Grand National Legends

The Grand National is a enormous British institution where each year the nation is trapped up in Grand National Betting as a once in a year opportunity to have a bet on a horse race where anything is possible. Each year a single story emerges that confines the imagination of the Public. The Grand National has lots of such stories throughout the years that touch the nation.

One of the most well-known of these stories was when Aldaniti won the Grand National in 1981. In 1979, Bob Champion, the jockey of Aldaniti, was informed he had cancer and only months to live, not only that but the horse also was almost retired because of leg trouble. In 1983, Jenny Pitman became the most popular women in the racing game by becoming the first women to train a winner of the Grand National with Corbiere. Jenny had a second victory in 1995 with Royal Athlete and also trained the winner of the void race in 1993.


The late Captain Tim Forster, who received an OBE in the 1999 New Year's Honours List, saddled three Grand National Winners. His first success came in 1972 with Well to Do. Forster, not renowned for his optimism declared to run with 15 minutes to spare as he was uncertain whether to risk the horse at Aintree.


The Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien successful with jump and flat horses had great success in the 1950s with three successive Winners of the Grand National - Early Mist (1953), Royal Tan (1954) and Quare Times (1955).

Grand National - Travel

Aintree Racecourse is situated on the outskirts of Liverpool on the A59 Ormskirk to Liverpool road, five miles from Liverpool city centre.Getting to Aintree Racecourse By Road from the south: Leave M6 at J 21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J 6 to join M57, follow signs for races. From the North: Leave M6 at J 26 and join M58, follow signs for races. From Mersey Tunnel: Follow signs for Preston, then for A59, then signs for races.

Car Parking

This is very important if you have not visited the racetrack before as there is limited space and as such the parking around the racecourse is minimal. It is recommended to use the park and ride scheme operational at Brookfield School in Kirkby. This hard standing car park is free and is well signposted from the M57 motorway [J6]. The free coach transfer transports you to the Seeds Lane entrance of the racecourse and returns at the end of racing. The free on-site coach park is for parties who have pre-booked the Tattersalls or Steeplechase car parks.

Travelling By Train
Trains One of the best ways to get to the racecourse is to take the train. The nearest mainline train station to Aintree is Liverpool Lime Street. Liverpool Central Station is just a short walk from Lime Street, where you can catch a train to Aintree. Aintree Station is directly across the road from the main entrance to the racecourse where race trains run frequently. Rail enquiries: 08457484950 Mersey travel: 0870 608 2608.

Aintree Racecourse History

The first official races at Aintree were set up by the vendor of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn. Mr Lynn let the land from Lord Sefton, laid out a course, built a grandstand and staged the first Flat fixture on July 7, 1829.
Aintree is the home of world most popular races. The Aintree Grand National was first begin in 1839 and was won by the 5-1 favourite "Lottery". This was also the year in which the notorious Captain Martin Becher fell from his horse "Conrad" into the brook when in the lead, thus beginning the legend that is Becher's Brook.
In recent years the Aintree racecourse has gone from strength to strength and a large part of the credit can go to Martell who offered much needed funding at an important time. New Sponsors John Smiths Beer took over the Grand National sponsorship in 2005 and this ties in nicely with future plans for the course which include a new grandstand, as well as a redeveloped Parade Ring and Winner's Enclosure.

Aintree Racecourse - England

Aintree Racecourse is managed by Aintree Racecourse and is located in or near Aintree Village. You can see what other attractions are near Aintree Racecourse if you follow this link to other attractions and event locations in the area of Seftonon this website or you can get detailed information regarding opening times and other facilities if you follow this link to it's own website (if available)
We classify this location into our section about Racecourse's and we will be adding below a summary description, and possibly pictures, of Aintree Racecourse over time.

