The History Of The Grand National Horse Race At Aintree.

By: Keith Driscoll


The Grand National is the most important NH handicap horse race in the UK. The 1st Grand National at Aintree was in 1839 and was won by the aptly named horse, Lottery. No horse has run in the Grand National more times than Manifesto, who competed in 8 renewals of the event between 1895 & 1904. The Grand National is one of the rare major sporting events in which amateurs can and do take on professionals. Since "Lottery" won the very first race at Aintree back in 1839, the Grand National has been throwing up fascinating stories of achievement and courage. The Grand National has become part of the social fabric of this country.

Aintree Racecourse

Aintree Racecourse is the home of the worlds most celebrated, most talked about, most perfect race, the John Smith’s Grand National. The steeplechase is run over two circuits of the Aintree 'National' course, covering four and half miles. It is normally held on a Saturday in early April at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. This is not to be confused with Aintree's standard 'Mildmay' park fence and hurdle track.

The Aintree Grand National is the principal Horse Racing betting day of the year and the entire nation wants to have a Grand National punt and for many of you it maybe your first look at the odds and more than likely the first time you are having your Grand National bet with one of the online Bookmakers. No other racecourse can compare to the sheer romance of Aintree.

Race

There is much dispute among historians regarding the first official race held and most who have trawled the newspaper libraries of the UK now prefer the idea that the 1st race was in 1836 and was won by The Duke. For three years during World War I, while Aintree racecourse was closed, an alternative race was run at Gatwick Racecourse, on the site of the current Gatwick Airport. The race captures the mind of millions, and time after time produces thrilling finishes and fantastic stories as horse and rider try to conquer the mighty Aintree fences. 1967 Saw the largest priced winner; Foinavon won the race after he was the only horse to jump a very small fence in the race.

Winners

1850/1851 saw the first duel winner of the race when Abd-El-Kader was the winner on both occasions. 1869 was to see the 1st Grey winner, The Lamb who also went on to win the race three years later. 1999 saw a notable father and son win the race, Tommy Carrbury a previous winner as a jockey was the trainer, saw his son Paul partner Bobby Jo to triumph. Since the race moved to the current track in 1946, there have been around sixteen horses to win Grade 1 races prior to winning the National, but there have been fifteen Hunt Cup winners to start the Grand National and never win. The Aintree Grand National is many things but easy to pick a winner isn't one of them, and some people resort to the pin!


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