Boy, 9, named as Grand National 35th runner

Jockey Rachael Blackmore met Joshua to congratulate him

A nine-year-old-boy who has a rare condition has been named as the Grand National's honorary 35th runner in this year's race.

The tradition began in 2017 and sees a youngster named as an extra runner in the annual race at Aintree racecourse.

Racing fan Joshua, from Aintree, who was diagnosed with the neurological condition 4H Leukodystrophy in 2023, has taken this year's spot.

Joshua's father Christopher said it was a "huge honour" for his son and the family was "so excited for the next few months in the build up to the big day".

'Extraordinary youngsters'

Joshua, who is under the care of Alder Hey Children's Hospital, is one of only about 200 people worldwide and four to five people in the UK, who have the rare condition which affects movement, communication, hearing and sight.

Dickon White from The Jockey Club, said: "We are delighted to welcome Joshua as our 35th runner for the 2025 Randox Grand National.

"It makes it very special that he hails from Aintree and is such a massive racing fan.

"The honorary runner position has played a huge role in highlighting the brave battles of some truly extraordinary youngsters and the amazing work of Alder Hey Children's Hospital and charity, which Aintree Racecourse has now been partnered with for 23 years."

Mandy Jones from Alder Hey Children's Charity said the Jockey Club's "generosity" had made a "real difference" to the lives of so many children and families, and it was "heartwarming to see their commitment continue year after year".

In 2024 the Grand National was reduced to a maximum of 34 runners from 40 as part of measures designed to improve safety.

This year's big race takes place at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool on 5 April.