How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been

Navarro, we’re told, has won 13 national championships and five grand national championships. (The show is somewhat vague about exactly what “grand national championships” are—the team. It is the first year that the iconic showpiece has been cancelled prior to the starter’s orders since the Second World War. There have been a couple of aberrations – more on those shortly – but all told the 2020 edition of the Grand National will be the first time that the race hasn’t been.

The 2018 Grand National Championships were held Nov. 8–10 at Lucas Oil Stadium. After a very close semifinals competition, Carmel swept captions in finals and earned a third consecutive national champion title.
This year’s Grand National Championships kick off bright and early Thursday morning with a new system of adjudication that allows the elimination of most breaks throughout the day. While a typical block of performances in years past was limited to around 10–14 bands followed by a break, this year, there are stretches of as many as 30 performances back-to-back. For our purposes below, we’ll group bands into blocks based on adjudication panel. Those bands colored green are ones we consider a lock for semifinals and those in yellow we consider on the bubble for semis.

Prosper performs at the San Antonio Super Regional on Nov. 3, 2018, at the Alamodome. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
7:45 Prosper, TX
8:00 Collinsville, IL
8:15 Nordonia, OH
8:30 Bourbon County, KY
8:45 Russell, KY
9:00 Blackhawk, PA
9:15 Woodford County, KY
9:30 New Philadelphia, OH
9:45 Chesapeake, OH
10:00 Lakota East, OH
10:15 Campbellsville, KY
10:30 Indian Hill, OH
10:45 Milford, OH
11:00 Rockford, MI
11:15 Northeastern, OH
Kicking off the 2018 Grand National Championships on Thursday morning will be the lone band from the lone star state. Prosper is certainly a group to look out for this year. After finishing just two spots outside of finals this past weekend in San Antonio, they are certainly within striking distance of a Saturday night performance.In previous years, we’ve seen bands miss finals by larger margins in San Antonio and still make finals a few days later in Indianapolis.
Lakota East has made finals at two BOA events this year: claiming 13th in Indianapolis and third at Bowling Green. With this in mind, this program could certainly earn a spot in semifinals.
Rockford is another band on the semifinals bubble. After a fourth place finish at Bowling Green, we think they could edge out some other heavy hitters who are competing for a Saturday performance.

Plymouth-Canton performs at the Grand National Championships on Nov. 11, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
11:45 Central Hardin, KY
12:00 North Hardin, KY
12:15 Wilmington, OH
12:30 Larry A. Ryle, KY
12:45 Rockwood Summit, MO
1:00 Cary, NC
1:15 Archbishop Alter, OH
1:30 Father Ryan, TN
1:45 Logan Elm, OH
2:00 Norton, OH
2:15 Plymouth-Canton E.P., MI
2:30 Northmont, OH
2:45 Hamilton, OH
3:00 Greenon, OH
3:15 Green Hope, NC
The early afternoon block of bands consists of many regional finalist bands hoping to earn a spot in semifinals. Starting off the group is Central Hardin who placed tenth at Clarksville. They are followed by fellow Kentucky band, North Hardin. North Hardin is a consistently high achieving group that we expect to make semifinals. They also were at the Clarksville, TN regional and earned fourth behind some great bands.
Speaking of Tennessee, be sure to catch Father Ryan at 1:30 p.m. This AA group always brings a high level of individual achievement that allows them to compete with much larger bands. Unfortunately, they’re being judged by the same panel as Marian, North Hardin, and Tarpon, so they won’t be able to advance based on class representation. The band placed sixth earlier this year in Jacksonville.
At 2:15 p.m., we get to see former Grand National champion Plymouth-Canton. They are another group that could be right on the bubble of semifinals after a seventh place finish at Bowling Green.
Closing out the second block is Green Hope from North Carolina. Green Hope is a consistent regional finalist and placed 10th at the 2018 Gaffney Regional.

