The Grand National is one of the world’s greatest steeplechase races and is a highlight of the British horse racing calendar. It takes place annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The race is a gruelling 4-mile (6.4km) long course that includes 30 fences over two laps. It is a thrilling race to watch and is known for its testing fences and dramatic moments. There are a number of fences that are only jumped once during the race, and in this article we will look at two of the most famous and challenging of these fences: Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
Becher’s Brook
Becher’s Brook is one of the most iconic fences on the Grand National course. It is named after Captain Martin Becher, who fell at the fence in the first running of the race in 1839. The fence is located on the first circuit of the course, and is jumped twice in each running of the race. However, it is only jumped once in the Grand National, on the first circuit.
Becher’s Brook is a daunting fence, standing at 5ft 2in (1.57m) with a 6ft (1.83m) drop on the landing side. This makes it a very challenging jump for the horses and riders, and it has become one of the most feared fences on the course. In recent years, the fence has been modified slightly to make it safer for horses and riders, and it has become known as ‘The Grand National Bank’.
The Chair
The Chair is another iconic fence on the Grand National course. It is named after the chair that was placed at the fence in the early years of the race, so that spectators could watch the race from the fence. The Chair is located on the second circuit of the course, and is jumped once in each running of the race. However, it is only jumped once in the Grand National, on the second circuit.
The Chair stands at 5ft (1.52m) and is the tallest fence on the course. It has a 6ft (1.83m) drop on the landing side, making it a very challenging jump for the horses and riders. The Chair is widely regarded as the most difficult fence on the course, and it is widely feared by jockeys and trainers alike.
Safety Measures
In recent years, the Grand National has become much safer for both horses and riders. A number of safety measures have been introduced to reduce the risk of injury and fatalities, including:
- Reduced Number of Fences: The number of fences on the course has been reduced from 30 to 16, and the height of the fences has been reduced from 5ft 7in (1.7m) to 4ft 10in (1.47m).
- Softening of Fences: The fences have been softened by adding a layer of spruce to the top of the fence, which makes them easier to jump.
- Reduced Number of Horses: The number of horses allowed to race in the Grand National has been reduced from 40 to 30, in order to reduce the risk of horses colliding.
These measures have made the Grand National much safer for horses and riders, and have helped to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.
Notable Races
The Grand National has been running for over 160 years, and in that time has seen some truly remarkable races. Here are some of the most memorable races in Grand National history:
1956 – Devon Loch
The 1956 Grand National is perhaps the most famous race in the history of the race. It was won by Queen Elizabeth II’s horse, Devon Loch, and looked to be a sure thing until the horse suddenly and inexplicably ‘jumped the air’ just yards from the finish line and collapsed. The race was won by ESB, and Devon Loch’s bizarre jump has become one of the most iconic moments in Grand National history.
1973 – Red Rum
The 1973 Grand National is remembered for Red Rum’s remarkable victory. Red Rum was a rank outsider for the race, but he produced a stunning performance to win the race by a comfortable margin. He went on to win the race again in 1974 and 1977, and is still the only horse to have won the Grand National three times.
1997 – Lord Gyllene
The 1997 Grand National is remembered for Lord Gyllene’s stunning victory. Lord Gyllene was a rank outsider for the race, but he produced a stunning performance to win the race by a comfortable margin. His victory is remembered as one of the most remarkable in the history of the race.
Conclusion
The Grand National is one of the most iconic and thrilling races in the world. It is run over a gruelling 4-mile (6.4km) course that includes 30 fences over two laps. There are a number of fences that are only jumped once during the race, and two of the most famous and challenging of these fences are Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
The safety of horses and riders is paramount in the Grand National, and a number of safety measures have been introduced in recent years to reduce the risk of injury and fatalities. The race has also seen some truly remarkable races in its history, including Devon Loch’s bizarre jump in 1956, Red Rum’s remarkable victory in 1973, and Lord Gyllene’s stunning win in 1997.
The Grand National is a thrilling race to watch and is sure to provide more dramatic moments in the years to come.