The Grand National National Horse Race

5th April 2019

News

The Grand National was first run in 1839 and is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles and 2.5 furlongs. The National Hunt Horse Race is held each year at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. A field of up to 40 horses and jockeys, race around the track over 40 steeplechase fences. The course is famous for being the ultimate test of horse and rider for endurance and skill with some of the largest well-known fences including Becher’s Brook, The Chair, Canal Turn and Foinavon.

Becher’s Brook is the 6^th and 22^nd fence jumped during the Grand National Course. It is notorious due to its size and angle, with a drop on landing of 6ft 9 inches. Another recognised fence is ‘The Chair’ which is 5ft2 inches high and has a 6ft ditch in front of the hedge on take-off. Foinavon was the Grand National Winner in 1967. His odds were 100/1 but he won the national after the rest of the field fell or refused at the 23^rd Fence. In 1984 the 23^rd fence was officially name Foinavon.

The leading horse around the Grand National track is Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain, who famously won the race 3 times in 1973, 1974 and 1977. No horse has ever been able to repeat this victory. However, Jockey George Stevens has won the race 5 times of different horses – Freetrader in 1856, Emblem in 1863, Emblematic in 1864 and The Colonel in 1869 and 1870.

2019 Grand National Runners

The Grand National takes place on 6^th April 2019 at 17.15 BST. You can watch the race on ITV or listen of BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra.