Grand National

Grand National legend friends paid tribute to “the most wonderful man in racing”

2011-10-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

Grand National legend Ginger McCain's friends have paid tribute to “the most wonderful man in racing”.

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Appreciated the news that 80-year-old died in his sleep yesterday morning threw the following.

Grand National legend Red Rum in 1973, 1974 and 1977 for he to win four times, three of them will be remembered. Incredibly, “Rummie” also finished second in 1975 and 1976.

Ginger’s wife of 50 years, Beryl, confirmed a public memorial service after the funeral family, for which a date will be set up.

Ginger also leaves daughter Joanne and son Donald Jnr, who this year himself won the National with Ballabriggs.

Beryl said: “Joanne, Donald Jnr and I appreciate all the kindness we are being shown.”

Racing around the world, has paid tribute to Ginger played a unique role.

She said she remembers Ginger as “the most honest and open man I ever met, never afraid to speak his mind. He was a legend, just the most wonderful man in racing. He gave me my break in life when I’d just left school and didn’t know what to do.”

Fashion at the Grand National: beach dresses

2011-09-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be interested in the horses or the race to attend the Grand Nationals. In fact it is increasingly becoming a very popular event for women to show off their latest outfits and styles, usually revolved around a beautiful dress.

It can be hard to get the right length of dress for an event such as the Grand National, but beach dresses can offer a solution to this problem. Whether you are lacking height so a shorter dress would flatter, or alternatively you are very tall meaning a maxi dress would suit you better, beach dresses come in a variety of styles.

Meaning there is something for everyone! Check out the latest beach dresses at www.tucanobeach.com

John Smith's Grand National to the trained John Quinn

2011-09-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

John Smith's Grand National to the trained John Quinn at oriented to character building is on the road - despite trailing home last week. Trainer Christian Von Der Recke in Belgium for the last seven finishers.

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Ridden by Jamie Moore, the 11-year-old in the Grand Steeplechase DES Flandres Waregem racecourse struggled to cope with the idiosyncratic demands, the Belgian leg of the popular Crystal Cup cross-country series.

Nina Carberry in the role of citizens within the last two courses are completed, seventh and 15th last term in 2010.

Von der Recke, Germany's top jumps trainer, about a return to Aintree but is expected and already seen a prestigious international competition on this time in Italy.

He said, "Character Building didn't really take to the course at Waregem but he has come out of the race fine".

"The plan is to go for the Gran Premio di Merano Forst in Italy on September 25, where he will again be ridden by Jamie Moore. If all goes well there, the Grand National next April remains on the agenda."

Von der Recke at Weilerswist near Cologne is based on the fifth Waregem Merano, where Sam Twiston Davies is hoping to ride to maintain plans to send our hero.

Von der Recke secret German championship two other horses who ran in Waregem was reported, the former Irish-trained Windsor Brook and hurdler Our First Chesnut.

He said: "Windsor Brook might go for the novice chase at Merano, but he's not a definite starter, but Our First Chesnut will go for the hurdle race that he won last year."

Grand National give a chance to win double pass

2011-06-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

We have a few double at Auckland's mighty Civic Theatre on Saturday night for the V48 Hours Grand National Final is cheap to pass.

If you want to win, answer this incredibly hard skill question "What is your favourite V48 Hours film of all time?"

You have entered noon until Friday 1 July. Meanwhile, our movie archives on the page can get some hits.

Evan Williams thinks his Grand National hope State Of Play

2011-04-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

Evan Williams thinks his Grand National think State Of Play is "not good enough" to win Saturday's Aintree marathon.

Paul Moloney world's most famous horse race with a third consecutive top four finish for bid as they will ride 11-year-old.

Williams said: "The reality is he is not good enough to win a National."

State Of Play in his last five races, four of the top four have ended in 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and Williams pulling for Grand National as it is saved from last April showpiece has not run.

But Vale of Glamorgan handler such as Midnight Club and a secret key claim about the possibility of death do not trust.

Williams said, "The first National I got very nervous because I think State Of Play had a serious chance".

"Last year I wasn't so bad because I thought his chance had gone and this year I'm being very relaxed because the reality is he is not good enough to win a National.

"He is carrying less weight because he is not good enough to win.

"As long as the horse comes back in one piece, that is all I can really hope for. Anything more than that is a bonus.

"You can never say never in a National because it can be carnage so you always have a chance. If he runs well and finishes respectably, I'd be happy enough.

"You would be very stupid to be too confident going to a Grand National. But I'm happy as we have done all he can do as we couldn't have got him fitter."

Jacob will ride on What A Friend in Grand National

2011-03-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

Paul Nicholls has confirmed that Daryl Jacob will ride on What A Friend in upcoming month's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 9.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has eight years old to be part of owned, on Friday ran the race of his life under Jacob to be fourth on Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Ditcheat trainer said on Twitter: "Daryl Jacob rides What a Friend in Grand National."

