One of the many questions that gets chucked about in the build-up to the biggest steeplechase in the world each year is – how many mares have won the Grand National?
This is because punters often like to back the female runners in the race in true ‘Girl Power’ fashion.
But just how many mares have won the Grand National, what is their recent record like and, most importantly – are there any mares running in 2026?
How Many Mares Have Won The Grand National?
The Grand National was first run in 1839 – meaning the world-famous Aintree race has been going over 180 years.
However, over this time the history of the race tells us that only 13 Grand National winners that were MARES.
And the most recent was 75 years ago – which was Nickel Coin in 1951 (watch below).
WATCH: Nickel Coin – The Last Winning Grand National Mare (1951)
With the first winning Grand National mare Charity in 1841 – in what was only the third running of the race at the time.
In fact, the 1800’s was the best period for female winners of the Merseyside Marathon – with 10 of the 13 coming that century.
With just three in the 1900’s and we are yet to see a winner in the 2000’s.
Grand National Winning Mares
Grand National Winning Mares
- Charity (1841)
- Miss Mowbray (1852)
- Anatis (1860)
- Jealousy (1861)
- Emblem (1863)
- Emblematic (1864)
- Casse Tete (1872)
- Empress (1880)
- Zoedone (1883)
- Frigate (1889)
- Shannon Lass (1902)
- Sheila’s Cottage (1948)
- Nickel Coin (1951)
Are There Any Grand National Mares Running In 2026?
Yes, – but just ONE.
These days the Grand National runners are capped at 34 for safety reasons and right on the cusp is PANIC ATTACK – who is numbered 31.
Meaning, as things stand, she’s in the race.
Trained by Dan Skelton, this 10 year-old mare is certainly not without a chance either.
She was a tidy winner of the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury earlier this season (watch below).
WATCH: Panic Attack Winning The Coral Gold Cup at Newbury
While last time out wasn’t disgraced when third in the Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
She’d also be the first winner in the Grand National for brothers Dan and Harry Skelton – and be the first mare since Nickel Coin to land the famous race.
Skelton had another mare run in the race in 2024 – Galia Des Liteaux, but she could only manage 8th.
Panic Attack is priced up at around 9/1 to win the 2026 Grand National.
Having been well-backed in the days leading up to the race.
Can she end the long run of no winning Grand National mares and become just the fourteenth overall lady to grace the Aintree winners’ enclosure.
Oh and if Panic Attack does win the 2026 it would also be the first time a trainer jockey brother combo have landed the race (we think!).
Grand National 2026 Date🗓️
📅Date: Saturday 11th April 2026
⌚Time: 4:00pm
🏇Racecourse: Aintree
🔄Trip: 4m 2 1/2f
💷Winning Purse: £500,000
📺 TV: ITV Racing / Racing TV
