The Grand National

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Photo by flickr user frielp

The Grand National is one of the most famous steeplechases in the world, attracting a worldwide audience of around 600 million viewers every year. The four-and-a-half mile marathon is a thrilling spectacle as the horses jump, tumble and sprint towards the finishing line and race legend, Red Rum’s final resting place, and where glory beckons.

The Grand National is the crescendo of a three day sporting event that is a highlight in the British sporting calendar. Aintree has a unique and thrilling atmosphere for this weekend in April, champagne flows as the race meetings provide an amazing social event and it is one of the few sporting events that can still claim to get the whole nation’s attention, with over £100 million being placed in bets in the UK alone.

Apart from the famous race itself, Ladies Day on Friday is the highlight of the weekend, when the nation takes notice of the styles on display. It may be the day when the social side takes centre stage over the racing, but there are still enough thrills to keep your eyes transfixed on the green turf as well.

Written by  John Johnston.

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