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:
“It has been said that the immortality of the soul is a grand peut-êtreMbut still it is a grand one. Everybody clings to itthe stupidest, and dullest, and wickedest of human bipeds is still persuaded that he is immortal.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (17881824)
“In the past, it seemed to make sense for a sportswriter on sabbatical from the playpen to attend the quadrennial hawgkilling when Presidential candidates are chosen, to observe and report upon politicians at play. After all, national conventions are games of a sort, and sports offers few spectacles richer in low comedy.”
—Walter Wellesley (Red)