The Grand National is the most famous and popular National Hunt horse race. It takes place at Aintree in Liverpool and is the largest betting race in the UK. The race is very popular among those who usually do not bet on or watch horse racing and it has become somewhat of a cultural tradition to have a flutter on the race.

The race is however rather controversial, however, because of the amount of serious injuries and even fatalities suffered by past runners. Due to this, animal rights groups have tried to have the race banned.

The Grand National is run early in April at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. The steeplechase consists of 2 circuits round the testing Aintree course over a total distance of four and half miles.

The Grand National

Aintree Racecourse

Owned by the Jockey Club Racecourses, the Aintree Racecourse is found in Liverpool. The course is primarily known for hosting the Grand National steeplechase. The course is known as one of the most difficult of all and consists of 16 steeplechase fences.

All of the fences except for the water jump fence are covered with spruce, making it different to all other British national hunt courses.

Found within the large National course is the smaller Mildmay course which contains hurdles and fences

The Grand National - Past Winners

2003 Monty's Pass
2004 Amberleigh House
2005 Hedgehunter
2006 Numbersixvalverde
2007 Silver Birch

The Grand National - Betting

Bookmaker.com Review	5Dimes.com Review