The Grand National consists of three days of elite-level racing beginning with Liverpool’s NHS Day, the opening event which highlights the amazing work done by the National Health Service with a donation made to support the regions hospitals and health workers. Day two is known as “Ladies Day, when women traditionally flock to the races in huge groups, dressed in their most glamourous formal wear while enjoying the action with champagne and fancy appetisers. The third and final day features the Grand National race, the main race of the event and reason for its name. All three days attract huge crowds, filled with diehard horse racing fans, first-timers and everyone in between, many of whom partake in the age old tradition of staking some money on a potential winner. While many racegoers fancy themselves as experts and will share their “knowledge” with anyone who’ll listen, others prefer to follow the advice of specialists like those at oddschecker, who provide tips and expert analysis for the Grand National and other horse racing events. Whether you win big or not, you’re sure to enjoy the Grand National, whichever day you choose to go.
History of The Grand National
The first of what later became known as Grand Nationals was held at Aintree Racecourse in 1839. At the time the event was called the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase and had been held in the three previous years, however the 1839 event was vastly different, with more runners and much better organisation, which historians believe differentiates it from the three previous editions. This edition was also the first to attract nationwide interest, which is what eventually led to the renaming of the event in 1847. 18 runners were scheduled to take party in the race, but Jerry, who later went on to win the 1840 race, had to pull out, leaving a field of 17. Only 10 horses finished the race, which was won by Lottery, a 9-year-old, 9/1 longshot ridden by James Mason. It was a largely unexperienced field, with at least 15 jockeys who had never competed before the race, although the favourite, The Nun was ridden by Allen McDonough, the previous year’s winning jockey Allen McDonough. The 10-year-old was heavily fancied at 6/1 but only managed to finish 7th in a disappointing performance. The event was a huge success despite the generally slow pace of the competition which led to long distances between competing racers.
Day one
Nowadays, the event is a three-day affair, with several exciting events before the big race on the final day. This year day one, which is to be held on Thursday 7th April, will be named Liverpool’s NHS Day in honour of the city’s healthcare workers. Notable events held on this day include, The Manifesto Novices Steeple Chase, a two-mile race open to horses over 5-years-old, The Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase, a challenging 12 fence race named after three-time Grand National winner Red Rum, and The Aintree Hurdle, which was traditionally held on the final day, but has been held on day one since 2013. The main event of the day is the Betway Bowl, a 3-mile steeple chase with nineteen tough fence jumps. Last year’s race was won by Clan Des Obeaux, which completed a Day-One hat-trick for Former Manchester United Manager and avid racehorse owner Sir Alex Ferguson. The 2021 purse was £150,000, with the winner taking home almost £85,000 of that and we can expect a similar prize pot in 2022. As well as Sir Alex Fergusons hat trick, other highlights of last year’s day one were Protektorat’s win in the Manifesto Novices Chase, which shocked even his own trainer and Monmiral winning the 4-Year-Old Juvenile Hurdle to make it five wins from his first five career starts.
Day two
The second day of the Grand National is one of the most eagerly anticipated race days of each year. Traditionally known as “Ladies Day”, it is famous for entertaining races on the track and style and fashion in the stands. Without doubt, one of the highlights of the 2021 edition was the Topham Handicap Chase, which was won by Livelovelaugh partnered by Patrick Mullins, son of renowned trainer Willie. Other highlights from last year’s second day include Fakir D’Oudairies’ win in the Marsh Steeple Chase, Chantry House’s win in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase and Tronador’s win in the day’s opening race, the Handicap Hurdle. Ladies’ Day at the Grand National is one of the country’s most fashionable events with racing fans flocking to the event in their finest formal wear. For 2022, the event’s tagline is “Dress Spectacular. Look Sharper. Enjoy Brighter. The World is Watching. Be There”, and there are exciting prizes on offer for the winner and two runners up of the Style Award. First prize includes £5,000 in cash, a spa break and a pair of tickets to next year’s event, second will win £3,000 cash plus dinner and drinks for two at The Art School and tickets to Ladies Day 2023, while third place will win £1,000 cash and Festival zone tickets to next year’s event. So, there is plenty of motivation for racegoers to dress to impress.
Day three
The final day is believed to be watched by hundreds of millions every year, as diehard racing fans and casual punters come together to enjoy the landmark occasion. Like the previous two days there are several elite level races held throughout the day such as The Bridle Road Handicap Hurdle, The Mersey Novices Hurdle, The Novices Steeple Chase, The Liverpool Hurdle and the Handicap Steeple Chase. However, the most important race is the Grand National, a four and a quarter mile test of speed, skill, endurance and willpower. Last year’s race was a historical one as Rachael Blackmore, with the help of Minella Times, won it to become the first female jockey to win the race. She took home winnings of £375,000 from a pot of £750,000 in what is believed to be the most lucrative jump race in Europe. The race features 30 jumps, many of them famous for their difficulty such as Becher’s Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn.
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