The Grand National Course & Fences
Inside Aintree's 30 fences — Becher's Brook, The Chair, Canal Turn and the rest of the world's most famous steeplechase test.
In short: the Grand National is run over about 4 miles 2½ furlongs and 30 fences across two circuits. Its named obstacles — Becher's Brook, The Chair, Canal Turn and Foinavon — have been modified over the years to improve safety while keeping the unique challenge.
The course
The Grand National course at Aintree is a roughly triangular circuit run over two laps. Spanning about 4 miles 2½ furlongs, it's the longest test of the festival, asking horse and rider for stamina, jumping and courage in equal measure. The fences are made of spruce and, over the years, have been carefully modified to prioritise safety while preserving the character that makes the race unique.
Becher's Brook
The most famous fence in jump racing, named after Captain Martin Becher, who fell here in the very first official running in 1839. The drop on the landing side is what makes it so demanding, and it has been reshaped several times to improve safety.
The Chair
The tallest and broadest fence on the course, taken only once on the first circuit. A wide ditch on the take-off side adds to the test, making The Chair one of the most imposing obstacles in the sport.
Canal Turn & Foinavon
At Canal Turn the course swings almost 90 degrees immediately after the fence, so jockeys must jump at an angle to save ground. Foinavon, a smaller fence, is forever linked to the famous 1967 pile-up that gave the outsider of the same name its unlikely win.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Grand National course?
The Grand National is run over roughly 4 miles 2½ furlongs — the longest race of the festival — over two circuits of the National course.
How many fences are in the Grand National?
There are 30 fences, jumped over two laps: 16 on the first circuit and 14 on the second, because The Chair and the water jump are only taken once.
What is the most famous Grand National fence?
Becher's Brook is the most famous, but The Chair — the tallest and widest fence — and Canal Turn, where the course turns almost 90 degrees, are also legendary.