The Welsh Grand National is, like its Aintree counterpart and namesakes from Scotland and Ireland, a gruelling handicap chase. Over the course of the three miles, six furlongs and 130 yards, there are 23 fences to be jumped. This test is made all the tougher because, unlike the other Grand Nationals which are typically run on decent ground in spring, the Welsh National is held on 27th December and is almost always a real slog.
The scheduling of this race, and host course, has changed several times over the years but the post-Christmas timing and use of Chepstow seem here to stay for the foreseeable future. This contest was first held in 1895 and is open to horses aged four and upwards, though it tends to be won by those aged around eight. That said, since 2015 we have seen winners aged 11, 13 and 10, and also two six year olds. Whoever is first past the post will take home around £90,000 and join the likes of Corbiere, Earth Summit and Native River in the annuls of this great contest.
2024
- 1st - Val Dancer 8/1, Jockey: Charlie Hammond, Trainer: Mel Rowley
- 2nd - Jubilee Express 6/1J, Jockey: Dylan Johnston, Trainer: Noel Sam Thomas
- 3rd - Iwilldoit 10/1, Jockey: Callum Pritchard, Trainer: Sam Thomas
2023
- 1st - Nassalam 9/2J, Jockey: Caoilin Quinn, Trainer: Gary Moore
- 2nd - Iron Bridge 8/1, Jockey: Jonjo O'Neill Jr, Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill
- 3rd - Iwilldoit 15/2, Jockey: Dylan Johnston, Trainer: Sam Thomas
- 4th - Not Sure 28/1, Jockey: Richard Patrick, Trainer: Kerry Lee
2022
- 1st - The Two Amigos 16/1, Jockey: David Pritchard, Trainer: Nicky Martin
- 2nd - The Big Breakaway 12/1, Jockey: Brendan Powell, Trainer: Joe Tizzard
- 3rd - The Big Dog 11/2, Jockey: Aidan Coleman, Trainer: Peter Fahey
- 4th - Truckers Lodge 12/1, Jockey: Freddie Gingell, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
2021
- 1st - Iwilldoit 13/2, Jockey: Stan Sheppard, Trainer: Sam Thomas
- 2nd - Highland Hunter 11/1, Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 3rd - Truckers Lodge 28/1, Jockey: Lorcan Williams, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 4th - Achille 16/1, Jockey: Hugh Nugent, Trainer: Venetia Williams
2020
- 1st - Secret Reprieve 5/2F, Jockey: Adam Wedge, Trainer: Evan Williams
- 2nd - The Two Amigos 9/1, Jockey: Matt Griffiths, Trainer: Nicky Martin
- 3rd - Yala Enki 12/1, Jockey: Bryony Frost, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 4th - Captain Drake 28/1, Jockey: Bryan Carver, Trainer: Harry Fry
2019
- 1st - Potters Corner (IRE) 18/1, Jockey: Jack Tudor, Trainer: Christian Williams
- 2nd - Truckers Lodge (IRE) 10/1, Jockey: Lorcan Williams, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 3rd - Yala Enki (FR) 8/1, Jockey: Bryony Frost, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
2018
- 1st - Elegant Escape (IRE) 3/1F, Jockey: Tom O'Brien, Trainer: Colin Tizzard
- 2nd - Ramses De Teillee (FR) 10/1, Jockey: David Noonan, Trainer: David Pipe
- 3rd - Yala Enki (FR) 12/1, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch, Trainer: Venetia Williams
2017
- 1st - Wild West Wind (IRE) 6/1, Jockey: Ciaran Gethings, Trainer: Tom George
- 2nd - Alfie Spinner (IRE) 14/1, Jockey: Richard Johnson, Trainer: Kerry Lee
- 3rd - Milansbar (IRE) 10/1, Jockey: Trevor Whelan, Trainer: Neil King
2016
- 1st - Native River (IRE) 11/4F, Jockey: Richard Johnson, Trainer: Colin Tizzard
- 2nd - Raz De Maree (FR) 33/1, Jockey: Ger Fox, Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
- 3rd - Houblon Des Obeaux (FR) 33/1, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch, Trainer: Venetia Williams
2015
- 1st - Tour Des Champs (FR) 7/2J, Jockey: Jamie Bergary, Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
- 2nd - Top Wood (FR) 7/2J, Jockey: Kieron Edgar, Trainer: David Pipe
- 3rd - Firebird Flyer (IRE) 9/1, Jockey: Adam Wedge, Trainer: Evan Williams
2014
- 1st - Emperor's Choice (IRE) 9/1, Jockey: Aidan Coleman, Trainer: Venetia Williams
- 2nd - Benvolio (IRE) 11/1, Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 3rd - Glenquest (IRE) 33/1, Jockey: Peter Buchanan, Trainer: S R B Crawford