2024 Grand National Runners & Odds | List of Confirmed Horses
The new jumps season is now in full swing, with Corach Rambler the early favourite for the 2024 Grand National as jockey Derek Fox and trainer Lucinda Russell bid to make it two Grand National wins in a row.
His return to the track has been less than impressive though, finishing 23 lengths adrift in October’s Edinburgh Gin Chase, and then over 15 lengths behind Royal Pagaille in November’s Betfair Chase. There’s also the likelihood of being saddled with more weight to carry in the 2024 Grand National. Could the defending champion really make it back-to-back Grand National victories despite the concerns, or will a new contender step up?
As ever, we’ll have all the confirmed runners in Grand National 2024, alongside their jockeys, recent form and the latest Grand National odds, in our horse-by-horse guide.
Full list of runners, riders and odds
*Odds are correct at time of publishing.
Grand National runners 2024 list
No sooner does the 2023 National end then the speculation begins over the confirmed Grand National 2024 runners and riders. Initially 85 horses entered the 2023 race, so we can expect to see a similar number being declared in February, with that number gradually dwindling following the Cheltenham Festival. The list will eventually be whittled down to the final confirmed Grand National horses that will run on 13rd April 2024, so keep track as the drama plays out.
It remains to be seen how the reduction in runners from 40 to just 34 Grand National horses for 2024 will affect the quantity and quality of entries, but a number of the horses that ran in 2023’s race are expected to renew their rivalries for the 2024 Grand National as things stand. The most likely contenders are listed alphabetically below.
- Ain’t That A Shame
- Angels Dawn
- Ash Tree Meadow
- Ashtown Lad
- Back On The Lash
- Bill Baxter
- Born By The Sea
- Bronn
- Capodanno
- Captain Cattistock
- Chemical Energy
- City Chief
- Coko Beach
- Complete Unknown
- Conflated
- Cooper’s Cross
- Corach Rambler
- Datsalrightgino
- Delta Work
- Desertmore House
- Eva’s Oskar
- Fastorslow
- Feronily
- Fiddlerontheroof
- Flash De Touzaine
- Ga Law
- Gaillard du Mesnil
- Galvin
- Gentlemansgame
- Gericault Roque
- Gerri Colombe
- Gesskille
- Gevrey
- Guetapan Collonges
- Hewick
- Hollow Games
- I Am Maximus
- Iron Bridge
- Kinondo Kwetu
- Kitty’s Light
- Largy Debut
- Le Milos
- Lifetime Ambition
- Longhouse Poet
- Lord Lariat
- Mahler Mission
- Major Dundee
- Midnight River
- Minella Indo
- Mister Coffey
- Monbeg Genius
- Moroder
- Mr Incredible
- Noble Yeats
- Our Power
- Panda Boy
- Revels Hill
- Roi Mage
- Royale Pagaille
- Run Wild Fred
- Sail Away
- Salvador Ziggy
- Stattler
- Stumptown
- The Big Breakaway
- The Goffer
- The Real Whacker
- Thedevilscoachman
- Vanillier
- Velvet Elvis
View the 2024 Grand National betting odds here
*All Grand National odds correct at time of publishing, and subject to change.
Who are the favourites for the Grand National
There are dozens of Grand National horses carrying the hopes of their owners and trainers, but invariably most interest and the big money surrounds the Grand National favourites. Here’s a brief Grand National horse-by-horse guide for the leading 2024 Grand National runners according to the latest Grand National odds:
Corach Rambler
- Career highlights: 2022 & 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase winner and 2023 Grand National winner
- Career prize money: £687,885
- 2023 Grand National result: 1st
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 20/1
Fastorslow
- Career highlights: 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase runner-up and 2023 Punchestown Gold Cup winner
- Career prize money: £266,182
- 2023 Grand National result: Did not run
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Kitty’s Light
- Career highlights: 2023 Scottish Grand National winner and 2023 bet365 Gold Cup winner
- Career prize money: £437,803
- 2023 Grand National result: Did not run
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Gailard Du Mesnil
- Career highlights: 2023 National Hunt Challenge Cup Chase winner and 2023 Grand National 3rd place
- Career prize money: £480,322
- 2023 Grand National result: 3rd
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Noble Yeats
- Career highlights: 2022 Grand National winner, 2023 Grand National 4th place
- Career prize money: £719,733
- 2023 Grand National result: 4th
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 33/1
Monbeg Genius
- Career highlights: 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase 3rd place
- Career prize money: £54,393
- 2023 Grand National result: Did not run
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 33/1
Vanillier
- Career highlights: 2023 Grand National runner-up
- Career prize money: £329,937
- 2023 Grand National result: 2nd
- 2024 Grand National betting odds: 25/1
Previous Grand National winners
The 2023 Grand National went ahead in front of the usual pack stand, despite a slight delay after protestors attempted to make their way onto the track. The Grand National odds had Corach Rambler as the eventual favourite, while 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats went off as one of the top weights. Despite the gallant efforts of Noble Yeats to finish fourth, it was Corach Gambler who came home first. This secured a win for the same Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox partnership that combined to win with One For Arthur back in 2017. Here are the ten previous Grand National winners:
- 2023 – Corach Rambler
- 2022 – Noble Yeats
- 2021 – Minella Times
- 2020 – race cancelled
- 2019 – Tiger Roll
- 2018 – Tiger Roll
- 2017 – One For Arthur
- 2016 – Rule The World
- 2015 – Many Clouds
- 2014 – Pineau De Re
- 2013 – Auroras Encore
Read more about how they got on via our Grand National reviews hub.