Castle performs at the Indianapolis Super Regional on Oct. 20, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
3:30 Troy, OH
3:45 Carroll, OH
4:00 Lake Park, IL
4:15 Dobyns-Bennett, TN
4:30 Tippecanoe, OH
4:45 John Hardin, KY
5:00 Nation Ford, SC
5:15 Castle, IN
5:30 Lockport Township, IL
5:45 O'Fallon Township, IL
6:00 Lakeland, MI
6:15 Piqua, OH
6:30 Lake Hamilton, AR
6:45 William Mason, OH
Dobyns-Bennett headlines the Thursday afternoon block. Coming off an impressive top six finish at Grand Nationals last year, the Tennessee group is poised for another top half finish. You won’t want to miss their massive stage and vibrant colors that are brought to life on the field.
Nation Ford is another group to watch this year. So far, they have placed third and fifth at the Jacksonville and Gaffney regionals respectively. Their 2018 program, “From the Other Side” features an impressive musical repertoire including Shostakovich Symphony No. 10.
Castle looks to regain momentum with their prelims performance on Thursday. After two straight Grand National finals appearances, the band placed third in Clarksville and eighth in Indianapolis, several spots off of their placements the past two years.
O’Fallon Township has had a tremendous 2018 season as they secured a regional victory in Clarksville and a fifth place finish at the St. Louis Super Regional. Their stark white, endzone-to-endzone, full-field tarp is one of the most bizarre and impressive sights you will see at Grand Nationals. “Tarp Town” is far more than a gimmick, as the spread creates a truly powerful visual impact in contrast to the band’s dark uniforms.
Closing out the block is a band coming back into the finalist discussion. After an incredible climb to fourth place at the 2015 Grand National Championships, William Mason spent last season on the outside looking in. An impressive early season win in Bowling Green sets them up nicely for a strong finish to the season.

Homestead performs at the Indianapolis Super Regional on Oct. 20, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
7:30 Avon, IN

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Won

7:45 Lawrence Township, IN
8:00 Center Grove, IN
8:15 American Fork, UT
8:30 Homestead, IN
8:45 Columbus North, IN
9:00 Jenison, MI
9:15 Carmel, IN
9:30 Wando, SC
9:45 Greendale, WI
10:00 Adair County, KY
10:15 Reeths-Puffer, MI
10:30 Ada, OH
10:45 Centerville, OH
11:00 Morton, IL
If you had to choose only one prelims block to go to, make sure it is Thursday night. It features SEVEN bands that have made finals within the past ten years. Avon begins the night block and we really shouldn’t need to convince you on why you need to be there right no time. They are one of the best music programs in the country and will blow your socks off.
Lawrence Township and Center Grove are two more Indiana groups that perform directly after Avon. Although following up a finalist lock is difficult, both of these groups are certainly up to the task after each producing impressive finalist placements at the Indianapolis Super Regional.
American Fork is a huge wild card at this year’s competition and is travelling all the way from Utah. The band is consistently a top performer on the west coast and placed just shy of former Grand National finalist Ayala at St. George. Could this be the year that they push through to finals?
Homestead is once again in a solid place to make finals at Grand Nationals. Over the past few years, the band has become a consistent finalist and they look to continue the streak this year.
Speaking of streaks, possibly the biggest question of the weekend will be whether Carmel can three-peat. Performing at the very top of the national stage is an incredible feat, but doing it years in a row is absolutely amazing. The Carmel visual package is always mesmerizing and engaging. The quest for #3 starts at 9:15 PM Thursday for the Marching Greyhounds.
But wait, there’s more! Wando, one of the top bands from the southeast will prove why they are another finalist caliber band. Wando has a new look, but their 2018 program continues their tradition of excellent performance. The individual level of achievement from this group makes them one of the most impressive groups in the nation.
This block also contains a huge group of bands on the bubble of snatching a semifinals spot if everything works in their favor. Jenison, Greendale, and Reeths-Puffer have all been in within 10 spots of semifinals in recent years, and Adair County should advance on class representation if they're unable to advance based on score. Centerville and Morton, who have both made finals at super regional earlier this season round out the Thursday prelims performances.

Blue Springs performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
7:00 Southwestern, KY
7:15 Avon, OH
7:30 Kennesaw Mountain, GA
7:45 Franklin, TN
8:00 North East, PA
8:15 Fort Mill, SC
8:30 Camdenton, MO
8:45 Hardin Valley Academy, TN
9:00 Bentonville, AR
9:15 Homestead, CA
9:30 Fred J. Page, TN
9:45 Blue Springs, MO
Although you may have been up late Thursday watching some incredible groups from the night block, make sure you set your alarm early to make it in time for several great bands performing early Friday morning.
Kennesaw Mountain’s last trip to Grand Nationals was in 2014 when they placed eighth overall in finals. Although, the past few seasons have not been as strong, they have found their new direction over the last two seasons. This year, the band has impressive second and third place finishes at the Jacksonville and Powder Springs regionals behind talented groups like Harrison and Wando.
Franklin is looking to bounce back on the national stage after dropping down to 27th last year in semifinals. Prior to that, the band had placed as high as 15th in 2013 and 13th in 2015. Their 2018 production, “Out There”, features a space theme centered around the Russian Sputnik launch.
Fort Mill, Camdenton, and Bentonville each perform in the middle of this block, so you'll want to hold off on taking a break just yet. All three will be pushing for a spot in semifinals, and with few class AA bands assigned to panel 2, Camdenton could be able to earn a semifinalist spot on class representation, even if they don't on score.
One of the farthest travelling bands this year is Homestead from California. They are another consistent top performing finalist at west coast regionals and look to represent the California bands at Grand Nationals this season. We expect them solidly in semifinals.
Closing out the morning block is Blue Springs. The Missouri band has achieved some impressive milestones over the past few years and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. This year, they tied Broken Arrow for the GE caption in St. Louis and finished within half a point of the perennial powerhouse. That alone is enough to be proud of for the 2018 season, but we have a feeling the could turn some more heads this weekend in Indianapolis.