Do not push it on course behind the blast at the festival for eyecatching run back to victories in the National's bid.

Pertemps final constraints on the amount buena vista, behind 10th place and a trip to Aintree marathon ended real way out, despite the performance of this happiness was a connection.

Frank Berry is a racing manager to owner JP McManus said, "Everything's fine. He's come out of the race good and we are looking forward to going back to Aintree again".

"He ran well, he got a little bit outpaced at the top of the hill and he ran on again. You'd have to be happy with him. All roads lead to Aintree, that's the plan."

Grand National Confirms Silver By Nature

2011-03-12T03:41:00.000-08:00

The intended target for Silver By Nature has been confirmed John Smiths for Grand National.

"Silver By Nature has been given the go ahead to run in the John Smith's Grand National," Scudamore wrote in the Daily Mail.

"Geoff, who told me he and his wife had agreed to disagree about the decision, has always insisted he would not run his grey in the National unless he felt the horse had a genuine chance.

"I have been involved with two Grand National winners, Bindaree and Earth Summit, during my time working with Nigel Twiston-Davies and I've no doubt that Silver By Nature, runner-up in the 2009 Welsh National, could match them both for class."

Merigo exoected to Grand National winner

2011-03-03T03:02:00.000-08:00

Coral Scottish Grand National winner, Merigo, Aintree national territory are likely to improve.

It is not possible Ayr hero, is trained on Lockerbie by Andrew Parker, Liverpool in the race to extract, but is now 63rd in line from 75th went above and many more with the possibility of error, was, what Can make it 40 was allowed to participate in it given.

Merigo fall when Becher Chase Aintree for the first time in November, but this deal with floods Parker, who returned the 10-year-old wants to send Liverpool not believe has not run since.

Parker, who on Saturday at Doncaster in the Grimthorpe Chase intends to run Merigo, said: “We still need more horses to drop out and we have an anxious wait ahead of us, but there is only one Grand National and if we get in, we will run. I’ve never had a runner in the race and I might never have another good enough, so we’re keen to give it a go. If we can’t, the Scottish National is a good Plan B.

The horse is desperate for a run and he goes to Doncaster on Saturday. He ran in the same race last season before going to Ayr so we’re following the same route.”

Jonjo O'Neill gelding's barrier in the barrier was pulled last March, but it did not stop Liverpool taking the top prize a few weeks later under AP McCoy.

He exhibited in Wiltshire County entered on Saturday but Frank Barry Greatwood on Newbury Gold Cup Chase relief is disabled, owner JP McManus's racing manager, said: “He’ll more than likely wait for the Pertemps. He’s come out of his last race very well [at Newbury last month] and Jonjo couldn’t be happier with him."

National remains on Rocker radar

2011-02-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

Before the John Smith's Grand National,West End Rocker will not run again after being pulled up on stamina-sapping ground at Haydock on Saturday.

The nine-year-old drifted out to as big as 33-1 in places, from a general price of 20-1, for the Aintree feature on April 9 after failing to complete the course in the totesport.com Grand National Trial .

Wayne Hutchinson pulled him out after making a bad blunder at the second-last fence when well behind in sixth place.

Only four runners finished the three-and-a-half-mile slog, won by Silver By Nature.

"It was just too testing for him. Wayne did the right thing pulling him up in the end but he was fine on Sunday morning." said trainer Alan King.

"I shouldn't think he'd run again. He'll go straight to Aintree."

Russell wishes for Haydock repeat

2011-02-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

In Saturday's totesport.com Grand National Trial at Haydock,Silver By Nature will look back-to-back victories ahead of a possible challenge for the big race itself.

In the Welsh National,Lucinda Russell's finishing second and taking this event when it was known as the Blue Square Gold Cup.

When being prepared for the Scottish National,Silver By Nature faces an injury and has raced twice this season with a 10th in the Hennessy at Newbury and a seventh back at the Welsh National.

He was allocated 10st 12lb at the unveiling of the Aintree weights on Monday and the Kinross-based handler said: "Silver By Nature has not been quite right this season and we had a lot of hassle with the snow but he still ran quite a good race in the Welsh National."

Pipe National team grows to six

2011-02-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

With the news that Or Noir De Somoza has joined the Pond House squad,David Pipe's John Smith's Grand National team has been extended to six.

I am very grateful to the new Swiss owners of Or Noir De Somoza for sending him to me to prepare for Aintree's great race," said Pipe.

"We have had Or Noir De Somoza in the yard before and he finished fourth in Ascot's Victor Chandler Chase behind Master Minded. He stays very well and I have always thought he looked like an ideal Grand National candidate.

"I am delighted to have him and he is a very exciting addition to our team of entries for the big race that consists of I'msingingtheblues, Comply Or Die, Piraya, Faasel, and Junior," he told his website, www.davidpipe.com.

Merigo returns at Ayr

2011-02-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Andrew Parker is happy to be getting a much-needed run into his smart staying chaser Merigo at Ayr.

