The Grand National is the horse race of the year everyone loves it. Even people who have no interest whatsoever in horseracing get involved when the Grand National happens. Millions of people put a bet on or join the office sweepstake. It is the most famous National Hunt race in the world.
Around 3 million people, in the UK alone, watch the race on TV. Close to 600 million people in over 100 countries will also watch it. Getting tickets to be at the course is impossible unless you buy them as soon as they go on sale.
The Illustrious History of the Grand National
The date of the first race is hotly disputed by historians. William Lynn leased land from Aintree and set up a course. He also built a grandstand, laying the foundation stone on 7 Feb 1829. However, most historians agree that the first race actually took place in 1836, and was won by a horse called The Duke. A few historians say the first three races actually took place at Maghull instead of Aintree, so they ignore them and believe that the first Grand National took place in 1839. Regardless of which group of historians are right this race has been one of the most important in the racing calendar for nearly 200 years.
The only times the race has not been run at Aintree was during WWI and WWII. The race was not run at Aintree between 1916 and 1918; it was run at Gatwick instead. It was cancelled again between 1941 and 1945, but there was no race ran at an alternative location during this time.
The 2012 Grand National
The 2012 Grand National will take place on 14th April 2012 at 4.15pm. This year the prize fund is the biggest ever at £975,000. 60,000 people will watch the race at Aintree itself many of whom will have walked the course prior to the race. The atmosphere, as usual, will be electric and the world will be riveted to their TV during the 15 minutes the race takes to run.
Visit The Grand National website to find out more about the race, as well as the jockeys and horses running this year. You can place a bet with us too.