by cancer survivor Bob Champion) are just the tip of the iceberg of Grand National Runner achievement.

And that’s the beauty of the event really, whether past or present, through covid and changes to the course, there is always a story of overcoming the odds or breaking the record, that captivates the general public. With that in mind the Grand National Runners site aims to bring you the stories of legends of yesteryear as well those currently vying to put their name in the history books, with an eye on 2026 and beyond.

After final declarations are made, with 36 runners maximum in each National, horses, jockeys and trainers put it all on the line on this challenging course, just as countless others have done over the years. There’s many a Grand National story to be told. All of that race prep leading to this one moment for the national runners. The strategy, the fortune, it’s all part of it, and the result could well be one for the history books.