For the totesport.com Grand National Trial at Haydock on February 19,Scottish National hero was warms up for the totesport.com,with a spin over the smaller obstacles in the Bet Now At victorchandler.com Novices' Hurdle, in which he will face five rivals.

"It's something we do now and again with him. If you look in the past we give him a run over hurdles just to sharpen him up when we're struggling with a race for him," said Parker.

"We'll then go to Haydock in a fortnight for the big chase. It's a case of getting some race sharpness back into him. We had a lot of hard frosts and we were struggling for six weeks.

"Two years ago we ran him in a three-mile hurdle at Ayr at around the same time when he was second, but we're not going to go for the Eider this year. Hopefully he'll go to Haydock for the Grand National trial in 12 days' time."

Finger will be kept cross by the Lockerbie trainer as Merigo will get a run in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 9.

If not, he will bid for back-to-back victories in the Scottish version the following Saturday.

Noel Glynn confident over Grand National bid

2011-01-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Noel Glynn has revealed that he had faith in Becauseicouldntsee's chances in the forthcoming Grand National.He further expressed that Peter Marsh Chase guests of horse racing packages could give a good indication.

Glynn claimed the eight-year-old was in "good form" in the run-up to the big day and revealed his camp had been looking for opportunities to test his fence-jumping.

"We'll give him this run this weekend and that might be his last over fences, but we'll see how we get on," he explained. "He's a tank of a horse and although they say weight stops trains, he can carry it."

It has been predicted by Glynn that he has full confidence that Becauseicouldntsee will perform "well" at Haydock and revealed that Nina Carberry would be fined with riding the horse, although he had initially considered handing the job to a professional jockey.

National route beckons for Rocker

2011-01-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

Haydock is continues along the road to the John Smith's Grand National.

Alan King's nine-year-old showed plenty of stamina to land the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick, just prevailing by three-quarters of a length from Minella Boys in a thrilling finish.

The Barbury Castle handler is now eyeing the totesport.com National Trial at Haydock on February 19 before heading for the Aintree extravaganza in April.

He was always travelling and jumped great, and I thought it was a super run. He'll now take in the Grand National Trial at Haydock en route to Aintree," he told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

King is planning a trip to Cheltenham with his other Warwick winner, Call Me A Legend.

"We were really pleased with Call Me A Legend, who won the two-mile handicap chase," he added.

"She has come back well, having fractured a pelvis last year, and, though she will go to stud at the end of the season, it would be a fairytale if she could bow out by winning the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. She won't run again before the Festival."

Grand National hero Tony McCoy eventually won the race

2011-01-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Grand National

awards eventually won the Tony McCoy previous month, he spent a time after that there was still one clear forget on his CV.

The perennial champion jockey had never won the Welsh National past at Chepstow.

This separation due the meeting have been always clashes with Kempton's fixture at Christmas it meant that McCoy had not reality had that many rides in the race.

After a 15 year at Aintree he wait for first win, it would be ironic were McCoy to win two in a row but he himself harbours doubts about the winner's suitability for the unique fences.

McCoy said: “I've won the English, Irish and now Welsh Nationals for Jonjo and JP (McManus), so that's very special. He took a long time to learn how to jump normal fences and he doesn't jump out at me as a typical National horse. He might take to it, he might not. This was the ideal race for him, three miles five furlongs round here on soft ground. I don't know if he has the scope for the Grand National fences, but he did jump better than he has ever done.

“He's achieved his big target — this was his Gold Cup.”

Merigo still on National trail

2011-01-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

At Aintree, Merigo's fall in the Becher Chase has not effected Andrew Parker to have a rethink about aiming for the John Smith's Grand National.

The bitter weather at his Lockerbie stables has been the more significant concern for Parker's.

"We've been severely held up by the weather, with the temperature getting down to minus 14C on quite a lot of nights, and that has scuppered a lot of our plans," said Parker.

"He'll be entered for the Grand National and for the Scottish National again.

"Timmy said he was jumping very well up to the point he fell in the Becher Chase. Basically he asked him for a long one and he came down too sharply when he's really a horse that you just leave alone at the fences.

"I schooled him myself a couple of days later and he was absolutely brilliant again.

"If he runs again before the weights come out for the National it will probably be over hurdles, which won't move his chasing mark up or down. But if he gets 137, it would make it difficult to get in."

Merigo is a general 25-1 shot at this stage.

Grand National first prize tops £950,000 for 2011

2011-01-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

An augment first prize in this year's John Smith's Grand National creates the legendary steeplechase by far the richest jump race in Europe.

On 9 April,2011 race, which takes place the first prize for which will increase to a record £950,000, a rise of £25,000 on last year's race.

Under the sponsorship of John Smith it will going to be a seventh Grand National race and total prize-money for the three-day meeting, which starts on 7 April, will be £2,540,000.

