THE RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL 13-15 APRIL 2023
S ince the very first running at Aintree Racecourse in 1839, winning the Grand National has been the pinnacle of ambition for owners, trainers and jockeys. People from all walks of life have all tried for glory, but only a few have succeeded. It is the ultimate test for racehorse and rider who have to complete two circuits of the course – with 30 fences to be jumped over a four-mile, two-furlongs and about 74-yard course. From the final fence to the finish line, many see victory slip away as stamina ebbs and rivals step up a gear. Devon Loch is a prime example in the 1956 Grand National, when he faltered just 50 yards from victory for his owner, The Queen Mother. It serves as a constant reminder that the race is never over until the winning line has been crossed. But there is nothing quite like the heart-clutching expectation as the 40 contenders are coaxed into a fair line. Indeed, whether at Aintree or at home watching ITV’s or Racing TV’s coverage, a tangible hush falls as the starter calls the runners forward, followed by a huge roar as the race begins. Nine minutes of the most breathtaking action ensues, and even then, success cannot be fully anticipated, guaranteed or celebrated until the result has been officially announced. Millions of people in Britain bet on the Randox Grand National, making the race easily the biggest single-turnover event each year – and the most anticipated. For not only is the race highly demanding – the feeling of even completing the course is one cherished by those involved – but it can also be financially rewarding. There is £1 million in prize money on offer for those who compete in 2023, with the rewards stretching down to the tenth horse home. As such it is the
highest amount of money that any race over fences is contested for. Record-breaking achievements in the race capture the imagination, and in 2021, a monumental piece of history was made when Rachael Blackmore partnered Minella Times to victory to become the first female jockey to succeed in the great race. This achievement saw her rightfully earn the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s World Sport Star for 2021. And there was another memorable success in 2022 when Sam Waley-Cohen on Noble Yeats became the first amateur jockey to win the race in 32 years. Waley-Cohen had already announced beforehand that it was to be his last ride as he approached his 40th birthday – thus securing a fairtytale ending to his career. The name Aintree comes from the Anglo Saxon for one tree, and what started out as a small village is now integral to the city of Liverpool – a great metropolis without compare and a fitting Racecourse and came up with the idea to stage the Grand National was William Lynn, owner of Liverpool’s Waterloo Hotel. He can be truly proud of his creation – an iconic British sporting institution and a national treasure. The success of the race helped establish the three-day Randox Grand National venue for this unique contest. The man who founded Aintree
Festival, starting with Liverpool’s Day, then Ladies’ Day and concluding with Randox Grand National Day on Saturday. The race programme is only matched by that of The Festival™ at Cheltenham. Indeed, Aintree often sees winners from Jump racing’s ‘Olympics’ head to Liverpool in pursuit of further glory. But while the winners cannot be guaranteed at Aintree in April, thrilling action and unrivalled entertainment certainly can be.
“THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE HEART-CLUTCHING EXPECTATION AS THE 40 CONTENDERS ARE COAXED INTO A FAIR LINE “
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