Aintree racecourse is now enjoying its most successful period in modern times. While many courses rely on subsidies, the Aintree management is very much commercially minded and on non-racedays all of Aintree's grandstands host wedding receptions, conferences and exhibitions. In the heart of the racecourse the belongs the Aintree Golf Centre, featuring a superb driving range and one of the longest nine-hole courses in the UK. Future plans include a new grandstand, as well as a redeveloped Parade Ring and Winner's Enclosure. Aintree's ambitious £30million plan will be complete for the 2007 Grand National meeting.

Grand National Reality

Grand National Facts from William Hill

More than half the adult population will have a excitement on the Grand National, at an average of £10 per bet. It is the one day of the year where women bet nearly as much as the men. One in three Grand National bets are placed by women

William Hill’s online sports book will process up to 10 bets per second at peak time. The Grand National is truly a world event as Hills have taken bets from as far a field as Australia, Bermuda, China, Kazakhstan and Iraq.

Aintree - The Home of the Grand National

Aintree racecourse is one of the premier racecourses in the UK. It is the home of The Grand National and almost all of the Grand National horse races have been run here with very few exceptions. The actual racing surface has undergone massive change since the first early races when there were hurdles as well as fences to be jumped and also at one stage a brick wall was amongst the obstacles, but in recent times there have only been minor changes to the track.

Grand National 2009 Hospitality

Grand National is one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar, it's also one of the most prestigious social events too. Whether you are searching for a unique venue to host business associates or simply wishing to celebrate a special day with friends and family, Aintree has a fantastic range of facilities to suit all of your requirements.

A room with a view Are you looking for something that little bit special for the John Smith's Grand National meeting? Give your social occasion a five star upgrade and get the full Aintree treatment in one of their exclusive private boxes. There are a range of packages on offer, each aptly named 'Chase', 'Hurdle' and 'Mildmay', meaning you can tailor your day to your own specific needs

To book your day at the 2008 John Smith's Grand National, and to find out more information about Aintree's Grandstand and hospitality enclosures, go to http://www.aintree.co.uk/

Grand National 2008 Finishing Orders

First
Comply Or Die (7-1 joint-favourite)
Jockey Timmy Murphy: "It's everybody's dream to win the National. David [Pipe, trainer] prepared him fabulously and said he was a certainty and wouldn't get beat, so what more can you ask for?"
Second
King Johns Castle (20-1) four lengths behind
Paul Carberry: “I was a bit short at the second-last but he winged the last and I thought I was going to pick Timmy [Murphy] up at the Elbow. But he pulled out a bit more. The whole way up the straight I thought I was going to get there."
Third
Snowy Morning (16-1) 1½l
David Casey: "He ran great, he jumped super and I just wish I had held on to him a bit longer, but he gave me a super ride. When Hedgehunter won I'd schooled him round for Ruby (Walsh) the year before and the same might happen again."
Fourth
Slim Pickings (10-1) 16l
Barry Geraghty: "He ran a blinder, I had a great spin off him and I just said to the lads it is the best craic you'll have all year. He's only nine so hopefully he'll be back next year."
Fifth
Bewleys Berry 8l
Denis O'Regan: "A brilliant run. I got a great run and he jumped great. He probably didn't get home, but he's run to his mark

Grand National Past Winners

This is a full list of past winners in the history of the race. This section spreads over two pages and lists all the official races between 1980 and the current day.