Prize-money boost for National

2010-12-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

For the John Smith's Grand National prize money has been announced by the Aintree and will increase to a record £950,000 next year - a rise of £25,000 on the 2010 race.

At the Liverpool course on Saturday, April 9, there would going to be The world's most famous steeplechase, to be run,will be the seventh under the headline sponsor, with 2011 being the first year in a new three-year contract renewal.

Aintree managing director Julian Thick said: "We are delighted the Grand National will be worth a record £950,000 in 2011, making it by far the richest jump race in Europe."

He added: "It is fantastic to have such a supportive partner in John Smith's, who have enabled us to continue to increase the prize fund for our showcase race."

Grand National Schedule Flat Track 2011

2010-12-18T01:57:00.000-08:00

Grand National Championship today schedule, a series that will feature 22 races at 17 venues - an increase over last year. And the return of the Sacramento Mile, an addition that is sure to bring a smile to Northern California dirt track fans.

Gary Kidd Flat Track Manager of AMA Pro Racing said, "The expansion of the series is exciting news for our fans, riders and sponsors. We continue to work hard to showcase America's traditional form of motorcycle racing in various parts of the country. Our goal is to continue to work with our existing promoters while going out to find aggressive promoters near key markets that will further benefit the series."

Schedule of the Grand National series:

March 10 DAYTONA® Flat Track (Daytona Beach, Florida) Short Track
March 11 DAYTONA® Flat Track (Daytona Beach, Florida) Short Track
April 2 Southern Illinois Center (Du Quoin, Illinois) TT
April 23 Salinas Sports Complex (Salinas, California) TT
May 1 Yavapai Downs (Prescott Valley, Arizona) Mile
May 28 Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield, Illinois) TT
May 29 Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield, Illinois) Mile
June 11 Hartford Motor Speedway (Hartford, Michigan) Half-mile
June 25 Allen County Fairgrounds (Lima, Ohio) Half-mile
July 9 Hagerstown Speedway (Hagerstown, Maryland) Half-mile
July 16 I-96 Speedway (Lake Odessa, Michigan) Half-mile

July 23 Metra Park Raceway (Billings, Montana) Half-mile
July 30 Cal Expo Fair (Sacramento, California) Mile
August 6 Castle Rock Race Park (Castle Rock, Washington) TT
August 21 Peoria Race Park (Peoria, Illinois) TT
August 27 Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis, Indiana) Mile
September 3 Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield, Illinois) Short Track
September 4 Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield, Illinois) Mile
September 10 Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, Iowa) Half-mile
September 24 Canterbury Park (Minneapolis, Minnesota) Mile
October 1 Calistoga Speedway (Calistoga, California) Half-mile
October 9 Yavapai Downs (Prescott Valley, Arizona) Mile

Thanks on National trail

2010-12-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

Despite crashing out in the Hennessy Gold Cup Big Fella Thanks remains firmly on course for a tilt at the Grand National in the spring.

For the Newbury a major contender is Big Fella,but only made it as far as the third fence before parting company with Graham Lee.

"He's fine and he'll probably have a run over hurdles in January somewhere," said the West Witton handler.

"After that he'll probably go for the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury, which he won last year, before going back to Aintree for the National."

Hello Bud 25-1 to become first teenager to win Grand National since 1923

2010-11-26T02:24:00.000-08:00

After Sergeant Murphy in 1923, Hello Bud is 25-1 with Coral to become the first teenager to win the Grand National after grinding to a courageous win in the totesport.com Becher Chase at Aintree yesterday.

The 12-year-old,made most of the running under trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies' son Sam, he landed last year's Scottish National at Ayr,he also shows true grit to fend off the challenge of Royal Rosa by a length and a quarter

Twiston-Davies snr, whose veteran finished a fine fifth in the John Smith'ssponsored spectacular last April said that "Hello Bud is made for these fences and we will definitely come back and have another try at the National in the spring,Our worry was that he wouldn't get in, but he will now. He prefers good ground and, although we have put him in the Welsh National, the ground is unlikely to be right for him"

The race was predictably full of incident, with just seven of the 17 starters making it to the finish.

Paddy Mangan, son of Grand National-winning trainer Jimmy, had to be taken to Fazakerley Hospital after his mount, Whatuthink, fell at the first fence.

Twiston-Davies' Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander, who made a winning return to the fray in the Betfair Chase at Haydock on Saturday, faces a week's box rest before being readied for Kempton's King George VI Chase.

"He came back with a little cut on his foreleg, but hopefully we should have him back cantering after that," reported Twiston-Davies.

Push set for hurdling campaign

2010-11-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Before a return to Aintree,Grand National winner Don't Push It is likely to be campaigned over hurdles

Jonjo O'Neill's 10-year-old finally provided Tony McCoy with a victory in the famous race after 14 previous attempts for the rider. With a chase rating of 164, O'Neill does not fancy running him in competitive handicaps over fences, so it is likely he will spend time over timber before his season kicks into gear.

