The history of the Grand National

When it comes to horse racing, there is no doubt that the long-standing favourite for the fans is the Grand National. Known as ‘the world’s greatest steeplechase,’ the Grand National is run over 4 miles 3 ½ furlongs, almost two circuits of the famous Aintree racecourse, and with competitors jumping 30 fences along the way. Some of these fences are among the most famous in racing, including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, and The Chair.

The event is always extremely popular and figures estimate that around nine million viewers tuned into the 2013 event in the United Kingdom, along with studies showing that horse racing is one of the best value days out, supported by last year’s three-day festival being attended by a total of 153,000 fans.

History

The first official Grand National was run in 1839, with the horse ‘Lottery’ officially becoming the first winner of the famous race. In 1847 the name of the race was changed from ‘The Liverpool and National Handicap Steeplechase’ to the name that it still goes by nowadays: ‘The Grand National Handicap Steeplechase.’ The race was then run every year until the First World War, when a replacement race was run at Gatwick, although the winners of these races often are not included in the records.

Since the beginning, countless famous horses have raced in the Grand National, and numerous memorable incidents have occurred. Some of these include the 1956 Grand National, in which the Queen Mother’s horse Devon Loch was leading on the run in to the finish line, but inexplicably belly flopped onto the ground and stopped; Red Rum becoming the first and only horse to win the race three times; and the 1997 Grand National which was run on a Monday after the original race was postponed due to a bomb scare.

Controversy

Due to a higher than normal horse death rate in the Grand National, numerous animal welfare groups have campaigned to have the Grand National course and fences modified, or for the race to be totally abolished. Over the last decade or so, changes have taken place to make the course safer including the lowering of some fences, including Becher’s Brook, and a general widening of the course to allow fences to be avoided if necessary.

The 2014 Crabbies Grand National

Despite the controversy, the Grand National still remains one of the most popular sporting events of the year, with many having a bet who would not normally do so. You can find Coral Grand National 2014 odds online to have a bet on the famous race, and enjoy one of the most exciting races of the year while cheering your horse to victory.