It’s one of the biggest racing events of the season, with a prize fund last year of £1 Million, the Grand National is an event that just about any horse racing fan is going to be keen to get a crack at. If you’re looking to make some money with Grand National 2018 Betting you’d better make sure you’ve had a look at some Grand National 2018 Tips so you know you’re making the smartest bets possible. But what if this is the first time you’ve really looked at the Grand National? How can you make the smartest bets without knowing what to look for? Well, don’t worry, just read on and get a primer for what the Grand National is.
History
The land which would become the Grand National racecourse was founded by Willian Lynn. He set out a course, built a grandstand and had the foundation stone lain by the local lord. While it’s not certain when the first race happened, it’s believed to be around the 1835-1837 mark by local historians. The venue became more prominent between 1838-1839 because of a few unrelated events that left Aintree’s steeplechase to become a major event in the social calendar for the followers of horse racing. Since then, with few interruptions such as World War I and II as well as a few dramatic events like the Race that Never was and the mysterious Devon Loch incident, it’s continued to serve as a major racing destination. Playing host to numerous famous races and horses including Red Rum in the 70’s and many others, it’s fair to say the Grand National is probably one of the biggest horse race events in the world.
The Course
The Grand National is a gruelling race with a massive 30 jumps the whole way round and two laps. For the first lap, the horses are expected to ride over the Chair and the Water Jump but on the second they can avoid them as shown on the map. The large distance covered and the sheer number of fences make it a particularly tough race. The Chair and the Water Jump are both very popular for the spectacle they create of horses making incredible leaps and bounds.
Things you ought to know
When it comes to the Grand National, there are a few details it’s worth keeping in mind before you set off for your big day out.
Access all areas
There are a number of different Enclosures and Stands. Each requires ticket access. You might choose a Grandstand view that shows you the entire course, or maybe a spot right by the finish line so you can see the winners as they cross. Where you’re going to be is well worth considering.
Dress Code
While there isn’t a set dress code, the Grand National is traditionally an area where you are expected to dress up and look your best. Therefore, it’s best to err on the side of classy.
Not all about the horses
The Red Rum Garden, named after the legendary horse, is a great place to go to see other events related to the race play out, including the Ladies Day Style award!