"He's in fantastic nick, but a rating of 164 doesn't afford us too many options. As I don't really want to run him in a chase over three-miles plus with the big weight he'd almost certainly have to carry, the sensible option seems to be to look for a suitable race over hurdles," said O'Neill.

"The ground will dictate where we go, but hopefully it will be sometime at the beginning of next month."

2010 GRAND NATIONAL FAVOURITE

2010-11-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

The sporting eyes are back on Carlisle race course once again on Monday when the joint favourite for last season’s John Smith’s Grand National makes his seasonal debut.

All roads are set to lead to Aintree again next spring for Big Fella Thanks, who finished fourth in the world’s greatest steeplechase earlier this year.

Paul Nicholls the championship trainer was having horse with him at that time but he has been moved to the North and is now stabled with Ferdy Murphy, who sends many horses to run at Carlisle.

The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury is the next target for Big Fella Thanks. The trainer wants him to have a race over regulation fences before heading south to Berkshire when he was having his last run over the spruce obstacles at Aintree

The Carlisle race he will run in is the feature £25,000 Weatherbys Bank Graduation Chase over three miles.

Premier League

2010-10-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

This player who committed the most fouls in the history of the Premier League, Davies has five yellow cards this season. It was not an ordinary call for tough Bolton Wanderers forward-center. It was a call to England."I just watched the Ryder Cup with my feet,''Davies said Friday, ignoring the smiles on the image of such a physical attacker with his feet." We had a training session with more then Bolton we made a few days off so I planned what to do with them. A number came on the phone I did not recognize. I'm not normally respond to these but I do. There was Farrer Michelle [England team administrator] that I was in the team and transfer details. "I sat on the couch for a bit. My wife cried for mercy," Who was that? " I said it was the FA and I was in the team. There were some tears of her and he was back on the Ryder Cup! I'm pretty relaxed and calm.''For all his recklessness, Davies heart beat fast. It was what he craved: selection for the England team. Even at 33, he had never completely given up hope. The excitement and pride in her eyes danced as he spoke at The Grove as England stepped up their preparations for Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro Tuesday at Wembley."I tried to stay calm but when it was announced that the phone is absolutely mental. The amount of text I got was fantastic, the players I played with, like Matt Le Tissier, to people as Chris Kamara, who was behind me, Big Sam's staff. I'm bursting inside.

GNP chairman race Factional disputes dominate

2010-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

A contest among 13 politicians to become chairman of the ruling Grand National Party GNP kicked off yesterday. The party will hold its national convention on July 14 to choose a new leadership after top officials stepped down in the aftermath of the crushing local election defeat last month. After a 10 day campaign, five members of the Supreme Council will be elected. The prospest who wins the most votes will be chairman. One seat in the council is earmarked for a woman. Following the election defeat, President Lee Myung bak urged his party to embrace generational change to win back young voters. Although Lee has expressed his desire for younger candidates, Lee told his presidential office staff to stay away from the convention to avoid any speculation about their influence, Blue House officials said.A fierce competition among GNP factions is guaranteed. Five of the candidates are Lee loyalists while four back his interparty rival Park Geun ye. The remaining four are moderate, reform minded candidates without factional ties. Candidates loyal to Lee are Representatives Ahn Sang-soo, Hong Joon pyo, Chung Doo-un and Chung Mi-kyung, as well as Kim Dae-sik, former secretary general of the National Unification Advisory Council. The candidates from Park¡¯s faction are Representatives Suh Byung-soo, Lee Sung hun, Han Sun-kyo and Lee Hye-hoon. The non-factional candidates are Representatives Nam Kyung-pil, Na Kyung-won, Kim Sung-sik and Cho Jeon-hyeok.The competition for the seat earmarked for a female is among Chung Mi-kyung, Lee Hye-hoon and Na Kyung-won.The complex election method is likely to produce surprises. Ballots cast by the party¡¯s 9,000 delegates will account for 70 percent of the outcome, and each delegate will be given two ballots. A public opinion poll of non-party members will count for the remaining 30%. Political analysts said the possibility of candidates dropping out of the race at the last minute could have a major effect on the ultimate results. The first TV debate for the 13 candidates took place yesterday, and all vowed to reform the party and bring about harmony by ending factional disputes. The 110-minute debate was hosted by SBS.Among the 13 candidates, Representatives Ahn and Hong are considered the strongest chairman contenders. Both of them are four term lawmakers and served the GNP as floor leaders. They are also pro-Lee.In the TV debate, the rivalry between Hong and Ahn was apparent. Hong claimed that Ahn is unable to bring harmony to the party because he is a hardliner in the pro-Lee faction.Ahn attacked Hong for having failed to handle legislative activities properly when he served as floor leader. Ahn cited a violent scuffle between Grand Nationals and opposition lawmakers over the GNP¡¯s forwarding of a motion to ratify the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement at the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee two years ago. Ahn said Hong should be held responsible for the incident.More TV debates and joint campaign events around the nation are planned before the convention.

