The Sky Bet Grand National is one of the biggest horse races in the world. Held annually since 1839, it is a grueling four-mile steeplechase with 30 fences along the way. The race is open to horses aged five and above and is run over two circuits of Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. Every year, millions of people flock to Aintree to witness the race and take part in the festivities that come with it.
Overview of Sky Bet Grand National
The Sky Bet Grand National is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million for the winner. It is also the most difficult and prestigious race in the world, with an illustrious list of past winners including Red Rum, Aldaniti, and Many Clouds.
The race is run in early April and attracts up to 40 horses, who battle it out over two laps of Aintree’s racecourse. The fences are notoriously difficult, with some of them having names such as Becher’s Brook and The Chair. The most famous of them all is the 30th and final fence, known as the Canal Turn.
History of Sky Bet Grand National
The Sky Bet Grand National is the oldest horse race in the world, having been held every year since 1839. The race was first run at Aintree Racecourse, which was opened in 1829. Over the years, the race has been run over various distances, from two and a half miles in its early days to the current four-mile length.
The race has seen its fair share of drama, with some of its most iconic moments including the 1948 victory of the legendary Red Rum, and the 1967 victory of Foinavon, who won the race despite being 20 lengths behind the field at the 23rd fence.
Famous Horses in Sky Bet Grand National
The Sky Bet Grand National has been won by some of the world’s greatest horses, including:
- Red Rum – Winner of the race in 1973 and again in 1974, Red Rum is the most famous horse in the history of the race. He also finished second in 1975 and 1976.
- Aldaniti – Winner of the 1981 Grand National, Aldaniti was ridden by the legendary jockey Bob Champion, who had overcome cancer to take part in the race.
- Many Clouds – Winner of the 2015 Grand National, Many Clouds was ridden by jockey Leighton Aspell, who went on to win the race again in 2016.
- Tiger Roll – Winner of the 2018 and 2019 Grand Nationals, Tiger Roll is the most successful horse in the history of the race.
Controversy in Sky Bet Grand National
The Sky Bet Grand National has seen its fair share of controversy over the years. In 2000, the race was declared void due to a false start, which caused confusion amongst the riders and horses.
In 2013, the race was marred by the deaths of two horses, which prompted the British Horseracing Authority to conduct a review into the race. As a result of the review, the race was made safer by reducing the number of runners and making alterations to some of the fences.
Betting on Sky Bet Grand National
Betting is a huge part of the Sky Bet Grand National. Each year, millions of pounds are wagered on the race, with bookmakers offering a wide range of betting options.
The most popular type of bet is the ‘win’ bet, where the punter bets on the horse they think will win the race. Other popular types of bets include ‘each-way’ bets, where the punter bets on a horse to finish in the top three, and ‘tote’ bets, where the punter bets on a horse to finish in the top four.
Sky Bet Grand National Festival
The Sky Bet Grand National Festival is a three-day event that takes place at Aintree Racecourse in the days leading up to the Grand National. The festival includes a number of races, such as the Grand National Trial, the Topham Handicap Chase, and the Fox Hunters’ Chase.
The festival also includes a number of additional events, including a parade of the jockeys, a parade of the horses, and a variety of music and entertainment. The festival is a great way to experience the atmosphere of the Grand National, and it attracts thousands of people each year.
Sky Bet Grand National Course
The Sky Bet Grand National Course is one of the most iconic race courses in the world. It is a four-mile track with 30 fences, including the infamous Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn.
The course is well known for its difficult fences, and it is widely considered to be one of the most challenging courses in the world. As a result, the Sky Bet Grand National is one of the most difficult races in the world, and only the best horses and jockeys can make it to the finish line.
Watching the Sky Bet Grand National
The Sky Bet Grand National is an event that is watched by millions of people around the world. In the UK, the race is broadcast on the BBC and ITV, and it is also broadcast on TV channels around the world.
In addition to TV broadcasts, people can also watch the race at the Aintree Racecourse, where tickets are available for the three-day festival. Alternatively, people can watch the race online, with many bookmakers offering live streaming of the race.
Conclusion
The Sky Bet Grand National is one of the biggest and most important horse races in the world. It is a four-mile steeplechase with 30 fences, and it attracts up to 40 horses each year. The race has a long and illustrious history, which includes some of the greatest horses in the world, and it is an event that is watched by millions of people around the world.