Fences in horse racing have enjoyed a long history, proving themselves a key part of the sport. Nowhere is this as evident as in the Grand National, the most valuable jump race in Europe. The Grand National’s fame reaches the world over, and the fences have contributed to this ongoing legacy.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or well-versed in Grand National 2025 odds, it’s important to understand the details of these fences, which is what this page is for. Here we’ll break down everything you need to know, from the fences to the history.

A group of jockeys in colorful silks guide their horses over a large, bushy fence during the Grand National, with a crowd of spectators in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Becher’s Brook action during the Grand National at Aintree on 8th April 1989. Photo by Leo Mason/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

How many fences are in the Grand National?

The Grand National features a total of 30 jumps that need to be completed. Since the Grand National takes place over two laps, this means there are 16 individual jumps, all but two of which need to be completed twice. Head on over to our sportsbook, and you can put your knowledge of these fences to the test!

History of Grand National Fences

The origins of the Grand National date back to the 1800s, founded by a Hotel proprietor named William Lynn. It was Lynn who mapped out the course and the grandstand, with the foundation stone set by William Molyneux, the 2nd Earl of Sefton.

Debate surrounds the initial race in its Aintree location, with current popular opinion dating it to 1836. The name of the Grand National originated in 1839, with what was then called the 1839 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. Retroactively, this is now regarded as the first-ever Grand National.

Over the decades that followed, the Grand National would continue to grow in popularity, finding an especially famous place in international horse racing betting. Over time, many of the fences were given their own special Grand National fence names.

Some were named after events, others for their features. Today, almost half the 15 individual jumps have unique titles, and in the future, every fence might one day have its own name.

Combined with the long legacy of the course, it’s little wonder the Grand National generates as much interest as Cheltenham Festival bets and King George VI Chase odds.

Grand National Fences Course Map

A detailed map of the Grand National course at Aintree, highlighting 30 fences including Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and The Canal Turn, with distances marked for each section of the race.

Every single Grand National Fence explained

1 & 17

A plain fence which can be chaotic on the first lap. It’s often crowded at this point, meaning all eyes are firmly fixed on this fence.

2 & 18

Another plain fence, this one slightly larger than the first.

3 & 19

This jump is an open ditch 1.83 metres long, followed by a short drop.

4 & 20

The same height as the previous fence, only without an accompanying ditch.

5 & 21

Fence 5 and 21 comes right before Becher’s Brook, making it an important place to line up for the next jump.

6 & 22 Becher’s Brook

This famous fence was named after Captain Becher, who fell in the first Grand National and protected himself by hiding in the water as the other racers leapt over him. This fence contains a ditch with a fence of 1.52 metres tall.

A diagram of Becher’s Brook, a Grand National fence, depicting a horse silhouette jumping a 5-foot-high and 6’9” wide obstacle with a 4-foot drop on the landing side.

7 & 23 Foinavon

One of the easier Grand National Fences, Foinavon is just 1.37 metres tall. It was named after a famous pile-up in 1967 which allowed a 100-1 long shot Foinavon to claim a win.

8 & 24 Canal Turn

The Canal Turn has little room for racers to prepare, with a 90-degree turn making it a difficult fence. Canal Turn once had a ditch, but it was removed in 1928.

9 & 25 Valentine’s

A ditch fence was named for a horse named Valentine in 1840, who appeared to jump hind legs first.

10 & 26

Another plain fence.

11 & 27 Booth

Booth features a 6-foot-wide ditch on the take-off side which adds another layer of challenge.

12 & 28

A 1.52-metre-high jump with a 1.68-metre ditch.

13 & 29

A plain fence.

14 & 30

This is the final fence of the second lap. This is a smaller fence which is usually jumped free of drama.

15 The Chair

The Chair is usually considered the second-most challenging of all Grand National fences. At 1.57-metres-high with a 1.83-metre ditch and 15-centimetre landing side rise, The Chair pushes racers to their limits. It was named for the judge’s chair that once sat next to the fence.

A diagram of The Chair, a Grand National fence, showing a horse silhouette jumping over a 5’2” high and 4’8” wide obstacle with a 2’6” ditch on the landing side and a total width of 9 feet.

16 The Water Jump

A low 76-centimetre jump that can still cause problems by causing horses to lose their balance.

The Finish Line

The Grand National race in its entirety is the longest in the country, at 4 miles 2.5 furlongs. After being pushed to their limits, both the horses and their riders cover the finish line in a state of complete exhaustion.

The Grand National isn’t just a famous race, it’s a test of physical and mental fortitude, and the trust between rider and horse. Not even this last stretch is safe from excitement, as many victories have been snatched mere moments before passing the post.

Grand National Fences FAQs

What is the hardest fence at the Grand National?

Becher’s Brook is often considered the most difficult fence, though it has seen modification in 1990 to make it safer for the riders and the horses.

Which fences are only jumped once at the Grand National?

There are two fences in the Grand National which are jumped just once, The Chair and the Water Jump.

Which grand national fence is the highest?

The Chair is the highest of all Grand National fences, reaching five feet and two inches, or 157.5 cm.

18+ | Opt in | T&Cs apply | Gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.