BBC News 3rd April 1993 Grand National declared void

2010-05-19T02:28:00.000-07:00

JOHN SMITH’S GRAND NATIONAL 2010: Looking back at the Aintree showpieces which began the decades down the years

2010-03-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

SINCE the first official races were held at Aintree in 1829, there have been many memorable winners of the Grand National.

Now as we begin another 10-year cycle in 2010, we look back on the first winners from each decade.

1829

PRIOR to the creation of the race we know today as the Grand National, Aintree was the home to Flat horse racing from 1829.

The first official races at Aintree were organised by a syndicate, headed by the owner of Liverpool’s Waterloo Hotel, William Lynn. He leased the land from Lord Sefton, set out a course and built a grandstand.

Lord Molyneux laid the foundation stone on February 7, 1829 and placed a bottle full of sovereigns in the footings. The first Flat fixture was held five months later on July 7. A horse called MUFTI won the opening race, the one and a quarter mile Croxteth Stakes.

1840

JERRY had been the last of 18 runners in 1839 when Lottery won but dropped out just before the race. He went on to win as a 12-1 outsider in his Grand National debut in 1840. Jerry, ridden by Bartholomew Bretherton, ended up with a seemingly easy victory from what had been a hard fought race.

The 1840 Grand National, however, is far more famous because of the events surrounding another horse Valentine. Irish amateur Alan Power was so confident in his horse that he bet they would be ahead at the wall.

The pair were ahead approaching the second brook before the horse reared up violently and corkscrewing over, but still reaching the other side. The brook has been known as Valentine’s Brook ever since.

1850

TINY in stature, but with a huge heart, Irish-trained ABD-EL-KADER became an instant favourite with the Aintree crowd when defying his build to negotiate the Grand National fences.

Unquoted in the betting prior to the first victory in 1850, the bookmakers were not so generous the following year when installing Abd-El-Kader the 7-1 joint favourite, but the handicapper seemed to have a shorter memory, and, just 6lb higher than the previous year, Abd-El-Kader duly obliged to become the first horse to win the Grand National twice.

1860

THE 1860s proved to be the decade for mares in the Grand National. ANATIS, the 7-2 favourite, became the third of 13 mares to win and the first of four that decade.

1870

THE COLONEL was sent off 100-7 for his first Grand National victory in 1869, although the relative confidence behind the six-year-old may have been more reflective of his jockey George Stevens, who had already won the great race three times, than the form that The Colonel had shown.

Despite a hike in the weights for the following year’s renewal, The Colonel attracted considerable support and the 7-2 favourite held off the challenge of The Doctor to win by half a length and hand Stevens his fifth win, a record which still stands.

1880

EMPRESS won the 1880 Grand National ridden by Tommy Beasley who had also ridden Martha to finish second in 1878 and third place in 1879. Due to his past performances Beasley and Empress started at 8-1 in a race which saw only 14 starters. But of those 14 there were 10 finishers.

1890

JOCKEY Arthur Nightingall had finished second in 1888 and third as in 1889 but finally won the Grand National in 1890 when aboard favourite ILEX at the starting odds of 4-1. Pan, who Nightingall finished third on a year earlier, was again place at 100-1.

1900

THE winner AMBUSH II was owned by The Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VII.

1910

BOB CHADWICK won the Grand National aboard JENKINSTOWN in 1910 having finished second 12 months earlier on Judas. The pair beat Grand Steeplechase de Paris winner Jerry M, who was ridden by Lester Piggott’s grandfather Ernie. Jerry M and Piggott carried top weight of 12st7lb, but went one better when winning the 1912 National.

1920

TROYTOWN gave amateur rider Jack Anthony his third success, winning by 12 lengths in heavy ground. The race was worth a record £5,000. Algy Anthony, who in 1900 had ridden Ambush to victory, trained the winner.

1930

SHAUN GOILIN won the 1930 Grand National ridden by Tommy Cullinan. The horse also finished third two years later. For jockey Cullinan it was a sweet success as two years earlier, when aboard Billy Barton he led until late in the race only to be beaten into in second place by Tipperary Tim.

1940

THE Lord Stalbridge-trained/owned BOGSKAR won the final Grand National before World War II stopped the event between 1941 and 1945.

1950

HER Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, (who became the Queen Mother on the death of her husband in 1952) had her first runner. Monaveen, jointly owned by Princess Elizabeth (the present Queen), finished fifth behind winner FREEBOOTER.

1960

The BBC televised the race for the first time, 33 years after the initial radio coverage. Peter O’Sullevan, Clive Graham and Peter Bromley were the commentators. Neville Crump trained his third and final Grand National winner, MERRYMAN II, ridden by Gerry Scott, who acted as the Grand National starter in 1996.

Crump was also successful with Sheila’s Cottage in 1948 and Teal four seasons later.

1970

PAT TAAFFE, successful in the Grand National on Quare Times in 1955, landed a second victory aboard GAY TRIP, his last ride in the race.

