Many of us look back at previous footage
of the Grand National and are charmed by the tradition and excitement
of Aintree's famous Winner' Enclosure. April 2008 will mark the
beginning of a new era, with the opening of our new Parade Ring,
incorporating the Winner' Enclosure for the Grand National. This
will allow many more racegoers to witness the thrill of the Grand
National winner returning to a hero's welcome
Maximum number of runners: 40
Distance: 4.5 miles (7,200 metres)
The race comprises two full circuits of the 2.25 mile (3,600
metres) John Smiths Grand National course, which is flat throughout.
The
Race
The bare details above do not convey the full extent of the
challenge posed by two circuits and 30 of the most testing fences
in the world of jump racing.
The
Fences
A total of 30 fences over the two circuits. Each of the 16 fences
on the course are jumped twice, with the exception of The Chair
(see below) and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first
circuit only.
Becher's
Brook - Fence 6 and 22: The drop on the landing
side, and the fact that the horses are about to turn left-handed
are the two main features that make this the most famous obstacle.
The
Chair - Fence 15: At 5ft 2 inches (1.57 metres),
both the tallest and the broadest fence on the course. With
a 6ft (1.83 metres) wide ditch on the take-off side, the chair
requires a perfectly-timed leap from horse and rider.
The
Run-in
Having jumped the final fence, the horses are confronted with
an exceptionally long run to the winning post, 494 yards, where
races have been won and lost.
The course demands stamina, courage, good jumping and some
luck - in short, it is the toughest test in world racing. |
