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 2012 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.