1980

DESPITE seeming to be unsuited by heavy ground, BEN NEVIS won the Grand National in desperate conditions which saw only four finishers.

The 12-year-old was ridden by merchant banker Charles Fenwick, who became the second American amateur to triumph in the race following Tommy Smith 15 years earlier. Aintree mourned the death of Mirabel Topham, who died aged 88.

1990

MR FRISK set a new record Grand National winning time of 8m 47.8s when partnered by Marcus Armytage, the most recent amateur to be successful.

2000

ANOTHER Irish father and son combination was successful as Ruby Walsh partnered PAPILLON, trained by his father Ted, to victory.

The nine-year-old had been backed down to 10-1 from 33-1 on the day of the race and cost the bookmakers a reported £10million.

The race was worth £500,000 for the first time.

Dinner marks 25th anniversary of Grand National success

2010-02-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

A dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of a jockey's "epic ride" to win the Grand National is being staged later.
The event in Cardigan, Ceredigion, will celebrate Hywel Davies's win on 50-1 outsider Last Suspect in 1985.
Mr Davies, who is originally from the town, will be joined by former champion jockey Peter Scudamore and ex-world powerboat champion Jonathan Jones.
The dinner is one of a series of events planned to mark Cardigan's 900th anniversary this year.
The boxing dinner, along with plans to show the Grand National race from 1985 on a big screen, will be held at the town's newly revamped Guildhall.
Mr Davies's win on Last Suspect at Aintree was not celebrated in all quarters in the town, with bookmakers believed to have lost hundreds of pounds.
He got his blood up the day of the national and just went
Hywel Davies speaking about Last Suspect
Among the guests at the dinner will be Mr Davies's friend, the eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore, whose horse Corbiere was third behind Last Suspect in 1985.
Four-time world powerboat champion Jonathan Jones, who is an old school friend of Mr Davies's from Cardigan, will also be attending, along with Neale Doughty, who won the national on Hallo Dandy in 1984.
Mr Davies, 52, who now runs a horse feed business in Lambourn, Berkshire, said: "People in Cardigan were great after I won the National, and it's a great honour for me that this event is tied in with the 900th anniversary of the town.
"It's great my old school friend Jonathan Jones, a four-time world powerboat champion from Cardigan, is going to be there, along with another of my friends, eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore."
Mr Davies said he could still remember the race in a great detail.
Last Suspect was the longest priced winner of the Aintree showpiece for nearly two decades.
But it took his jockey to persuade owner, the Duchess of Westminster, to let the 11-year-old run on the day, after he pulled up in his previous outing.
Mr Davies added: "He was a very classy horse. He had a lot of ability and he was a gentleman, but if he wasn't in the mood then he wouldn't go.

Lee-Chung: Meeting Due Monday

2009-11-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Grand National Party (GNP) and President Lee Myung bak Chairman Rep. Chung Mong joon will meet over breakfast today at Cheong Wa Dae to discuss pending political issues, GNP officials said Sunday. On the agenda will be the National Assembly's planned inspection of ministries and government agencies, which will start Thursday, the result of the by-elections last week and the growing controversy over the government's move to modify the Sejong City project, the officials said. It will the third one-on-one meeting between Lee and Chung since the latter replaced Park Hee tae as the chairman of the governing party in early September. Park was one of the two GNP candidates who won Assembly seats in the by elections to pick five lawmakers. The main opposition Democratic Party won the other three seats. The gathering is taking place at a time when junior GNP lawmakers are calling for restructuring of the party's leadership and post election measures to regain public confidence.Some critics said the outcome of the elections indicates weakening public backing for Lee's major policies, such as the project to refurbish four rivers nationwide and the amendment of the Sejong City plan."Lee and Chung will focus on setting up a future course of action to get more public support for state policies,'' a spokesman said. "Lee is expected to call for the GNP's support for policies for working class families and low income earners, while suggesting measures to ease conflicts with opposition parties."

