The Grand National

The Grand National is the race that captures the imagination far beyond racing fans. Run at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, it combines history, drama, unforgettable stories and one of the greatest sporting atmospheres anywhere in Britain.

The first officially recognised running at Aintree took place in 1839, when Lottery became the inaugural winner. Since then, the race has grown into the world’s most famous steeplechase and one of the defining events on the British sporting calendar.

For racing followers it is a puzzle of stamina, jumping and preparation. For the wider public it is a once-a-year event that brings friends, families and punters together, whether they are trackside at Aintree, watching from home or following the action in the local pub.

No discussion of the Grand National is complete without mentioning the horses and people who have become part of its folklore.

Red Rum remains the ultimate National legend, winning the race three times and finishing second twice between 1973 and 1977. His story, his courage and his incredible bond with the public helped turn the race into something even bigger than sport.

In more recent times, Tiger Roll captured the public imagination with back-to-back victories and reminded everyone that the Grand National still has the power to create modern heroes. Every generation gets its own unforgettable names, and that is one of the reasons this race never loses its magic.

The Grand National is run over 4 miles, 2 furlongs and 74 yards on the famous Grand National course at Aintree. There are 16 fences on the circuit, with 14 of them jumped twice, making it the longest race in British jump racing and one of the sternest tests of stamina, balance and jumping ability.

The field size and qualification rules can vary over time, but the race consistently attracts an elite staying handicap field and remains one of the biggest betting events of the year.

It also draws a huge television audience in Britain and around the world. Even people who follow racing only once a year tend to have an opinion on the Grand National, and that reach is part of what makes it unique.

For punters, it is a fascinating trends race. For casual viewers, it is a national occasion. Very few sporting events manage to be both at the same time.

We all have a favourite Grand National winner and mine is still Mr Frisk, the winner of the 1990 Grand National.

What made it unforgettable for me was not just the horse, but the whole day around it. My dad was so confident he would win that he booked flights from Luton on the morning of the race so we could go and watch it in person.

He had already taken plenty of the 33/1 and was still happy to pile in again when the price had shortened. My own £10 each-way bet felt huge money at the time, but the memory of being there, feeling the build-up and watching it all unfold is something that has stayed with me ever since.

That is what the Grand National does better than any other race. It gives you stories you never forget.