The 2021 Grand National is an annual British horse race held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool and is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. The race was first run in 1839 and is a National Hunt steeplechase; a type of horse racing that includes fences, ditches and other obstacles. The Grand National is attended by over 70,000 spectators each year, and is one of the most watched sporting events in the UK. This year, the total prize fund for the event was £1 million and the winner was the horse Many Clouds.
How Many Horses Started in the 2021 Grand National?
This year’s Grand National was the 173rd running of the race, and a total of 40 horses were entered, making it the largest field of horses in the event’s history. The horses ranged in age from seven to twelve years old and came from all over the world, including France, Ireland and the United States. The starting field for the 2021 Grand National consisted of:
- 14 Irish-trained horses
- 15 British-trained horses
- 7 French-trained horses
- 2 American-trained horses
- 2 Australian-trained horses
Conditions of the Racecourse
The course for the 2021 Grand National was a mix of turf and artificial surfaces. The turf course was in good condition, with good ground and the fences in good order. The artificial surfaces were also in good condition, with the only issue being a few wet patches due to the recent rainfall. The weather on the day of the race was sunny and dry and the ground conditions were described as good to soft.
2021 Grand National: Early Going and the First Half
The race started at 4:15 p.m. and the first section of the race was run at a steady pace. The jockeys were looking to conserve their horses’ energy for the second half of the race, as the fences in the second half are much more difficult. At the end of the first half, 15 of the 40 horses had pulled up or been eliminated.
Second Half of the 2021 Grand National
The second half of the 2021 Grand National was run at a much faster pace than the first, with the jockeys pushing the horses to the limit. The horses had to overcome a series of challenging obstacles, including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, The Chair and the Water Jump. At the end of this section, an additional 16 horses were either pulled up or eliminated.
The Final Stages of the 2021 Grand National
The final stages of the 2021 Grand National saw the remaining horses battle it out for the title. The horses had to negotiate the final fence, which is known as the ‘Elbow’, before the finishing post. Many Clouds emerged as the winner, with Saint Are and Ballynagour in second and third place respectively.
How Many Horses Finished in the 2021 Grand National?
A total of 24 horses finished the 2021 Grand National, with Many Clouds emerging as the winner. This number is slightly down from last year’s Grand National, which saw 28 horses finish the race.
The Prize Money for the 2021 Grand National
The total prize fund for the 2021 Grand National was £1 million and the winner was awarded £561,300. The remaining prize money was split between the remaining 23 horses, with the second-place horse receiving £170,000 and the third-place horse receiving £85,000.
Final Thoughts on the 2021 Grand National
The 2021 Grand National was an exciting and thrilling event and was one of the most competitive races in the event’s history. A total of 24 horses finished the race, with Many Clouds emerging as the winner. The remaining prize money was split between the other 23 horses, with the second-place horse receiving £170,000 and the third-place horse receiving £85,000.
Notable Horses in the 2021 Grand National
There were several notable horses in the 2021 Grand National, including:
- Many Clouds – Winner of the 2021 Grand National
- Saint Are – Finished second
- Ballynagour – Finished third
- The Last Samuri – Finished fourth
- Vieux Lion Rouge – Finished fifth
Conclusion
The 2021 Grand National was an exciting and thrilling event, with a total of 24 horses finishing the race. Many Clouds emerged as the winner, with Saint Are and Ballynagour in second and third place respectively. The remaining prize money was split between the other 23 horses, with the second-place horse receiving £170,000 and the third-place horse receiving £85,000.