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.