2008 COMPLY OR DIE
2007 SILVER BIRCH
2006 NUMBERSIXVALVERDE
2005 HEDGEHUNTER(Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh 9-11-01 7/1 Fav
2004 AMBERLEIGH HOUSEHalewood International : D.McCain: G.Lee : 12 10 10 : 16-1
2003 MONTY'S PASSDee racing Syndicate : J.J.Mangan : B.J.Geraghty : 10 10 7 : 16-1
2002 BINDAREEMr.H.R.Mould : N.A.Twiston-Davies : j.Culloty : 8 10 4 : 20-1
2001 RED MARAUDERMr. N.B.Mason : N.B.Mason : R.Guest : 11 10 11 : 33-1
2000 PAPILLONMrs J,Maxwell Moran : T.M.Walsh : R.Walsh : 9 10 12 : 10-1
1998 BOBBY JOMr Robert Burke : T.Carberry : p.Carburry : 9 10 00 : 10-1
1998 EARTH SUMMITThe Summit Partnership : N.A.Twiston-Davies : C Llewellyn : 10 10 5 : 7-1
1997 LORD GYLLENEMr Stanley W Clarke : S A Brookshaw : A Dobbin : 9 10 0 : 14-1
1996 ROUGH QUESTM.T.A. Wates : T Casey : M A Fitzgerald : 10 10 7 : 7-1
1995 ROYAL ATHLETEMr G. L,.Johnson : Mrs J Pitman : J F Titley : 12 10 6 : 40-1
1994 MIINNEHOMAMr Freddie Star , M,Pipe R Dunwoody 11 10 8 16 1
1993 RACE VOID ...
1992 PARTY POLITICSMrs David Thompson : N A Gaselee : C Llewellyn : 8 10 7 : 14 -1
1991 SEAGRAMSir Eric Parker : D H Barons : N Hawke : 11 10 6 : 12 1
1990 MR FRISKMrs Harry J Duffey : K C Bailey : Mr M Armytage : 11 10 6 : 16-1
1989 LITTLE POLVEIRMr Edward Harvey : G B Balding : J Frost : 12 10 3 : 28-1
1988 RHYME N'REASONMiss Juliet Reed . D Elsworth B Powell 9 11 0 10-1
1987 MAORI VENTUREMr H.J.Joel : A Turnell : S Knight : 11 10 13 : 28-1
1986 WEST TIPMr Peter Luff : M. Oliver : R. Dunwoody : 9 10 11 : 15-2
1985 LAST SUSPECTAnne Duchess of Westmnster : Capt T A Forster : H Davies : 11 10 5 : 10-1
1984 HALLO DANDYMr R Sraw : G W Richards : N Doughty : 10 10 2 : 13-1
1983 CORBIEREMr S, Burrough : Mrs J Pitman : B de Haan : 8 11 4 : 13-1
1982 GRITTARMr F Gilman : F. Gilman : Mr C. Saunders : 9 11 5 : 7-1
1981 ALDANITIMr S. N. Embiricos : J. T. Gifford : R. Champion : 11 10 13 : 10-1
1980 BEN NEVISMr R C Stewart jnr : Capt T A Forster : Mr C Fenwick : 12 10 12 : 40-1

Comply or Die Wins Grand National

Grand National Tickets Agent

The Grand National is the most valuable National Hunt horse race in the United Kingdom. It is the biggest betting race in the United Kingdom, and is popular amongst many people who do not normally watch or bet on horse racing at other times of the year. It is also one of the most controversial, due to the number of injuries and fatalities suffered by the participating horses and has consequently been targeted by animal rights groups who have campaigned to have it banned .

Grand National 2009 is coming with its great attractions and ammusements. Tickets are selling now on the lot of webistes. The list of famous ticket agents are as under:

• http://www.sports-index.co.uk
• http://www.aintree-grand-national.net/
• http://www.theonlineticketshop.com
• http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/
• http://www.theonlineticketexchange.com
• http://grand-national-betting.gambling-guru.com

Book your tickets now to sample the magic of Aintree and the John Smith's Grand National

John Smith's Grand National 2009 Tickets

John Smith's Grand National Tickets have divided into five categories.

1. Tatterstalls tickets


2. Steeplechase


3. EnclosureRoof


4. StandsStand


5. SeatsStands

1. Tatterstalls tickets

This enclosure is the largest and most atmospheric area at Aintree throughout the three day racemeeting. Owing to the results of Aintree's redevelopment project, this area is now greatly enhanced and features:

2. Steeplechase

Open on Grand National Day only, this enclosure is ideal for those wanting to enjoy John Smith's Grand National Day at a leisurely and informal pace, with no dress code to worry about. Although this enclosure does not allow access to the Parade Ring or Winner's Enclosure, it does offer prime viewing of the first few fences of the Grand National course.

