As one of the leading bookmakers in the UK, Ladbrokes are gearing themselves up for the 2025 Grand National and ahead of the famous steeplechase they are offering all new customers £20 worth of free bets once an initial wager of at least £5 has been placed – subject to terms and conditions.
Is the Grand National Becoming Less Special?
The Grand National has long been regarded as the greatest steeplechase in the world, a unique spectacle that captures the imagination of millions every year. From casual once-a-year punters to hardcore racing enthusiasts, the race has historically been a chaotic, thrilling, and often unpredictable test of stamina, jumping ability, and sheer luck.
But in recent years, there has been growing concern that the race is losing some of its magic. Rule changes, smaller fields, lower fences, and increasing dominance from a handful of big stables have altered the dynamic of the race significantly.
So, is the Grand National still the special race it once was, or has it become just another long-distance handicap chase? Let’s explore the key changes and what they mean for the future of the world’s most famous race.
A Smaller Field – Less Drama?
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the reduction in the number of runners. Since 1984, the Grand National had been contested by 40 horses, adding to the spectacle, unpredictability, and sheer drama of the race. However, in 2024, the field size was reduced to 34 runners, with the intention of improving safety and reducing congestion at the fences.
Why Was the Field Reduced?
The decision to cut the number of runners came as part of a wider review into race safety, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Aintree Racecourse aiming to minimise early-race falls and reduce the risk of injuries to horses and jockeys.
While safety improvements are understandable, many racing fans feel that the reduced field takes away some of the essence of the Grand National. One of the things that made the race so unique was the sheer chaos of 40 runners charging towards the first fence, the jostling for position, and the unpredictability that came from so many different horses being involved.
With just 34 runners now, the race arguably loses some of that drama. There’s less congestion, fewer surprise results, and some would argue, less of a challenge for the very best stayers.
Does a Smaller Field Make It Easier to Win?
With fewer rivals to contend with, the chances of the leading contenders winning have slightly increased. While outsiders can still land the prize, the race may now favour the classier, well-handicapped horses from the bigger stables.
This brings us to another issue…
Fewer Trainers Dominating the Race
In the past, the Grand National was a race where smaller trainers and underdogs could dream of pulling off a shock victory. However, in recent years, the race has become increasingly dominated by a small group of powerful trainers, often fielding multiple runners each.
The Rise of the Super Stables
Trainers like Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins, and Paul Nicholls now regularly enter four, five, or even six horses in the race, giving them a numerical advantage over smaller trainers who might have only one representative.
For example, in the 2023 Grand National, Elliott had six runners, Mullins had five, and Nicholls had four, meaning that nearly half the field came from just three yards. This trend has continued, and with the smaller field size, it now means that more than ever, the race is dominated by a handful of big-name trainers.
What Does This Mean for the Race?
- Fewer surprise winners – Gone are the days of 100/1 outsiders regularly landing the Grand National. With bigger stables having the best horses, the race has become more predictable.
- Harder for smaller trainers to compete – The Grand National used to be a race where smaller yards could take on the giants and win. Now, it feels like only the biggest operations stand a real chance.
- Less variety in the entries – In the past, the National would have horses from a wide range of backgrounds. Now, the race is increasingly dominated by highly rated horses from elite stables.
Of course, big stables have always been a factor, but in previous decades, the Grand National still felt like a more open contest. With the way things are going, it’s starting to resemble other top staying chases rather than the chaotic, unpredictable race it once was.
The Changing Nature of the Fences
Another major difference between today’s Grand National and the race of old is the modification of the fences.
For years, Aintree’s fences were the most formidable obstacles in jump racing, notorious for their size, difficulty, and unpredictability. Iconic fences like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and Valentine’s had a reputation for being brutally tough, requiring top-class jumping ability.
However, in recent years, many of these fences have been altered to be more forgiving. The wooden cores of the fences have been replaced with softer plastic material, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
What Impact Have Smaller Fences Had?
- Fewer fallers, but also fewer dramatic moments – While reducing injuries is a good thing, some feel that part of what made the Grand National unique was its extreme difficulty.
- Less separation between the Grand National and other big handicaps – The race is still longer than most, but with smaller fences and a smaller field, some argue that it’s starting to feel too similar to other major staying chases.
- More tactical racing – With fewer fallers, jockeys now focus more on positioning and pace rather than simply surviving the course.
While safety improvements are understandable, the question remains: has the Grand National lost some of its character by making the fences easier?
Is the Grand National Still Special?
Despite all these changes, the Grand National remains one of the biggest sporting events in Britain. The build-up, the excitement, and the sheer scale of the race still make it an occasion like no other.
However, for many long-time racing fans, the changes over the past decade have diluted the race’s identity.
The smaller field, smaller fences, and dominance of big stables have taken away some of the unpredictability and magic that made the Grand National truly unique.
What Could Be Done to Bring Back the Magic?
- Reintroduce a full field of 40 runners – This would bring back some of the chaos and drama that made the race so special.
- Limit the number of runners per trainer – This would give smaller yards a better chance and restore the race’s reputation as a more open contest.
- Review fence changes – While safety must come first, there is an argument that the National should still provide a unique jumping test rather than becoming just another long-distance chase.
The Grand National is still a great race, but there’s no denying that it feels different compared to years gone by. While some of these changes may have been necessary, it’s important that the race doesn’t lose its sense of history and uniqueness.
The challenge for Aintree and racing authorities is finding the balance between making the race safe, fair, and competitive while keeping the excitement, challenge, and unpredictability that made it the most famous steeplechase in the world.
For now, the Grand National is still a must-watch event, but the question remains: will it still hold the same magic in 10 or 20 years?
