There are many major horse races held all over the world, from the United States and France to Hong Kong and Australia.
But few capture the true essence of the sport quite like the Grand National, one of the most prestigious races on UK soil that is watched by millions of people on TV around the globe.
So what exactly is the Grand National? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Why is the Grand National So Popular?
Some sporting events are traditional mainstays in a particular country, and the Grand National is exactly that for England – as well as the entrants from Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
The race is popular not only with lovers of the sport but also casual observers too – this is the only race in the year that some will wager on, with those betting on Grand National 2024 predicting whether the likes of I Am Maximus (+1000), Vanillier (+1000) or Corach Rambler (+1200) will prevail.
The horse racing betting online is also complimented by workplace sweepstakes and friendly bets made between friends and family members – this is one of the races that truly transcends the sport and has become a national love affair.
Corach Rambler wins the 2023 Randox Grand National! 🏆
The favourite made it look easy in the end!#ITVRacing | #GrandNational | @lucindavrussell | @DerekFoxJockey pic.twitter.com/hQEMizY9KV— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 15, 2023
Where is the Grand National Held?
The race takes place at the Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside – home to Liverpool FC, The Beatles and many other cultural exports.
The track has welcomed the Grand National for more than a century, with the famous fences like Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn one of the reasons that the race is such an incredible spectacle.
When Does the Grand National Take Place?
The Grand National takes place every year in April – in 2024, that is Saturday April 13 to be exact.
Why Is the Grand National So Interesting?
The Grand National is one of the few true steeplechases that still exists to this day.
A steeplechase takes its cues from racing of yesteryear, where obstacles including hedges, grass banks and water-filled ditches tested the jumping prowess of the horses – rather than plain fences, as is usually the case in racing.
So this type of racing action is unique and fascinating to watch – almost like an equine assault course!
Who Has Won the Grand National?
Some of the finest horses ever to grace the turf have won the Grand National, including three-time champion Red Rum – the only horse of the modern era to have completed his Aintree hat-trick.
Who Will Win the 2024 Grand National?
If only this chaotic race was that easy to predict!
Because of the nature of the challenge facing the horses, and the sheer number of them in the field, the Grand National has long been a tough race to predict the outcome of.
However, pundits tend to look at the handicaps – the lead weights applied to a horse’s saddle – to see if they can figure out which of the horses is carrying a lighter weight than their talent would suggest they ought to be.
These horses are said to be ‘well in’ for the Grand National, although you may decide that simply sitting back and watching this magnificent race unfold is your favorite play of the day.
