The Grand National at Aintree
 

I know this is the wrong spot but wanted people to realize what this race is. It is this Saturday and in comprised of 40 horses going over 30 jumps and it is the premere jump race of the year.

It is absolutely unbelieveable to watch. Truely a great race. When I lived in England Red Rum won the race two years in a row. I think it lasts for over 4-5 minutes.

Unreal.

Spyder

40 may start the race, but 40 don't finish. there are many "fallers".

Goin to the race for the first time. Can't wait to walk the course. I will report on what I see, when I get back.

True, maybe 6 -13 finish, but your don't hear about many injuries. Some of the jumps are HUGE!

Spyder

Very nice.

I can't watch it.

I follow some of the horses but I hold my breath and so I just skip it completely and wait for the reports after the fact.

The fallers..... it's just not for me but to anyone going or watching hope you enjoy it.

Here are the 99 left in at the 5 Day stage.....

http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_...254835,00.html

Good luck to Hedgehunter, Simon and L'Ami.....

If the race lasted somewhat over 4-5 minutes, nothing in this country could stay with these horses in a G1---it is closer to 8-10 minutes covering 4 miles or so and hellishly configured jumps and turns ... A fascinating lore behind this event, and it is very impressive ... That is the good news ...
MMSC has very good reasons for not wanting to watch ... A cavalry charge of more horses than we are used to seeing headed for those monstrous obstacles is daunting enough, but it is a rare thing that there are no falls, injuries, or fatalities ....
The first time I watched this race, the favorite--a fine, stout accomplished animal---wiped out at the first fence and received a broken back ...
While we are sadly used to seeing breakdowns, this race seems to court them for obvious reasons ...
It is a thing of beauty to see a good one jump the jumps and stay the course, but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...

You are correct but still an amazing race to watch

In my opinion it crosses the line between sport and abuse but that line is different for everyone.

Agreed.

The most watched and most famous race in the world...

Its absolutely incredible... The stories behind so many of the winners are some of the most surreal things you could hear..

Getaway, I was there for the first time last year and loved it, I just hope the weather is good for ya..

Off the top of your head, is there one you can remember?

Tell us.

I really don't know what to say about this...makes Biancone a Saint

http://lateralscience.co.uk/turf/index.html

Red Rum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g6mD...eature=related

Here's the whole race: How a horse could win three times in unbelievable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp4KN3vmBkg&NR=1

Bob Champion and Aldaniti comes to mind immediately..

http://www.grand-national.me.uk/gran...nallegends.php

I have the a very good book at home..

Red Run 1973
 

The Grand National ... one of the reasons I became enamoured of horses as a young girl (due to "National Velvet" - the original book, not the watered-down movie).

I would love to go one day. One of the greatest races in the world.

Yea, watch the 1973 race, that was the first time I saw it. It's just unreal to see what these horses can do.

Miss you tomorrow...guess I'll have to drink one for me and you before the race.

Spyder

that was the classic race where Crisp put up one of the memorable losing grand national performances, jumping for fun with top weight and giving 1 and a half stone to a legend in Red Rum, just going down by less than a length..

Crisp was one of the best 2 milers around and the fact that he ran so well over a trip twice his optimum (4 1/2 miles) is just incredible..

The way the prize money for the race has risen is unreal-quadrupled since 1994. From £200,000 to £800,000.

I find it strange that the only American races on Breeders' Cup day and the Kentucky Derby are worth more money than the National.

It's entirely understandable that our North American friends who have limited association with jump racing may see the race as barbarous, but to those of us who have grown up with National Hunt racing it is simply the ultimate test of man and beast. The fences have been made easier in recent years and, whilst there's always the chance of fatality, as a spectacle and a sporting event it's nigh on unmatchable. The Cheltenham Gold Cup may carry more prestige but the uniqueness of the Grand National make it stand out.
As horse racing fans we all accept the risks taken by both horse and jockey, and there will always be unfortunate accidents, this race justifies those risks based on what it provides in terms of sporting narrative, thrilling action and fevered excitement.
I'm off to Aintree for the next three days and will hope, of course, to see no equine deaths, but will accept that, if there are, they have given their lives to help create sporting drama that gives so much to so many.

Just to add to that; the risks taken by the horses allow them to take a place in the heart of the public in Britain and Ireland far more than their counterparts on the Flat. The likes of Red Rum and Desert Orchid (never ran in the Grand National, but won the Irish version off top weight) are far more recognised/loved than any Flat horse.

http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_...254835,00.html

Form comments....

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle3676744.ece

I remember seeing a pretty good film on a late-night station back in the 80's called "Champions", starring John Hurt as Bob Champion. I'd been waiting forever for it to come out on DVD, to see if it was as good as I remembered. Finally checked on Amazon UK and there it was. :D (Haven't had time to watch it yet.:rolleyes: )

Scott,

I had no idea you were interested in the 'Chases. I've been amazed anytime I've been able to watch the Grand National (it is not frequently broadcast in the U.S.).

Nobody wants to see the horses fall. (I'm usually exhausted after watching the race, because I think I've tried to will each horse over each fence.) I find it truly amazing when some who have fallen get up and continue the race riderless.

Rummy did better than just win it twice in a row. In five years, he won the National twice, ran second twice, then won it again at the age of 12. The greatest National horse ever, he didn't show his best in shorter races with easier fences. Yet he broke his maiden on the flat in April as a 2yo, at the now defunct Aintree flat meet in National week.

Some of those that lose riders just want to gallop along with the herd and cannily run around the fences so they can keep up without the effort. But the ones I love to see are the ones that actually run intelligent races, jump all the fences, and finish in front at the wire. Horses who know what their job is and are willing to do it - gives me a counterargument for those who claim that horses compete only because humans whip them, too.

That is one of the most bizzare articles I have ever read!! That can't be for real.. surely...:(

One of the greatest races in the world. Does anyone know if it can be seen online (free)? Or if any of the ADW sites are showing it?

Youbet has carried it the past few years, but I didn't see it on their schedule.

Racingpost.co.uk will show it for free.

My pick is Simon. :)

I'm inclined to state that this race should be abolished. It is barbaric and cruel. As adults I think we should know better than to support this blood race.

Many thanks.

Great, can't wait!

i like jump racing, but it's hard to find many on t.v. have watched the virginia gold cup a few times on t.v., but it's not in the same league as this.

My thoughts exactly.

The same argument has been made about all horse racing....

But horses have more stability by running on a flat.

The 3 Irish - Slim Pickings Point Barrow and Black Apalachi are for me.. enjoy the race everyone, the most amazing race on the planet....

Same here. Not sure how I feel about it now to be honest.