The Grand National

By Author: Abbey smith
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The Grand National is one of the most famous sporting events in the world and is certainly the most popular horse racing event in the UK. Since the first race, every fence from the first to the last has claimed hapless, over-eager, and tired jockeys and horses, and the unpredictable race attracts many gamblers who would not normally wager any amount on any horse race. Millions watch the event live on TV and tens of thousands attend Aintree race course to watch the mammoth event live.

The course itself is 2 ¼ miles long, and each of the forty entrants will have to navigate it twice. There are a total of 16 of the toughest and most challenging national hunt jumps on the course and all but the Chair and the Water Jump need to be cleared twice. These are only jumped during the first circuit, replaced by a 494 yard run in to the finish line.

There are many notable jumps on the track and there isn't one that hasn't been the undoing of many horses. While the event will start with 40 runners it is likely that less than half this number will finish the race. In 1928, just 2 horses made it past the post and the most to ...
... ever finish the event was 23 back in 1984.

When it comes to previous winners, none are as famous as Red Rum. As the most successful horse to enter, he won back to back Nationals in 1973 and 1974, as well as winning the 1977 event. Red Rum is now buried at the finishing post at Aintree, and visitors can see his grave and read the epitaph. Those that attend on the day of the National itself can also walk the course before the event; a walk which generally takes about an hour and gives a much clearer indication of just how mammoth the jumps really are.

The Grand National is actually part of a three day racing event and accompany festival that many people enjoy watching and attending as much for the fashion, champagne, and celebrations as for the horse racing. This year's record £925,000 prize fund for the race, along with the prestige of being a Grand National winner, is what draws jockeys, horses, trainers, and owners alike.

For more information the Grand National visit TheGrandNational.co.uk where you can find extensive information on the race, its history, the runners, and this years odds.