Must-See Grand National ‘HEADGEAR STAT’ That Has a 86% Strike-Rate Since 2017

With 34 runners entered in the world’s greatest steeplechase, horse racing fans have many ways of picking out their fancies. These range from favourite names and colours for the less experienced punters, to more in-depth form study for the more seasoned punters – including delving into some of the key Grand National stats.

You can see more 2025 Grand National trends here, but we just wanted to bring your attention to one key standout stat that has been building up nicely since 2017.

FIVE Of The Last Seven Grand National Winners Wore A Tongue Tie

Since 2017, there has been a Grand National stat that’s built up that’s seen a massive FIVE of the last seven winners sporting a TONGUE-TIE.

Which is a solid 71% return and could be another way help narrow down your search for the winner.

This is a form of headgear – like blinkers, visor, cheekpieces or a hood – that trainers have to declare before a horse runs and is displayed on the racecards.

Okay, last year’s winner I Am Maximus didn’t have a tongue-tie. But the runner-up Delta Work did.

However, prior to 2024 we’ve seen Corach Rambler (2023), Minella Times (2021), Tiger Roll (2018 & 2019) and One For Arthur (2017) all wearing this strap.

Six Of The Last Seven Winners Wore ANY Headgear

During his period, the only other Grand National winner that didn’t sport the tongue-tie was Noble Yeats in 2022. But he still wore cheekpieces.

Which, therefore, means an even bigger 6 of the last 7 National winners (86%) had some shape of headgear on when crossing the line in front.

Grand National Winners Since 2017

WATCH: Corach Rambler Winning The 2023 Grand National Wearing A Tongue-Tie

The last Grand National winner to sport the tongue-tie was Corach Rambler in 2023.

Oh, and the runner-up that year Vanillier, who is entered in 2025 again, also wore one.

He’s back this Saturday with the blinkers and another tongue-tie on.

There Are 12 Grand National Runners Wearing A Tongue-Tie in 2025

See below the list horses from the 34 National runners in 2025, that are sporting a tongue-tie.

Which 2025 Grand National Runners Are Wearing ANY Headgear?

Around a third (11) of the 2025 field will NOT be wearing any form of headgear.

How To Spot If A Horse Has A Tongue-tie Or Headgear?

Now that the final 2025 Grand National runners are out  you then just need to look to see if the trainers are running them in any headgear.

To find a horse wearing a tongue-tie, there will be a ‘lowercase’ ‘t’ next to their name.

While if a horse is wearing any form of headgear – this will also be shown with another ‘lowercase’ letter next to their name.

Blinkers will show as ‘b’, a visor with a ‘v’, a hood ‘h’ and cheekpieces with ‘p’.

See the below example.

Conflated will wear cheekpieces ‘p’ and Stumptown will have blinkers ‘b’.

Hitman has both cheekpieces ‘p’ and a tongue-tie ‘t’.

Plus, the former King George VI Chase winner Bravemansgame also wearing a tongue-tie ‘t’.

What Is A Tongue-Tie In Horse Racing and Why Is It Used?

A tongue-tie is a strap or band that is placed in the horses mouth and around the lower jaw to prevent the horse from putting their tongue over the bit. Which can often hinder their airwaves and also limit the riders control of the horse.