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!
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