QuoteDisplay MoreThe Grand National (also known simply as the National) is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap steeplechase run over a distance of 4 miles and 856 yards (7,242 m), with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course.[3] The race has been held at Aintree each year since 1839, with the exception of 1916-1918 during the First World War when it was held at Gatwick Racecourse, 1941-1945 during the Second World War when it was called off, and in 1993 when the race was declared void owing to a false start. The next Grand National will be held on 14 April 2012.[4]
The steeplechase is the centrepiece of a three-day meeting, one of only four run at Aintree in the racing season.[5] It is the most valuable National Hunt event in Britain, offering a total prize fund of £975,000 in 2012.[6] The race is popular amongst many people who do not normally watch or bet on horse racing at other times of the year.[7]
The racecourse is triangular in shape and contains sixteen fences,[3] all except The Chair and the Water Jump are jumped twice. The course has a reputation as the ultimate test of horse and jockey, most starters failing to complete the two circuits. Certain fences are famous for their severity, notably Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn.
The National is listed on the Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events, ensuring it is broadcast live on free-to-air terrestrial television in the United Kingdom. The first radio commentary of the race was broadcast by Meyrick Good and George Allison on the BBC in 1927;[8] the first televised coverage was in 1960[9] with commentary led by Peter O'Sullevan. The BBC retained the broadcasting rights until 2012, when it was announced that Channel 4 had won a four-year deal to broadcast the race from 2013, bringing to an end the BBC's rights to the National after 52 years.[10] An estimated 500 to 600 million viewers watch the Grand National in over 140 countries.[9][11][12]
The most recent Grand National took place on 9 April 2011 and was won by jockey Jason Maguire on Ballabriggs, for trainer Donald McCain, Jr. and owner Trevor Hemmings.
So whos your money on???
14 Junior
9 Alfa Beat
1 Synchronised
19 According to Pete
25 Cappa Bleu
3 Midnight Chase
2 Ballabriggs
27 Mon Mome
17 Chicago Grey
29 The Midnight Club
20 Seabass
39 Always Waining
22 West End Rocker
31 Arbour Supreme
30 Treacle
42 State of Play
5 Burton Point
12 Black Apalachi
35 Sunnyhillboy
50 Vic Venturi
36 Killyglen
51 Viking Blond
21 Shakalakaboomboom
11 Roberto Goldback
23 On His Own
13 Deep Purple
28 Organisedconfusion
15 Apt Approach
46 Giles Cross
41 Le Beau Bai
40 Becauseicouldntsee
4 Weird Al
24 Always Right
18 Tatenen
10 Planet of Sound
26 Rare Bob
37 Quiscover Fontaine
43 Swing Bill
7 Calgary Bay
44 Postmaster
8 Neptune Collonges
49 Midnight Haze
16 Psycho
47 Hello Bud
48 In Complaince
38 Tharawaat
