Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Grand National takes centre stage
Farouk D'Alene ridden by Jack Kennedy goes on to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal Racecourse

IT IS once again that time of year when the nation stops and the Grand National takes centre stage on the sporting stage and indeed the news front.

Forget the Premier League title race or that absorbing confrontation at the top of the Championship — well at least for 10 minutes or so — Aintree is the place to focus on as we all have a wee flutter on the world’s greatest race.

This year’s event though is going to be slightly different from previous renewals with the shorter run to the first fence, so the velocity of the runners is controlled and the fact that only 34 will now go to post instead of 40.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Humidity ridden by James Doyle goes to post during Goodwood Cup day at Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester, July 29, 2025
Horse racing / 30 August 2025
30 August 2025

Including races at Sandown, Chester, Beverley and Chelmsford

Nostrum ridden by jockey Ryan Moore on their way to winning the Edmondson Hall Solicitors Sir Henry Cecil Stakes during Ladies Day of The Boodles July Festival 2023 at Newmarket Racecourse. Picture date: Thursday July 13, 2023
Horse racing / 16 August 2025
16 August 2025

Including races at Ripon, Newbury, Newmarket and Doncaster

Haatem ridden by James Doyle on their way to winning the Wolferton Stakes during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, June 17, 2025
Horse racing / 9 August 2025
9 August 2025

Including races at Haydock, Ascot, Newmarket, Redcar

Connor Beasley riding Commanche Falls on Betfred John O'Gaunt Stakes Day at Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows, June 8, 2024
Horse racing / 2 August 2025
2 August 2025

Including races at Goodwood, Newmarket and Thirsk

Similar stories
Runners and riders during the Grand National
Horse Racing / 4 April 2025
4 April 2025
Including races at Aintree and Farringdon’s top six plays for the main event
Conflated ridden by Jack Kennedy (right) leads on lap one of
Horse racing / 1 February 2025
1 February 2025
Leopardstown, Sandown Park, and Wolverhampton,
Constitution Hill, December 26, 2024
Sport / 25 January 2025
25 January 2025
Cheltenham, Doncaster
Broadway Boy ridden by Tom Bellamy coming home to win the Fr
Horse racing / 30 November 2024
30 November 2024