HOW HORSES AND JOCKEYS QUALIFY FOR THE GRAND NATIONAL

The Randox Grand National is a race like no other, and qualifying for it is no easy feat. The famous race at Aintree brings together the best of British jump racing, and only the most qualified and prepared horses and jockeys are allowed compete. 

To even be considered for the Grand National, a horse must first meet several strict criteria. The horse must have run at least six times over fences and have finished in the top four in a steeplechase race that’s three miles long or more. These requirements ensure that only experienced and fit horses are eligible for the race. But the scrutiny doesn’t end there.

The competition to enter the Grand National has become even more intense in recent years. In 2024, the level of ability required from horses was raised, so only those that demonstrate a higher level of skill can qualify. This is judged by a horse’s handicap (a numerical representation of a horse’s perceived ability at any point in time) and to qualify for the National this must now be 130. In British racing there are currently just over 300 horses (of an estimated 14,000 in training) who meet this threshold. This means the class of horse competing on the world stage is now higher than it has ever been.  

Even when a horse meets these performance criteria, they must then undergo a review by a panel of experts before being confirmed in the final line up. This highly experienced group, known as the Grand National Review Panel, includes former jockeys, veterinarians, clerks of the course, and stewards who carefully assess each horse's abilities, fitness, and overall readiness for the prestigious test. Race footage is reviewed, and any horse making jumping errors in 50% or more of their recent races is closely scrutinised to ensure they are up to the challenge.  

When a horse has qualified and then satisfied the Review Panel that it is suitably skilled for the challenge, pre-race veterinary protocols add an additional layer of checks to maximise safety. An enhanced protocol above and beyond that required for other race days applies to horses running in the Grand National.

This requires trainers with Grand National entries to provide a horse’s medical history in well in advance of the race – including detail of any treatment, procedures, or medication the horse has received in the months prior.  Alongside this, they must submit video footage of each horse trotting to allow experienced vets to identify any lameness or abnormalities that might affect a horse’s suitability to race.  

And finally, even when a horse has passed every test in the run up, the 34 National runners are given a thorough check over by the racecourse veterinary team on race day itself.  This ‘health check’ includes a trot up, physical examination of limbs to check for any heat, pain or swelling, and listening to the heart to check for any murmur or rhythm disturbance. This adds a further and final layer of scrutiny to ensure every challenger is at their physical peak and crucially, no issues have arisen between pre-race checks and the moment they step foot on the track.  

Watch I Am Maximus take victory in the 2024 running of the Randox Grand National.

It’s not just about the horses though. The jockey must also meet certain qualifications. To qualify and potentially claim the accolade of Grand National winning jockey, they must have ridden at least 15 winners, 10 of which must be over steeplechase fences like those they will face in the National. Jockeys who have ridden the Grand National course twice or less, are subject to a mandatory walk of the entire course with experienced professional coaches – to further prepare them for the race itself.  

Lastly, a unique pre-race safety briefing takes place in the weighing room for all 34 riders, delivered by legendary former jockeys and Grand National winners including Ruby Walsh and Barry Geraghty. This briefing reiterates to jockeys the uniqueness of the test ahead, reminds them of their responsibilities and gives them the latest data as to the safest and most successful approach when racing for victory. 

This combination of a skilled horse and a capable rider is crucial for success at Aintree. As a result, every year the race is filled with the most accomplished equine athletes and their talented jockeys, all vying to make history at one of the world’s most iconic events. 

To find out about the changes made to the Grand National in 2024 to make it safer than ever click here.