Luckiest Numbers In Grand National

Each April, the Grand National is hosted and boasts one of the most challenging and prestigious events in UK sports. Taking place at the iconic Aintree racecourse, this event draws fans eager to witness the thrilling competition as 40 top-grade horses battle it out on the track. Due to the large number of participants, bettors often analyse key factors such as the runners' stamina, form, jockey, trainer, and jumping ability over fences before making their own selections.

However, some people prefer a more superstitious approach, choosing numbers they believe are lucky, with some people using numbers to decide which horses to place free bets on. Surprisingly, certain numbers have proven to be more successful than others in the Grand National, or, in some cases, rather unfortunate.

Over the past 23 Grand National outings, there have been a total of 17 different numbers that have gone on to claim victory. The most consistent winning numbers tend to fall between 11 and 29, with these accounting for 12 different champions within this time frame. However, a handful of numbers have stood out as repeat numbers: 10, 12, 29, and 35 each took first place twice, with no number winning three times at the time of writing. This makes them some of the most successful and lucky Grand National numbers in recent history.

It's not just outright win markets available when it comes to Grand National betting, either, with each-way options also among the most popular offered by bookmakers. Depending on the platform, these betting sites could offer between 4 and 6 places, with each-way bets covering both a win and a place within the specific positions. Interestingly, over the last 23 years, 8, 25, and 39 have never finished in the top 6.

Alternatively, the number 27 has secured second place on 4 separate occasions, more often than any other number. However, when considering the overall top 6 places, number 37 is the frontrunner, placing in this range 5 times since 2010, with no other number achieving more than 3 top 6 Grand National Aintree results over the same period.

Since 2000, over 900 horses have competed in the Grand National; however, just over 200 have actually crossed the finish line. Given its record for top 6 finishes, it is no surprise that the number 37 leads the way in race completions. Close behind, however, are numbers 10, 24, and 32, all of which have completed the race more than 10 times each. If you are interested in seeing which horses have which numbers in upcoming events, we have Aintree racecards available that also showcase other essential information.

While some Grand National numbers consistently reach the finish line, others have had a much more jaded time. Over the last 23 editions, number 9 has only managed to complete the race on 4 separate occasions each, making it the most unreliable in terms of actually finishing. Numbers in the range of 1 and 9 have generally had a poor record in the Grand National, with many failing to finish on multiple occasions. However, when it comes to 31 specifically, this stands out as especially unlucky, only finishing the race once between the years 2010 and 2025, as it also pulled up in 2025. However, in the 2025 edition, the winner, Nick Rockett, was number 3; second place, I Am Maximus, was number 1; and the third-place finisher, Grangeclare West, was number 4.

A horse falling can happen for several different reasons; falling at one of the challenging 30 fences around the Aintree racecourse is one of the most common reasons. Colliding with other runners and even unseating jockeys after a rocky landing also result in the horse falling. Among all the numbers, though, 20 has seemingly encountered the most misfortune, only managing to complete the race 5 times between 2000 and 2025, with the number 20 finishing in 6th in 2025. For some strange reason, this number has frequently been brought down or unseated, making it one of the most unlucky Grand National numbers in the event's history.

Whether you are a stats-driven bettor or someone who prefers to follow Grand National lucky numbers, the history of this legendary steeplechase provides fascinating insight into which numbers have struggled and succeeded the most. Although understanding these historical trends may help in making selections for the upcoming race, it is key to remember that luck and the horse's strategy are the main deciding factors, with the overall unpredictability of Aintree’s crowning event being what has made it so popular today.

At Racing TV, we also provide all of the best Grand National free bets and even expert Aintree tips, which you could potentially factor in alongside the lucky numbers if making any decisions.