The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race that is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, in the UK. It is a rigorous course that has attracted much controversy in its time.
History
The Grand National was run for the first time in 1839. It was founded by William Philip Molyneux, 2nd Earl of Sefton. Originally, the course included a brick wall for jumping, however that was removed after five years. In 1928, the fewest ever horses managed to complete the race with only two horses (one of which was remounted) crossing the finishing line. Eighty horses and one rider have lost their lives during or as a result of the race with four horses losing their lives in 1954. Due to the severity of the course and the number of fatalities as a result of it, it is under constant attack from animal rights groups. The total purse for 2010 was £925,000 with the winner taking home £521,013.
Course
The Grand National has a unique course that provides a racing challenge for both jockeys and the horses. The race is made up of two full circuits of the 2 1/4 mile course which includes 30 difficult fences for jumping. The Grand National course is well known for Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
Horses
Both professionals and amateur jockeys and trainers can compete in the Grand National. The race includes horses that are six years old and older. It is a handicap race with the maximum weight being 11 st, 10 lb.