Represented in Cabinet to Four Lawmakers

2009-09-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

The announcement of a new Cabinet lineup Thursday marks a major turning point for President Lee Myung bak and the governing Grand National Party (GNP) in their try to spur economic recuperation and promote social integration, analysts say.One of the key characteristics of the new Cabinet is that it has become younger, reflecting Lee's push for political and economic reform. Of the seven ministers assign, including former Seoul National University president Chung Un chan, named the next Prime Minister, five are in their 40s and 50s. The average age of ministers will fall to 59 from the current 62.4 if all the nominations are sanctioned by the National Assembly.The comprehension of three GNP lawmakers Choi Kyung hwan, Yim Tah hee and Joo Ho young also came as a surprise.Recently, Lee has only one lawmaker turned minister Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Minister Jeon Jae hee."The GNP has requested more opportunities for lawmakers to come into the Cabinet as most presidential staff and ministers have little experience in politics," a GNP spokesman said. "The current reshuffle reflects these concerns and indicates Cheong Wa Dae will strengthen communication with the governing party in setting up a future course of action."Lee's choice of Rep. Choi, connected with former GNP Chairwoman Rep. Park Geun hye, also advise that he will reflect opinions from diverse political factions in managing state affairs. Some GNP officials said the decision means that Lee has offered an olive branch to Rep. Park to address physical conflicts ahead of the by elections next month."Considering Park's influence on her GNP colleagues, it will be almost impossible for the governing party to win the elections and overcome future political challenges," the spokesman said.Cheong Wa Dae officials said the reshuffle is also aimed at addressing regional and ideological divisions.Premier nominee Chung, a veteran economist, will interchange Han Seung soo to become the second prime minister since Lee's inauguration in February last year.Chung's appointment was largely unexpected as he had been touted as a potential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) for the next presidential race."Chung is the best choice for prime minister as he has rested neutral over ideological and regional conflicts," a presidential spokesman said. "We believe he will realise President Lee's goals of overcoming the economic crisis, stabilising the livelihood of common people and resolving political and ideological divisions."In his autobiography, published in 2007, Chung said he was a realist, adding he was neither a pro government person nor conservative. He picked Deng Xiao Ping as a perfect example of a leader for a country.

GRAND NATIONAL WINNER FOR SUMMER CAMP

2009-08-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Cowdray Hunt Pony Club members had a special treat when Grand National winner Liam Treadwell joined them for the last night of their week-long senior camp.
Parents also arrived to watch the match and there was very happy to see win of there son
the Eventers Challenge grand finale of the camp and see Liam, a former member of the Cowdray Pony Club, present the prizes. Branch secretary Zoe Jones, who organised the event with district commissioner Maggie Mockett, said: "He came for the day to meet the members, have a tour of the stables, watch the competition and hand out the trophies to the prize-winners.
He gave an physically interesting talk about his early ridding career with cowdray pony club, showing capture of his ridding jumping one of his first ponies, Huckleberry, who is still being ridden today by a pony club child.
After passed his racing suddenly which he used in the Grand National, he gave answer which belongs to race itself and the preparation required to race
at this level. "We all felt very proud that his riding career started with the Cowdray Pony Club. He went on to say that many of the jockeys today were members of the Pony Club."The camp was held on the Hammerwood estate at Iping for members aged between 11 and 16."It teaches them to look after their ponies and the importance of tack and turnout," said Mrs Jones.

The 2009 Grand National was won by Liam Treadwell

2009-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Grand National was won by 100/1 rank-outsider Mon Mome ridden by Grand National debutant jockey Liam Treadwell. He is the biggest-priced winner since Foinavon in 1967 and the first winner trained by a woman (Venetia Williams) since the days of Jenny Pitman. The horse came 10th in the Grand National last year and carried 11 stone for the race

Grand National Course and Fences

2009-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and jockey. The race comprises two full circuits of a unique 2¼ mile (3,600 metres) course, where challengers will face 30 of the most testing fences in the world of jump racing.

Each of the 16 fences on the course are jumped twice, with the exception of The Chair and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first circuit only.

The Start

There is a hazard to overcome even before the race starts - the build up, parade and re-girthing prior to the off lasts for around 25 minutes, over double the time it takes for any other race.

With 40 starters, riders naturally want a good sight of the first fence and after the long build-up their nerves are stretched to breaking point, which means the stewards' pre-race warning to go steady is often totally ignored.

Becher's Brook: Although the fence looks innocuous from the take-off side, the steep drop on the landing side, together with a left-hand turn on landing, combine to make this the most thrilling and famous fence in the horse racing world. The fence actually measures 6 ft 9 in on the landing side, a drop of 2 ft from take off.

Becher's Brook earned its name when a top jockey, Captain Martin Becher, took shelter in the brook after being unseated. "Water tastes disgusting without the benefits of whisky" he reflected.

The Chair: The final two jumps of the first circuit form the only pair negotiated just once - and they could not be more different. The Chair is both the tallest (5ft 3in) and broadest fence on the course, with a 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side.

Water Jump: This 2ft 9in fence brings the first circuit to an end and the sight of the runners jumping it at speed presents a terrific spectacle in front of the grandstands.

The Finish

The 494-yard long run in from the final fence to the finish is the longest in the country and has an acute elbow halfway up it that further drains the then almost empty stamina reserves of both horse and jockey.

For numerous riders over the years, this elongated run-in has proved mental and physical agony when the winning post seems to be retreating with every weary stride.

Don't count your money until the post is reached as with the rest of the Grand National course, the run-in can - and usually does - change fortunes.

Grand National Legends

2008-08-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-06T02:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

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:

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

John Smith's Grand National 2009 Tickets

2008-08-01T04:48:00.000-07:00

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

Tatterstalls tickets

Steeplechase

EnclosureRoof

StandsStand

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

2008-08-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Grand National History

2008-08-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

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.