How are the Grand National runners decided?
In early February, a longlist often containing over 100 potential Grand National runners is announced. As we near the 2024 Aintree Grand National, this is whittled down to a maximum of 34 Grand National runners. Narrowing down the field to 34 runners is a lengthy process, with the following steps and many twists and turns when it comes to the Grand National odds.
- Grand National entries close around 29th January, giving us a longlist often in excess of 100 Aintree Grand National runners.
- Weights are announced in mid-February, ranking the Grand National horses from one to 34 and beyond.
- The first scratchings deadline is in early March.
- The second scratchings come three weeks later, after the twists and turns of the Cheltenham Festival have all played out.
- Five-day confirmations will be on 8th April 2024.
- Final declarations will happen on Thursday 11th April at 10am, featuring the top 34 Grand National horses from the weights list.
Any withdrawals after the final confirmation stage will not be replaced, so it’s possible to use any Grand National free bets you’ve found, without much fear of not having a run for your money.
How many runners are in the Grand National?
The Grand National has been capped at 40 horses for many years, but a decision has been taken to trim the field further, to a maximum of 34 Grand National horses. There are various declaration stages during February, March and April which also help whittle down the entries to the new 34 Grand National runners limit.
Who decides which horses run in the Grand National?
The 174th running will have Grand National weights released in February 2023 by the British Horseracing Authority’s head of handicapping. They decide the weights and ratings for the runners entered which will invariably end up being a deciding factor of which the final 34 runners will be on the day.
Once each horse has been allocated a weight to carry, we have a clearer idea which horses will be the confirmed Grand National runners for 2024. This has a significant impact on the 2024 Grand National betting odds.
Grand National entries 2024
As long as horses meet the criteria, there is essentially no limit to the number of initial entries. On the day, however, a total of 34 Grand National horses can run, a reduction on the previous maximum of 40.
As well as the official criteria, trainers and owners have to answer questions regarding their own horses. Will they stay the trip? Are they well handicapped? Is the ground suitable? Are they in good form?
Everyone involved has a balancing act to manage too. Those entered in the Grand National who are not jumping or staying well should not be involved. However, those in the form of their lives may have to put up with a very large racing weight given to them by the handicapper. All of these factors impact the Grand National betting odds.
Many horses are still considered to be contenders in 2024, these being some of the key stats:
- Corach Rambler is the most recent winner, coming home over two lengths clear of a pair of greys in Vanillier and Gaillard Du Mesnil.
- Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National (2021) and the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), so there’ll be a real interest in whoever she decides to ride. The 2023 Grand National saw a gamble on her mount, Aint That A Shame, on the eve of the race, but the money proved unwise as she was the last to complete the course.
- Henry de Bromhead trained both the first and second placed horses at the 2021 Grand National.
- Perennial leading owner JP McManus tasted Grand National success for the second time in 2021.
Grand National non-runners
After the official final declarations for the race take place, any horse that’s being pulled out is a ‘non-runner’. In this case, the final field was declared on Thursday, April 13th.
Historically, the Grand National has allowed ‘reserves’ to be called into the field to replace a non-runner. However, this system was discontinued for 2023, meaning the race took place with only 39 runners after the late withdrawal of Escaria Ten.
Horses are often pulled out for a number of reasons, a change in the ground or a veterinary issue being most likely. In 2023, these horses were among those pulled out after initially being declared:
- Hewick
- Conflated
- Farclas
- Death Duty
What to look for when finding a winning horse?
There are certain criteria for horses to meet in order to qualify for the Grand National. Understanding them means not only knowing who will run but often how well too.
Weight
As a handicap race, the weights for Grand National runners are basically decided according to their official rating. So, if the top horse is rated 170 and carries 11st 10lbs, a horse rated 167 would carry 11st 7lbs etc.
Given the special nature of this race, however, the head BHA handicapper has dispensation to change the ratings and the weights somewhat. The handicapper can use other factors such as proven form at Aintree to adjust the weights. He will frame the weights a couple of months before the race before publishing them.