Jenks performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
10:30 Tarpon Springs, FL
10:45 Independence, IA
11:00 Mustang, OK
11:15 Urbana, MD
11:30 Fairborn, OH
11:45 Cabell Midland, WV
12:00 Central Crossing, OH
12:15 DeSoto Central, MS
12:30 Bishop Fenwick, OH
12:45 Jenks, OK
1:00 Stebbins, OH
The second block of the day starts off with a bang. Tarpon Springs will be bringing their production, “Ready Player One”, to Lucas Oil Stadium at 10:30. Tarpon Springs brought home the Eagle in 2014 and had an impressive fourth place finish in 2016. Could they take the championship back home to Florida? Either way, this show is a lot of fun to watch.
Mustang is a semifinals bubble band from outside of Oklahoma City who we haven’t seen much of this year. However, they recently placed sixth at their state championships. We are excited to see what they will bring to Indianapolis!
DeSoto Central is the sole band traveling from Mississippi this year. They made semifinals last year at Grand Nationals and hope to repeat that this year. They have already racked up to finalist performances in Jacksonville and Powder Springs in 2018.
Jenks from Oklahoma could be a very interesting group to watch this weekend. After a very impressive performance in St. Louis, they have their sights set on making finals. After a third place finish behind Grand National finalists Broken Arrow and Blue Springs, they certainly have what it takes to jump into the top twelve.

Broken Arrow performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
1:30 Casey County, KY
1:45 South Point, OH
2:00 Greenfield Central, IN
2:15 Normal, IL
2:30 Sequoyah, TN
2:45 Laquey, MO
3:00 Broken Arrow, OK
3:15 Panther Creek, NC
3:30 West Salem, OR
3:45 Christian Academy of Louisville, KY
4:00 Pulaski County, KY
4:15 Talawanda, OH
4:30 Monrovia, IN
Broken Arrow is always a must-see performance, and this year is no different. Their 2018 show is patriotic themed and presents the full band outfitted in red, white , and blue. The whole production is top notch and will compete for the Eagle this year.
Panther Creek has the tough task of following Broken Arrow this year. However, the North Carolina band has a strong record of regional finalist placements and placed eighth this year at Gaffney. Expect another strong showing from them!
We have been lucky to see several groups travel from California over the past few years, but this year we are being treated to another group from the west coast! West Salem makes the long haul from Oregon. While many fans from the rest of the country haven’t heard of them, West Salem will be a familiar name by the end of the weekend. The band won the Pleasant Hill regional earlier this year against some tough California competition.

Marian Catholic performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
5:00 Marian Catholic, IL
5:15 Union City, TN
5:30 Bellbrook, OH
5:45 East Clinton, OH
6:00 Meade County, KY
6:15 Milton-Union, OH
6:30 Miamisburg, OH
6:45 Goshen, IN
7:00 Walled Lake Central, MI
7:15 Fishers, IN
7:30 Carlisle, OH
7:45 Lewis Cass, IN
8:00 Siegel, TN
The final block of the preliminary competition features many midwestern groups that will be vying for a semifinals spot. But first, is a solid semifinalist and perennial finalist, Marian Catholic. Marian Catholic has not missed a Grand National finals. It is one of the most impressive streaks in the performing arts. There had been many questions about whether they would make finals the past few years, but they still pushed through into Saturday night. While a seventh place finish at St. Louis isn’t ideal, nobody cleans a show better than Marian Catholic in November.
Fishers had an impressive showing at the Indianapolis Super Regional as they finished in the top half of finals. In addition, they held off a previous Grand National finalist in Castle. We expect them to be a solid semifinalist lock.
Closing out over 100 bands competing in prelims is Siegel from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The band had a good sixth place finish in Clarksville behind some very notable programs. More recently, they placed second in a Tennessee competition to Franklin. They will have a massive crowd to perform for as they try to lock up a semifinals spot.
Chief Judge: Gary Markham

The Grand National – FAQ’s

The Grand National is almost upon us, and you’re running out of time to brush up on your knowledge. Not to worry though, as the Racing Post has compiled a list of your most frequently asked questions, and answered them for you. This guide is the only thing you’ll need to make the most out of this years Aintree Festival.

How many horses have died at the Grand National?

