The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world, and almost everyone who watches it asks the same question: exactly how many fences do the horses jump? The answer is 30 fences across the marathon trip of about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs at Aintree. But the story behind those 30 jumps is far more interesting than the number itself, so let’s walk the course together, fence by fence.

The Short Answer: 30 Fences Over 4 Miles 2½ Furlongs

Runners in the Grand National face 30 fences in total, spread across a gruelling distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs. The race is a handicap chase for horses aged seven and over, and it demands both stamina and precision jumping. No other race in the world combines this many obstacles with this much distance.

The number has stayed remarkably consistent for well over a century, even as the course, the fences and the safety standards have evolved. That continuity is part of what makes the Grand National so special to racing fans.

Why 30 Fences and Not 16? Understanding the Two Laps

The key to understanding the number is that the Grand National is run over two full circuits of the Aintree Grand National course. Each complete lap contains 16 fences, so two laps give you 32 jumps — except the horses don’t jump all of them.

On the second circuit, the field bypasses the first two fences, which are covered or omitted for safety as the runners pass the grandstands. That leaves 14 fences on the second lap, and 16 + 14 = 30 jumps in total. It’s a simple sum, but it explains why the figure isn’t a round 32.

How the Fence Count Breaks Down

• First circuit: 16 fences jumped.
• Second circuit: 14 fences jumped (the first two are omitted).
• Total: 30 fences over the full race distance.

The Most Famous Fences You’ll Meet Along the Way

Not all 30 fences are equal. A handful have become legends in their own right, and knowing them helps you appreciate just how demanding the race really is.

Becher’s Brook

Becher’s Brook is arguably the most famous jump in world racing, named after Captain Martin Becher, who fell there in 1839. The drop on the landing side is severe, and horses must meet it at exactly the right stride. It is jumped only once, on the first circuit.

The Chair and the Water Jump

The Chair is the tallest fence on the course, standing at around 5 feet 3 inches, and it is also jumped only once. The Water Jump follows soon after, and together they form one of the most spectacular sequences in the sport.

Valentine’s Brook and the Canal Turn

Valentine’s Brook is famous for its pronounced drop, while the Canal Turn demands a sharp left-hand angle that has caught out many experienced jockeys. Both are jumped twice during the race, so riders must master them on tired legs as well as fresh ones.

Foinavon and the Second-Lap Drama

The 23rd fence is remembered for the 1967 pile-up that allowed the outsider Foinavon to escape and win. It is a reminder that late in the race, when horses are tiring, even a routine fence can change everything.

How the Modern Fences Have Changed for Safety

The Grand National of today looks very different from the race of a hundred years ago. Since 2013, the fences have been rebuilt with more forgiving, flexible cores and a shallower drop, and the landing areas have been levelled to reduce the risk of injury.

These changes have not altered the number of fences, but they have made each jump safer for horse and rider. The result is a race that keeps its iconic character while meeting modern welfare standards.

Key Safety Improvements at Aintree

• Softer fence cores that give on impact rather than stopping a horse dead.
• Reduced drop on fences such as Becher’s Brook and Valentine’s.
• Better ground preparation and watering to keep going safe.
• Stricter entry standards so only proven stayers and jumpers line up.

What 30 Fences Demand From Horse and Jockey

Jumping 30 fences over more than four miles is one of the ultimate tests of equine and human endurance. A horse must stay relaxed, find a rhythm, and still have something left for the punishing run to the line.

For the jockey, it is a tactical puzzle as much as a physical one. Positioning, patience and the ability to keep a horse balanced over the biggest obstacles often matter more than raw speed. That is why the Grand National rewards experience and judgement above all.

Traits of a Grand National Winner

1. Proven stamina over extreme distances.
2. Reliable jumping under pressure and at speed.
3. A calm temperament in a field of up to 34 runners.
4. Weight-carrying ability in a competitive handicap.

Common Questions About the Grand National Fences

Are all 30 fences the same height?

No. The fences vary in height, with The Chair the tallest at around 5 feet 3 inches and most others standing between 4 feet 6 inches and 5 feet. Each has its own profile and landing.

Do horses jump every fence twice?

Most fences are jumped twice, but the first two on the course are bypassed on the second circuit. Becher’s Brook, The Chair and the Water Jump are each jumped only once.

Has the number of fences ever changed?

The total has remained at 30 for generations, although individual fences have been modified, rebuilt or in rare cases omitted for safety. The core structure of 16 plus 14 has stayed intact.

Conclusion: Thirty Fences, One Legendary Race

The Grand National asks horses and jockeys to jump 30 fences over 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with 16 on the first circuit and 14 on the second. Behind that number lies a century of history, from Becher’s Brook to Foinavon, and a modern commitment to safety that keeps the race as thrilling as ever.

Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or watching for the first time, now you can follow every jump with confidence. Share this guide with a friend, pick your horse before the off, and enjoy the greatest steeplechase in the world — and if you want more insights like this, explore the rest of our guides at Kreatif Anak Bangsa.