The Fences That Determine a Grand National winner

As racing enthusiasts turn their attention to the 2025 Grand National, the iconic fences that punctuate Aintree’s hallowed turf once again command our reverence. Read more in The Fences That Determine a Grand National winner.

Since the race’s inception in 1839, these imposing obstacles have tested the mettle of equine athletes and jockeys alike, separating the merely talented from the truly exceptional.

While modern modifications have tempered their most perilous characteristics, these historic barriers retain their capacity to dictate the narrative of jump racing’s greatest spectacle.

The Grand National course features 16 unique fences, each jumped twice, except for The Chair and the Water Jump. These obstacles test a horse’s jumping ability and stamina, with each fence requiring a different approach.

No other steeplechase presents such a variety of challenges, demanding bravery, skill, and smart race tactics for success.

When assessing the Aintree Grand National odds, it’s always worth noting that the fences are the great leveller. In this article, we explore the Grand National’s most iconic fences—they represent the race’s rich history and the remarkable partnership between horse and rider.

Becher’s Brook

Named after Captain Martin Becher, who sought shelter in its brook after falling in 1839, Becher’s Brook represents the quintessential Aintree challenge. While appearing standard on take-off at 4ft 10in, its treacherous nature reveals itself on landing with a dramatic drop of 6-10 inches on the landing side. This deceptive configuration has claimed countless casualties throughout history, testing both a horse’s technique and courage simultaneously.

When encountered for the second time as the 22^nd fence, Becher presents an even sterner examination, with depleted energy reserves forcing horses to summon extraordinary resolve. Despite safety modifications over decades, this iconic obstacle retains its capacity to dictate proceedings and shape the Grand National’s narrative with ruthless efficiency and always has a part to play in horse racing betting.

The Canal Turn

The Canal Turn combines a standard 5ft fence with an immediate 90-degree left turn dictated by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal beyond. This unique configuration demands not merely jumping prowess but tactical awareness, with riders often positioned wider than ideal to secure a cleaner passage through the turn at the expense of ground.

Historically notorious for creating dramatic pile-ups, most famously in 1928 when Easter Hero’s fall left only two horses standing, this obstacle rewards agility and responsiveness alongside raw courage. When faced for the second time as fence 24, the technical challenge intensifies as tactical positioning becomes increasingly critical with diminished energy reserves.

The Chair

Standing as the tallest obstacle on the course at 5ft 2in, The Chair represents the physical embodiment of Aintree’s uncompromising challenge. Its combination of imposing height and a 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side creates a formidable barrier that demands absolute respect after competitors have already negotiated fourteen testing fences.

Encountered only once during the race, The Chair’s strategic importance stems from its position at the conclusion of the first circuit when horses have established rhythm but begun feeling fatigue. In 1888, the race actually finished at this point, cementing its historical significance. A clean jump here provides crucial momentum for the challenges that await on the second circuit.

Aintree has made significant safety improvements to the Grand National course over the years while preserving its unique challenge. Fences have been modified with softer cores and more forgiving materials, reducing the risk of falls.

Landing areas have been levelled, and Becher’s Brook was adjusted to make the drop less severe. Stricter pre-race veterinary checks and field size limits also help ensure horse and jockey welfare, making the race safer while maintaining its thrilling character.

These three defining obstacles collectively represent the essence of the Grand National examination, where technical precision, tactical awareness and physical courage combine to determine which horse and rider partnership will etch their names into Aintree folklore.

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