CorpComms Magazine

So this Grand National... is it grand?

Well, it has been dubbed the 'world's greatest steeplechase' so I'd say, on balance, probably yes. It takes place at Aintree in Liverpool, renowned for its two and a quarter mile long track, and requires great skill from both horse and rider.

Are there jumps or is it a flat race?

There are 16 unique fences, and the biggest is the 'Chair Fence'.

So 16 jumps and once round. That doesn't sound too tricky.

You're not a jockey, are you? The horses have to go round almost twice, and clear 30 fences - including the Chair one (which is nothing to do with sitting down - it's six foot high with a ditch wider than five foot on the other side). At the end is a flat fast race for 494 yards. Surprisingly, it's this seemingly easy bit that often causes the most problems for the horse and rider.

So when did it start?

The race was first run in 1836, but the 'Official Grand National' at Aintree, then owned by Lord Sefton, took place three years later in 1839. It was then called the 'Grand Liverpool Steeplechase'.

Who won the opening race?

A horse called Lottery. See it could be you!

And it's been going ever since?

Sort of. During the First World War, the race moved to a course near Gatwick, and during the Second World War, it stopped during 1941and 1945. The starting guns resumed on 5 April 1946.

I see! So, when did the BBC get in on the action?

The BBC started broadcasting over the radio in the 1920s, and in 1927 had its biggest ever audience listening in when Sprig emerged victorious.

But are people still interested in the Grand National?

They're tuning in more than ever before! More than 7.6 million people watched the event live on BBC in 2007 over, which was a record viewing figure for a sporting event. Apart from football, of course!

Any tips for tomorrow's race then?

Just remember these two golden rules: One, consider the horses' weights; generally speaking, the lighter they are the faster they are. And two, (with the exception of the infamous Red Rum who won in 1973 and 1974) no horse has ever won back-to-back Grand Nationals.

share me: del.icio.us | digg | reddit | Tweet