The Grand National 2027 will be staged at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April 2027, with the main race on Saturday 10 April. Tickets and hospitality are already on sale, and official sources advise booking early. Here is what is confirmed and what remains unconfirmed for the 2027 meeting.
The Grand National is one of the most anticipated events in jump racing, and the 2027 Randox Grand National Festival is expected to draw large crowds to Aintree. While the full card and runner list are still to be announced, the key dates and ticket details are already available.
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a handicap steeplechase run over an official distance of about 4 miles 2½ furlongs, with 16 fences jumped twice. It has been staged at Aintree Racecourse since 1839 and is widely considered one of the most challenging races in the world.
Key insights:
- The 2027 Festival runs 8–10 April, with Grand National Day on Saturday 10 April.
- Official tickets are on sale now; the cheapest Saturday entry is £44 in The Embankment.
- Group rates are available for 15 or more tickets in selected areas.
- The course includes 16 fences, jumped twice, for 30 jumps in total.
- Red Rum holds the record with three wins; jockey George Docker won six times between 1840 and 1854.
- Runners, final weights, the exact start time and live-stream details are not yet confirmed.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event dates | Thursday 8 April – Saturday 10 April 2027 |
| Main race day | Saturday 10 April – start time ~17:15 BST |
| Number of fences | 16 fences, jumped twice (30 jumps total) |
| First run | 1839 |
| Most wins (horse) | Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) |
| Most wins (jockey) | George Docker (6 wins between 1840–1854) |
| 2026 winner | Not yet known at the time of writing |
| Cheapest Saturday ticket | £44 in The Embankment |
| Group booking threshold | 15+ tickets in selected areas |
How long is the Grand National course and what makes it unique?
The Grand National is often described as a true test of stamina and bravery. The course at Aintree measures roughly 4 miles 2½ furlongs, and the horses are asked to jump 30 fences over two laps.
How many fences are jumped?
There are 16 distinct fences on the course, each jumped twice, producing 30 jumps in total. This makes the Grand National longer and more demanding than most other steeplechases run in Britain.
What are the race records?
Red Rum is the only horse to have won the Grand National three times, triumphing in 1973, 1974 and 1977. The most successful jockey in the race’s history is George Docker, who recorded six wins between 1840 and 1854.
Recent changes in welfare rules, including a reduced field size and foam-covered fences, aim to improve safety while maintaining the challenge of the race.
How can I get tickets for the Grand National 2027?
Tickets are already on sale through Aintree and The Jockey Club. Official sources strongly advise booking in advance, as some enclosures are likely to sell out.
Ticket prices and enclosures
The cheapest listed Saturday general-admission option is The Embankment at £44. Other enclosures range higher, with premium hospitality packages well above £1,000 per person. For full details, see the official ticket page.
Group bookings
Official group rates are available for 15 or more tickets in selected areas, arranged through The Jockey Club’s group bookings page.
Hospitality and packages
A range of official hospitality options is on sale, including private-box style arrangements and hotel/ticket bundles from third-party sellers. You can compare options at Sportsbreaks, Racing Breaks and Eventmasters.
The only official resale route is through The Jockey Club. Tickets purchased from unauthorised resale websites may not be valid.
Which horses are running in the 2027 Grand National?
No official runner list has been published for the 2027 Grand National yet. Entries and declared runners are normally confirmed only a few days before the race, so the full field remains unknown at this stage.
When will the runner list be published?
Runners are not confirmed until close to the race. The official entry list is typically released in the weeks before the Festival, with final declarations coming nearer to race day.
Are there any early odds or predictions?
No official betting odds have been released for the 2027 race. Final betting odds and tips content is expected to be published in March 2027, once the market has taken shape.
What is the Grand National 2027 schedule and history?
The following timeline outlines key dates and milestones associated with the Grand National:
- 1839 – The first Grand National is run at Aintree.
- 1973 – Red Rum wins the first of his three Grand Nationals.
- 1974 – Red Rum wins again.
- 1977 – Red Rum wins for a third time.
- 8 April 2027 – The Randox Grand National Festival begins.
- 9 April 2027 – The festival continues with more races.
- 10 April 2027 – Grand National Day, with the main race expected around 17:15 BST.
What is confirmed and what is still unknown about the Grand National 2027?
While several details are already official, other aspects of the 2027 race remain subject to change. The table below separates confirmed information from areas that are still unconfirmed.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Festival dates: 8–10 April 2027 | Full runner list (not yet declared) |
| Main race: Saturday 10 April 2027 | Final weights and jockeys |
| Venue: Aintree Racecourse | Exact race start time |
| Tickets on sale; cheapest Saturday ticket £44 | Live stream / TV broadcast arrangements |
| Group bookings available for 15+ in selected areas | Betting odds and early market |
| Course: 16 fences, jumped twice (30 jumps) | 2026 winner (not known at the time of writing) |
Why does the Grand National matter to British racing?
The Grand National has been a central part of British jump racing for over 180 years. Its long distance, large fields and unique fences set it apart from other steeplechases, and it attracts a much wider audience than most races on the calendar.
The race is also an important fixture for the racing industry, with significant prize money and media attention. The 2027 edition will take place at Aintree Racecourse, which has hosted the event since its earliest days.
Where can I find official Grand National information and updates?
The most reliable sources for official information are the Aintree Racecourse website, The Jockey Club, and the dedicated grandnational.org.uk page. These pages carry ticket information, race-day schedules and official announcements.
For details specific to Grand National Day, the official event page is updated as new information becomes available.
What should you remember about the Grand National 2027?
The Grand National 2027 will run at Aintree from 8–10 April, with the main race on Saturday 10 April. Tickets are on sale now, but runners, the exact start time and broadcast details are yet to be confirmed. Check official sources regularly for the latest updates.
Frequently asked questions about the Grand National 2027
Are children allowed at the Grand National?
Children under 18 are permitted on Thursday and Friday but not on Saturday, which is the main race day. Some hospitality packages may have different terms.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but smart casual is recommended. Many racegoers choose to dress up, particularly for the hospitality areas.
How do each-way bets work?
An each-way bet consists of a win bet and a place bet. If your horse places, typically 1st to 5th, you receive a fraction of the odds.
Can I buy tickets on the gate?
Advance booking is strongly advised because some enclosures are likely to sell out. Official sources do not guarantee availability on the day.
Where can I buy official resale tickets?
The only official resale route is through The Jockey Club. Tickets bought from unauthorised resale websites may not be valid.
When will the 2027 runners be announced?
Runners are not confirmed until a few days before the race. The official entry list is released in the weeks leading up to the event.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.