Grand National Sweepstake Kit
A free, printable sweepstake for the Grand National, Thu 8 - Sat 10 Apr 2027. Print it, cut up the numbered grid, and everyone draws a number from the hat. No horses need to be declared yet. Match the numbers to the racecard on the day.
The draw grid: cut these up
Cut along the lines, fold each number, and put all 34 in a hat. Each person draws one. Fewer than 34 people? Some draw two. Write the name on the line under each number as you go.
Reserves (35–40) only come into play if a declared runner is withdrawn. Run a half-price side draw for them if you like.
Master sheet
Keep one master copy. Write who drew each number, then add the horse once the racecard is out (number 1 is the top weight).
| No. | Drawn by | Horse |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 9 | ||
| 10 | ||
| 11 | ||
| 12 | ||
| 13 | ||
| 14 | ||
| 15 | ||
| 16 | ||
| 17 | ||
| 18 | ||
| 19 | ||
| 20 | ||
| 21 | ||
| 22 | ||
| 23 | ||
| 24 | ||
| 25 | ||
| 26 | ||
| 27 | ||
| 28 | ||
| 29 | ||
| 30 | ||
| 31 | ||
| 32 | ||
| 33 | ||
| 34 |
How to run it
- Collect the money first. Agree an entry fee before anyone draws. £1, £2 or £5 is typical. Chasing it afterwards is harder than it sounds.
- Draw the numbers. Fold the 34 slips, into the hat, one each. With more people than numbers, charge per entry and put each number in twice.
- Match numbers to horses on the day. Use the official racecard, or our runners list when it is published in the week of the race.
- Agree what pays out. The standard is 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Settle it before the off.
- Pay out on the official result. Wait for any stewards' enquiry to be settled first.
Prize-split ideas
A common split on a full 34-strong pot, three places paid:
| Place | Share of the pot |
|---|---|
| 1st | 60% |
| 2nd | 25% |
| 3rd | 15% |
Adjust to suit the group. Some add a small prize for the last horse to finish, or a side pot on the first faller. Keep those light and cheap.
The rules, kept simple
- Non-runner: a free redraw from the numbers left in the hat.
- Fall, unseat or pulled up: that is racing. No refund.
- The result: the official finishing order stands once any enquiry is settled.
- Keep it private: invitation only, organiser takes no cut. 18+. That is what keeps a sweepstake a bit of fun rather than a licensed bet.
Grand National sweepstake: FAQ
How does a numbered sweepstake work?
Everyone draws a number from 1 to 34 out of a hat. On race day the official racecard lists the runners with saddlecloth numbers. In a handicap like the Grand National, number 1 is the top weight and the numbers run down in weight order. Match each drawn number to that number on the racecard and you have your horse. It means you can run the draw before the horses are even declared.
When should I run the draw?
Any time you like. The numbered draw does not need the horses named yet. If you would rather draw actual horse names, wait until final declarations, which for most big handicaps land a couple of days before the race.
How many runners are in the Grand National?
Up to 34, plus up to 6 reserves numbered 35 to 40. A reserve only runs if a declared runner is withdrawn. The grid below is numbered for a full field.
What if my horse is a non-runner?
The fairest fix is a free redraw from the numbers still in the hat. Agree this before you start so there is no argument on the day.
What if my horse falls?
If your horse falls, unseats its rider or is pulled up, that is racing, and there is no refund. Only the official finishing order counts, and only once any stewards' enquiry is settled.
Is a sweepstake legal?
A private sweepstake run for fun is fine in the UK: entries by invitation among friends, family or colleagues, and the organiser takes no cut. A sweepstake open to the public, or one the organiser profits from, needs a gambling licence. Keep it private and keep it small. 18+.
A private sweepstake among friends or colleagues is a bit of fun, not an investment. 18+. If gambling is a problem for you, help is at BeGambleAware.org.