The top-rated horse in the line-up will carry 11st 10lbs. In years gone by it was thought nigh impossible for horses to carry such weights to win the National. Things are different now. The classier horses at the top of the weights have every chance of winning this, especially if the ground isn’t too testing.
Age
Only those aged 7 and over can enter. This was raised from 6 recently, with Noble Yeats becoming the first horse aged younger than 8 to win the Grand National since 1940.
Horses between 8 and 11 are thought of as being at the perfect age. Even then, a lot will depend on what form they are in and whether it’s believed a new career peak is realistic regardless of how old they are.
Career
There isn’t a set career path for a Grand National contender. Race set-ups in the UK and Ireland are different but equally fruitful. The trick is not to follow horses coming from certain races. Rather, it is best to find a horse which is about to peak. Those running to their best form this season, but not necessarily badly weighted, are favoured.
Stamina
Only those who have been placed in a recognised chase over 3 miles or longer can enter. That is because of safety concerns, but as punters, we can take that a step further. In truth, what we really want to see is a horse who has won at least once over 3 miles. We’d rather see those wins being gained in good quality races too. Horses with the previous form in the Grand National, the Welsh and Irish Grand Nationals or over 3 miles at Cheltenham often go on to do well.
Grand National Riders
The identity of a Grand National rider is important when deciding which horse to bet on. Some prefer to back a jockey that has previously won the Grand National, while others may prefer to back a female jockey, following Rachael Blackmore’s memorable win in 2021.
To be allowed to ride, jockeys must have ridden at least 15 winners under rules in Britain or Ireland. Ten of those wins need to have been over fences rather than hurdles too, so it’s clear that all 34 Grand National riders and runners will be more than competent at their trade.
Once that criteria is met, any jockey can be booked in theory to ride any horse. Some jockeys, of course, are associated with certain stables or owners and will be retained to ride by them.
The vast majority of winning riders, in fact, can thank their retainers for their wins. Rarely will it be a chance ride gained by an agent when a jockey is successful at Aintree.
However the Grand National jockeys get their mounts, this is a race that can make a career for them. Leighton Aspell managed to win this race twice in a row for two different trainer/owner combinations. The two greatest riders in recent years, AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh won this race only once and twice respectively.
The most successful jump jockeys from the past season were all be involved in the Grand National in 2023, so have a look at our Grand National riders list to see if any catch your eye.
- Aidan Coleman
- M P Walsh
- Rachael Blackmore
- Brendan Powell
- D N Russell
- P Townend
- T Scudamore
- Nick Scholfield
- D A Jacob
- Ryan Mania
- Harry Skelton
- Jonjo O’Neill Jr
- Charlie Deutsch
- Sam Twiston-Davies
- Harry Cobden
2024 Grand National Key Facts and Figures
- Winner’s Prize Money: £500,000
- Total Runners: 39
- Official Going: Good to Soft
- Number of Hurdles: 30
- Race Distance: 4 miles 2 furlongs 74 yards
2023 Grand National odds and result
- Corach Rambler 8/1 fav
- Vanillier 20/1
- Gaillard Du Mesnil 10/1
- Noble Yeats 10/1
- The Big Dog 12/1
Full 2023 Grand National Review
*All Grand National odds correct at time of publishing. All subject to change.
Grand National runners FAQ
Find more relevant information in the FAQ section below.
Will the 2024 Grand National go ahead?
A combination of COVID related restrictions and animal rights protestors have threatened the running of the Grand National in recent years. The 2023 race went ahead with a short delay, and all the signs suggest the 2024 Grand National will also take place as scheduled.
When is the Grand National?
Grand National 2024 is scheduled for Saturday 13th April. The three-day festival gets going on 11th April, which is also when the final declarations are published for the Grand National.
Who are the 2024 Grand National runners and riders?
The runners and riders will be confirmed closer to race day, although you can already bet on the likely contenders. Early favourites according to the Grand National betting include 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, and greys Vanillier and Gaillard Du Mesnil who also finished in the top three places.
Who will win the Grand National 2024?
It’s tough to say at this stage, but Corach Rambler is prominent in the ante-post Grand National betting. He is undoubtedly be expected to carry more weight in the 2024 race though, so it may be better looking elsewhere for your Grand National bets.
Who won the last virtual Grand National?
The winner of the Virtual Grand National in 2022 was Snow Leopardess. There was no Virtual Grand National in 2023.
Can the virtual Grand National determine the real Aintree winner?
The Virtual Grand National was last successful in predicting the winner of the featured race in 2018. It successfully predicted that Tiger Roll would win the National. It failed to pick the correct winner in 2022, but did successfully call both the second and third-placed horses.
How many fences do the horses jump in the Grand National?
30 fences are taken by the field over a trip just short of 4¼ miles.
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