Grand National – A Short Preview!

A world famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England is the Grand National, also known simply as the National. The Aintree Racecourse is a handicap steeplechase run over a distance of 4 miles and 856 yards (7,242 m), with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits. Since 1839, the race has been held at Aintree each year, with the exception of during the First World War (1916-1918) when it was held at Gatwick Racecourse, during the Second World War (1941-1945) when it was called off, and in 1993 when the race was declared void owing to a false start. The next Grand National will be held on 14 April 2012.

To understand better about the Grand National, let us preview a short history of it. William Lynn, a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel, founded the Grand National by on land he leased in Aintree from William Molyneux, 2nd Earl of Sefton. On February 7, 1829, Lynn set out a course, built a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone. Regarding the first official Grand National, there is much debate, but most leading published historians, including John Pinfold, prefer the idea in this way:

• 1836- First running was in and was won by The Duke.
• 1837- This same horse won again.
• 1838- Sir William was the winner.

Because of the belief that they took place at Maghull and not Aintree, these races have long been disregarded. However, some historians have evidence in recent years that suggest those three races were run over the same course at Aintree and were regarded as having been Grand Nationals up until the mid-1860s. Calls for the Nationals of 1836–1838 to be restored to the record books have been unsuccessful to date.

In 1838 and 1839, three significant events occurred to transform the Liverpool race from a small local affair to a national event.

1. Firstly, the Great St. Albans Chase, which had clashed with the steeplechase at Aintree, was not renewed after 1838, leaving a major hole in the chasing calendar.
2. Secondly, the railway arrived in Liverpool, enabling transport to the course by rail for the first time.
3. Finally, a committee was formed to better organise the event.

In 1839, these factors led to a more highly-publicised race which attracted a larger field of top quality horses and riders, greater press coverage and an increased attendance on race day. The first three runnings of the event were quickly forgotten to secure the 1839 race its place in history as the first official Grand National which was won by rider Jem Mason on 5/1 favourite Lottery.

By the 1840s, Lynn's ill-health blunted his enthusiasm for Aintree. Edward Topham, a respected handicapper and prominent member of Lynn's syndicate, began to exert greater influence over the National. In 1834, he turned the chase into a handicap after it had been