The Aintree Grand National is the most important National Hunt handicap horse race in British racing. The first Grand National at Aintree happened in 1839 and was won by a fittingly named horse called Lottery. No horse has ever run in the Grand National more times than the highly regarded Manifesto, who competed in a total of 8 renewals of the this event between 1895 and 1904. The Liverpool Grand National is one of those rare major sporting events in which amateurs can and do compete with professional jockeys. Since 'Lottery' won the first race at Aintree way back in 1839, the Grand National itself has been throwing up fascinating stories of attainment and bravery throughout its history. The race has become part of the social structure of Britain.

Aintree

Aintree Racecourse is the home of the world’s most celebrated, most talked about, most perfect race, the John Smith‘s Grand National. The National Hunt race is run over two complete circuits of the Aintree 'National' course, which covers a total of four and half miles. It is generally run on a Saturday early in April at the Aintree Racecourse situated on the edge of Liverpool in North West England, UK. This is not to be mixed up with Aintree's normal 'Mildmay' fence and hurdle track.

The Aintree Grand National is the main horse racing betting day of the year, the whole nation usually wants to have a Grand National bet, and for many it maybe your first look at horse racing odds and more than likely the first time you will have a bet with one of the traditional High Street Bookmakers. No other racecourse can compare to the ultimate romance that is Aintree.

Race

There is much dispute among historians with regard to when the initial official race was held, and most who have studied the newspaper libraries of that time period now prefer the idea that the initial running was way back in 1836 and was won by a horse called The Duke. During World War I, while Aintree racecourse was closed, another race was run at Gatwick Racecourse, at the site of the current Gatwick Airport. The race captures the imagination of millions of people, and time after time will produce thrilling finishes as horse and rider attempt to conquer the mighty Aintree fences. In 1967 the largest priced winner; Foinavon won the race, as after a disaster at one fence, he was the horse left with a clear lead.

Winners

1850/51 saw the first duel winner of the great race when Abd-El-Kader was the winner both times. 1869 was to see the very first Grey winner, The Lamb who also then went on to win the race 3 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 was moved to the current track in 1946, there have been around sixteen runners to win Grade 1 races prior to winning the Grand National, but there has also been fifteen Hunt Cup Chase winners to start the National and never go on to win. The Aintree Grand National is many things but easy to select a winner is not one of them, and some people resort to the magic pin, picking horse name they like, or names related to something they know, or even just the colour of the jockey silks.

Red Rum

This horse is a legend and has been the only horse to win this stamina sapping race 3 times, 1973, 1974 and 1977. He also came second twice in 1975 and 1976. He was known as Rummy" and became a national celebrity, opening supermarkets, bookmakers and annually leading the Grand National parade for many years. Ginger McCain his trainer also managed to win the Grand National again in 2004 with Amberleigh House.