Aintree Racecourse - The Grand National

The Grand National

The Grand National is run over 4½ miles (7.24 km), sometimes on soft ground, which makes the race all the more demanding on stamina and jumping. The race is considered among the most demanding steeplechases in the world. The lead has often changed hands during the 494-yard (452 m) run-in after the final fence. There are usually 40 horses taking part in the race but fewer than 10 may in fact complete the course. In 1928, 42 horses started and only two finished the course. The record for the most victories in the Grand National is held by Red Rum, who won three times in the 1970s, in addition to coming second twice.

Read more about this topic:  Aintree Racecourse

Famous quotes containing the words the grand, grand and/or national:

    Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the grand-daughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me. Slavery is sixty years in the past. The operation was successful and the patient is doing well, thank you. The terrible struggle that made me an American out of a potential slave said “On the line!” The Reconstruction said “Go!” I am off to a flying start and I must not halt in the stretch to look behind and weep.
    Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)

    A garden has this advantage, that it makes it indifferent where you live. A well-laid garden makes the face of the country of no account; let that be low or high, grand or mean, you have made a beautiful abode worthy of man.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    In our brief national history we have shot four of our presidents, worried five of them to death, impeached one and hounded another out of office. And when all else fails, we hold an election and assassinate their character.
    —P.J. (Patrick Jake)