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 grand and/or national:
“What is grand is necessarily obscure to weak men. That which can be made explicit to the idiot is not worth my care.”
—William Blake (17571827)
“Let us put an end to self-inflicted wounds. Let us remember that our national unity is a most priceless asset. Let us deny our adversaries the satisfaction of using Vietnam to pit Americans against Americans.”
—Gerald R. Ford (b. 1913)