The Grand National is a horse race run at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool.
The race was first run in 1839, and has been held annually almost every year since. Because of its history, it’s one of the most famous horse races in the world.
The Grand National is a ‘steeplechase’ race, which means there are fences to jump over. The race is just over 4 miles long (7.1km), and there are 30 fences for the horses to jump.
-
- Waiting at the start line
-
- Going over the 2nd fence
-
- A photo finish in 2012
Some of the fences are very high.
‘Beeches Brook’ is the most famous fence because it’s the most difficult. Many riders fall off at this fence every year.
It is difficult because the landing side of the fence is lower than the take-off side.
-
- Some of the fences are very high!
-
- A diagram of Beecher’s Brook
-
- The horses going over Beecher’s Brook
Approximately 600 million people in 140 countries watch the Grand National on TV every year.
Millions of people in Britain bet on the Grand National, making it the biggest gambling event in The UK each year.
In 2020, the 173rd Grand National will be held on Saturday 4th April, at 5:15pm.
