A Guide to the Fences at the Aintree Grand National

A Guide to the Fences at the Aintree Grand National

The Aintree racecourse near Liverpool in the United Kingdom is one of the most famous horse racing courses in the world. Since the 1830's, the course has been home to the well-known Grand National steeplechase. It is known as one of the hardest courses for jockeys and horses to complete, with renowned fences including The Chair, The Canal Turn and Beecher's Brook.

The Grand National itself consists of two circuits of the famous course, making a total distance of 4 and a half miles. Here is our guide to the fences, including some information about specific points to watch out for in the race.

F 1 & 17 4'6"

This comes almost immediately after the start of the race and with such a big field (40 horses contest the Aintree Grand National each year), there are normally at least a few fallers. If all horses make it over this fence, the race is often wide open.

F 2 & 18 4'7"

F 3 & 19 5' with a 6' ditch in front

F 4 & 20 4'10"

F 5 & 21 5'

F 6 & 22 Beecher's Brook 4'10" - 5'6" brook on far side

The most famous fence on the Aintree Racecourse and is named after Captain Becher who fell at this fence. What makes Beecher's Brook so unique is the brook on the landing side. Experienced jockeys will look to take their horses wide here, as the drop is less the wider you jump the fence.

F 7 & 23 Foinavon Fence 4'6" - angled fence

Named after the 1967 100/1 winner Foinavon, who came from the back of the field to win after the carnage at this fence that took out most of the field.

F 8 & 24 The Canal Turn 5' 90 degree turn after jump

Horses must jump this fence at an angle so not to lose a lot of ground, as immediately after jumping there is a 90 degree turn to the left.

F 9 & 25 Valentines Brook 5' 5'6" brook on far side

F 10 & 26 5'

F 11 & 27 The Booth 5' 6" - 6' ditch in front of fence

F 12 & 28 Westhead 5' followed by 5'6" fence

F 13 & 29 4'7"

F 14 & 30 4'6"

F 15 The Chair 6' - 3' deep fence, 6' ditch on takeoff side

This is the biggest fence in the Aintree Grand National and is only jumped once.

F 16 Water Jump 2'9" - 10ft stretch of water far side

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