The Grand National is the biggest race in the UK National Hunt calendar, and it is on the way. On Saturday, April 15th, a field of around 40 horses will compete for a place in the history books, as well as for just over half a million pounds in prize money. Here are three fascinating facts about the event.
It Is a Global Event
While it may be Britain’s most important horse race, the Grand National is certainly a global event. Not only do horses, jockeys, and trainers come from around the world, but it is watched in over 140 countries.
This also means it attracts lots of people who want to pick out the winner. Betting comes alive during the Grand National, with people trying to select the winner from a field of over forty horses. The best way to do this is to keep an eye on horse racing betting in the run-up to the race. By keeping an eye on the form of horses beforehand, you can get a much better idea of if they have what it takes to compete in the grueling race. For example, in this year’s edition, Noble Yeats had been the favorite until Corach Rambler’s entry was announced, who, at +500, is now the heavy favorite. You can also get alternative bets, such as placing money not just on a horse but on jockey and trainer results at the festival.
The event itself will see around 70,000 spectators descend on the course. This brings a huge boost to the local economy, as many come to use the event as a holiday or short break. Not only does the local area provide a host of great facilities and attractions, but Aintree itself has over 80 different bars and restaurants to choose from.
Slowest and Fastest
It is notoriously hard to pick a winner in the Grand National, and speed is not everything. Stamina and staying power are just as vital, on a course that lasts over four miles. The quickest horse to complete the circuit was Mr. Frisk. He won in 1990, finishing in 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds. The closest to this was Many Clouds, at a time of 8 minutes 56.8 seconds.
The slowest horse to win the race was Lottery, back in 1839 at the first Grand National. It took the horse 14 minutes and 53 seconds to win.
1993 Was a Disaster
While most years see the race goes off without a problem, 1993 will always go down as the year the event never happened. Scheduled to be the 147th race, but was void due to a series of errors at the start. It began when animal rights protestors delayed the start, setting the official time back. However, when the race began some of the riders became tangled in the starting tape.
This resulted in another start, in which the tape became tangled again. A second false start was declared. However, many of the riders did not see the flags and set off. This meant 30 riders believed the race was still going on. Many believed the flags were from animal rights protestors. 50/1 shot Essa Ness was the winner, but the race was declared null.
That was a one-off and it is almost certain the race will go off without a problem this year. Check the betting and sit back for one of the biggest races of the year.