The Grand National is a race like no other, attracting both dedicated racing fans and casual once-a-year punters.
As the 2025 renewal approaches, defending champion I Am Maximus faces the considerable challenge of carrying 11st 12lbs – a significant eight-lb increase from his victorious performance last year. This additional weight will test even the champion’s remarkable abilities as he attempts to join the rare ranks of multiple Grand National winners.
While form analysis and statistical evaluation dominate racing discourse, the Grand National has always inspired a rich tradition of superstition among jockeys, trainers, owners and punters alike.
In a race where fortune’s intervention can be so dramatic, it’s little wonder that participants and spectators have developed an array of rituals and omens to navigate Aintree’s unpredictable challenge.
Naturally, with new runners for the Grand National and the odds being so unpredictable year after year, this mix of tradition and excitement has given rise to countless superstitions—from jockeys’ race-day rituals to lucky colours and ‘cursed’ numbers.
These beliefs still shape betting choices, race preparations, and fan traditions. As we explore some of the most enduring Grand National superstitions, it’s clear that they’re not just old myths—they remain a living part of the race’s magic. In this article, we run through a few pieces of Aintree folklore.
Is number 13 unlucky?
Many bettors avoid horses wearing saddlecloth number 13, believing it to be cursed. Statistically, this holds some weight—only one horse has ever won from this number, Vitruvian (1948). Whether this is down to misfortune or simple racing odds, number 13 continues to be avoided by the more superstitious punters.
The grey horse myth
One of the most well-known superstitions is that grey horses rarely win the Grand National. While they stand out visually, history suggests they struggle to cross the line first.
Only three greys have won in over 180 runnings—The Lamb (1868, 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961), and Neptune Collonges (2012). Despite this, grey horses remain a popular choice with punters who believe they’re “due a win.”
This year’s Grand National features three notable grey contenders hoping to break the long-standing “grey curse.”
Intense Raffles is among the leading favourites at 9/1, having won the Irish Grand National and finished second in the Bobbjo. Kandoo Kid, trained by Paul Nicholls, is a 25/1 shot who finished third over Aintree’s famous fences in the Topham Handicap Chase last year and should benefit from a step back up in trip.
Meanwhile, Vanillier returns for his third attempt at National glory, having finished runner-up in 2023 but well beaten last year. Now racing off a more favourable handicap mark, he could be a lively outsider if rediscovering his best form.
Horses born in May never win
A more obscure superstition claims that horses foaled in May never win the Grand National. While few May-born winners exist, this is more likely due to racing age rules than luck.
Horses born later in the season tend to mature slightly behind their rivals, which could impact their development rather than any supernatural curse.
The luck of the colour red
Some believe that horses with “red” in their name or silks have a greater chance of winning. While it sounds far-fetched, history does provide some evidence—Red Rum, the greatest Grand National horse of all time, won three times (1973, 1974, 1977).
More recently, Red Marauder (2001) and Little Red Fox (placed in 2004) have added to the trend. Whether this is coincidence, or a hidden advantage remains up for debate.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup curse
Winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup is often seen as a negative omen for Grand National contenders. The reason? Very few horses have won both in the same season, with only Golden Miller (1934) and L’Escargot (1975) managing the double.
The Grand National’s extreme distance and unique jumping test often prove too much for even the best Gold Cup winners, keeping this superstition alive.
Suzanne: BA (Hons) in Marketing Management, Diploma in Equine Studies, B.E.M.A Member. An entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in marketing, publishing, content curation, editing, and media writing. Avid equestrian, riding since the age of 5 and owning horses for over 35 years. Proud mum to humans, dogs, and a horse.