There have been 11 deaths at the Grand National since 2000, although there have been none since the 2012 running.

Who has won the Grand National?

Red Rum is perhaps the most famous winner as he won the race three times in the 1970s. Tiger Roll won the 2018 Grand National.

How many people go to the Grand National?

Over 150,000 people attend the three-day meeting, with Grand National day itself regularly a sell-out.

How many horses died at Cheltenham?

Three horses died at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.

Why do racehorses get put down?

It is difficult for a horse’s leg to heal when a significant injury occurs. Given the weight of a horse, it is difficult for them to absorb that on only three fully working legs.

Who won the 2017 Grand National?

One For Arthur won the 2017 Grand National for trainer Lucina Russell and jockey Derek Fox.

When did Mr Frisk win?

Mr Frisk won the Grand National in 1990.

Who won the first Grand National?

The first Grand National was held in 1839 and won by Lottery.

How many jumps are there in the Grand National?

Horses have to jump 30 fences during the Grand National.

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Paid

What time is the main race?

The main race at the Grand National festival is the Grand National itself. It takes place on the Saturday of the three-day meeting at 5.15pm.

What is the oldest horse to win the Grand National?

Peter Simple, aged 15, is the oldest horse to win. He won the race in 1853.

What date is the 2019 Grand National?

The 2019 Grand National is to take place at Aintree on April 6.

Who finished the 2018 Grand National?

Tiger Roll finished first and led home 11 other horses who completed the course. Pleasant Company was second, Bless The Wings third, Anibale Fly fourth, Milansbar fifth and Road To Riches sixth.

How long is the Grand National?

The Grand National is run over 4m21/2f.

How many horses die each year?

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Tested

There have been 11 deaths at the Grand National since 2000, although there have been none since the 2012 running.

How Many Grand Nationals Have Been Run

How many jockeys die each year?

Jockey deaths are extremely rare.

Wh0 won the 2017 Grand National?

One For Arthur won the 2017 Grand National for trainer Lucinda Russell and jockey Derek Fox.

Who won the 2008 Grand National?

Comply Or Die won the 2008 Grand National for trainer David Pipe and jockey Timmy Murphy.

How many horses start the Grand National?

A maximum of 40 horses can start the Grand National. There is almost always a full field for the race.

How much do you get for winning the Grand National?

The first prize for winning this year’s Grand National is £500,000.

What is the first fence in the Grand National called?

The first fence does not have a famous name associated with it like Becher’s Brook. It is a thorn fence, 4f 6in high, 2ft 9in wide.

Which jockey has won the most Grand Nationals?

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Cancelled

George Stevens in the most successful jockey in the history of the Grand National. He won the race five times between 1856 and 1870.

What year did the Grand National get cancelled?

The Grand National was cancelled in 1993, the only time the race was declared void after 30 of the 39 runners began and carried on racing, despite a false start. Esha Ness won the race that never counted.

Is the Grand National on TV?

The Grand National will be shown on ITV and Racing TV.

Is the Grand National on the radio?

BBC Radio 5 Live will be providing live coverage from Aintree between 12pm and 8pm, including dedicated Grand National coverage from 5pm-5.30pm.

Is the Grand National online?

You can bet and stream the race live on the Racing Post website and mobile app.

Is the Grand National on BBC?

The BBC does not broadcast the race on television but will cover the race on radio.

How to watch the Grand National

How Many Grand Nationals Has There Been

ITV and Racing TV will show the race live, while you can also stream and bet on the race on the Racing Post website and mobile app.

How to bet on the Grand National

You can stream and bet on the race on the Racing Post website and mobile app.

How much is the Grand National prize-money?

The 2019 Grand National is worth £1milion in prize-money, with the winner collecting £500,000.

How much are Grand National tickets?

Most enclosures are sold out for the 2019 Grand National. Tickets are still available in the Steeplechase enclosure for £35. Tickets can be purchased here.

Why is the Grand National at Aintree?

The Grand National was first run at Aintree in 1839 and has remained there ever since. A substitute event was held at another racecourse, Gatwick, for three years during World War I, now the site of London Gatwick Airport. The races at Gatwick were not called the Grand National.

When is Aintree ladies’ day?

The 2019 ladies’ day at Aintree is on Friday, April 5

When are the Grand National runners confirmed?

The Grand National field is confirmed on Thursday, April 4 at the 48-hour declaration stage.

Who is the Grand National favourite?

Tiger Roll is the favourite for the 2019 Grand National. He bids to become the first horse since Red Rum to win the race in consecutive years.

When will my Grand National tickets arrive?

Contact Aintree racecourse if your tickets have not arrived nearer the time of the race.

Can you walk the Grand National course?

It is possible to walk the course if you book a place on the Grand National course tour. Visit Aintree’s website for more details.