3. EnclosureRoof

With a birds-eye view directly over the Winning Post, you can scrutinize who makes it first past the post before anyone else. A beautiful uncovered roof area, with traditional architecture and prime viewing, this standing enclosure is very popular with racegoers at Aintree.

4. StandsStand

A popular choice with many racegoers, these seats are situated between the Chair and the Water Jump and offer a premium view of the final 200 metres of every race. Most seats in this stand are under cover.

5. SeatsStands

Watch the equine stars take their place at the GrandNational start line and be in the thick of the action as the horses pass the Winning Post.This stand is completely covered, protecting raceday hats from the elements. Please note, Queen Mother seats are accessible from the front of the grandstand.

Grand National 2009 Event Dates

Grand National is one of most popular horse racing event not only in the UK but also its popularity you can see all over the world. Ever since, people not only come to see Grand National Event not only from the UK but also through out the world. In 2009, this event is coming with its a lot of attractions and ammusements. The Grand National 2009 is going to take place between 2nd of April to 4th of April.

The event dates of Grand National are as Under:

2nd - April -2009 Thursday John Smith's Grand National
3rd - April -2009 Friday John Smith's Grand National
4th - April -2009 Saturday John Smith's Grand National

About Grand National

The Grand National is the most popular National Hunt horse race in the world. It is famous amongst many people who do not normally watch or bet on horse racing at other times of the year. It is also one of the most controversial, due to the high profile given to injuries and fatalities suffered by the participating horses, making it a target for animal rights groups who have campaigned to have it banned. In one hundred and sixty two running of the race there have been fifty-seven equine fatalities, four of those in one year, 1954, while one jockey has also lost his life as a result of injuries sustained in the race
The John Smith's Grand National is already one of the biggest sporting and social events in the UK, with an estimated 150,000 people attending the three day event in 2007. It is also one of the most-televised sporting events in the world, with an estimated audience of 600 million.
Over the last few years, £35million has been invested in Aintree Racecourse's world-class facilities to increase its capacity, introduce two new permanent grandstands, an international equestrian centre, a new weighing room and winner's enclosure.
In 2009 sees the opening of a brand new VIP lounge, the Platinum County Lounge in the County Stand, which is set to be to be the most exclusive bar on the racecourse. The now famous style contest will be back, promising its biggest prizes ever!

Grand National - Gallery

Grand National History

The Grand National history has almost 200 years, making it one of the oldest national hunt horse races in England. Legend has it that the Grand National owes its survival to one William Lynn, a Liverpudlian innkeeper who used money earned through hare racing to rent a piece of land in Aintree from Lord Sefton to host horseracing.
Racing historians remain engaged in a bitter debate over which year marked the first running of the Grand National. It is known that the first steeplechase at Aintree was organised by Lynn in 1835
The 20th century saw the Grand National raise in popularity and importance while also facing severe challenges to its future. In the 1940s Aintree racecourse was sold by Lord Sefton to the Topham family who initially invested heavily in the development of the venue before passing it into the hands of property developer Bill Davies when the popularity of the Grand National showed signs of waning in the
In the late 1970s the Grand National was rescued by the Jockey Club, who ended years of speculation on the fate of the event by purchasing Aintree racecourse. The Jockey Club then entered into a partnership with bookmaker Ladbrokes to revitalise the Aintree racecourse facilities and its headliner event, ushering in the most successful era in Grand National history to date.
The revitalisation of Aintree was further boosted by the performances of a new generation of heroic racehorses. In 1981 the unfavoured Aldaniti, ridden by cancer-survivor Bob Champion, took the Grand National emphasising all that is best about this great race, and inspiring a Hollywood film. Today the future of the Grand National stands guaranteed with the race enjoys a high profile in the media and profiting from a major redevelopment of Aintree racecourse.