The Grand National - The Greatest Steeplechase Of All Time
There are few sporting events in the world which can arouse so much passion, so much curiosity and so much excitement. The Aintree Grand National Steeplechase is one of those rare events which attracts the attention of not only millions of the UK population, but also millions from around the globe. The “National” as it is fondly known is the oldest horse racing event in the world, dating back to 1836, but why does it still hit the spot with gamblers and non-gamblers of today?
For any horse race owner, any jockey or any trainer, the Grand National is the top league of the sport, the top of the tree, the holy grail of horse racing. Horse and jockey set against 22 of the hardest jumps in the world, including the “Chair” and “Bechers Brook”, both of which have spoiled the races of hundreds of jockeys as well as millions of punters. The race itself is steeped in history with so many horses having nearly made it to the line first, only to be pipped at the final corner, the “elbow”. This is one race which is never won until you are clear across the line!
Not only is the event watched by millions across the globe, it also attracts massive betting, with in excess of £200 million staked on the most recent running. For many bookmakers this is a way to make up for earlier losses, with so many favourites coming a cropper in what is one of the largest fields in the sport. Falls, trips, stumbles, refusals and general bad luck, this race has it all, which makes actually winning the event the pinacle of any jockey’s career - a day that will never be beaten.
While the race has changed over the years, with some jumps trimmed and reduced, the general character of the race remains unchanged, as does the appetite of the UK public who flock to place their bets on “Grand National Day”.