Run over a distance of about three miles, six furlongs, jockeys need to be able to count as the epic race takes in two and a half circuits of the track, crossing the finish line 3 times and there are 24 fences to successfully navigate.

The North Yorkshire Grand National is a relatively new race, which was started in 2003, replacing the North Yorkshire Handicap Chase, which was won by none other than the legendary Red Rum, trained locally at the time by Anthony Gillam in 1972.

The quickest time for the race in the last five years is 7m33s, when the ground was good, good to firm in places.  Last year’s race, run on soft ground, was run in a time of 8m27s.

Sue Smith has an excellent record in the race.  In the last 10 years, she has won it four times between 2016 and 2019, with four different horses.  Three of them were ridden by the now retired Danny Cook and one, I Just Know, by Sean Quinlan, who could be seen in action on the day.  However, Sue, now training in partnership with Joel Parkinson, is without an entry this year.

Hot on her heels is Phil Kirby who trained Little Bruce to win in 2020 and Bushy Park in 2023.

Bushy Park wins the Vickers.Bet North Yorkshire Grand National for trainer Phil Kirby and jockey Tommy Dowson
Pic Hannah Ali

Last year, the race was won by the Jonjo O’Neill trained Track and Trace, ridden by Richie McLernon and indeed Jonjo is the only winning trainer of the race in the last 10 years with an entry in this year’s renewal as Are U Wise To That holds an entry.

Track and Trace, ridden by Richie McLernon for Jonjo O’Neill, wins the Vickers.Bet North Yorkshire Grand National Handicap Chase
Pic Hannah Ali

Middleham based Patrick Neville has a 26% strike rate at Catterick with seven winners from 27 runners and Mahons Glory is the yards sole entry.  This record is bettered only by Neil Mulholland who has a 32% strike rate at the course and Lord Accord could travel the long distance from the Wiltshire yard to Catterick to land the spoils.  Lord Accord has won over a distance of 3 miles and 3 furlongs, so should see out the trip.

Whatever happens this is sure to be an exciting renewal of the race.