On Saturday 8th April, at 5.15pm book makers and punters worldwide world will be waiting with baited breath to see who will be this year’s Grand National winner. By early afternoon the pubs will be filling up, work places will have gathered the annual office sweepstake to see which of the forty thorough breads will take the prestigious position. Many horses fall on the four-mile jaunt, and unfortunately some even lose their life on the busiest betting day of the year.
The race began in the 1800’s and over the centuries has endured no shortage of drama. The household name horse Red Rum who made racing history with a triple win in the 70’s, to IRA bomb threats in the 90’s. Fast paced, unpredictable and with the whole world watching there is no other race like the Grand National.
So if you fancy a quick change from betting on the greyhounds, we are here to give you our quick guide of what you need to know this year before you take advantage of some of the great Grand National Free Bets that are on offer.
When is the Grand National?
The world’s most famous horse race sets off at 5.15pm on Saturday 8th of April. The same day sees an immense rugby play off between Saracens and Harlequins as well as the Premier League. Don’t leave your sofa as it is set to be a cracking day for sports.
Where is the Grand National?
The Grand National is held at Aintree race course near Liverpool which has been its home since 1839. This year the race is sponsored by Randox Health, a global health care company.
Where can I watch it?
For the first-time ITV have gained the rights to the race this year. Ed Chamberlain who presented The Cheltenham Festival coverage this year will be the face of the race.
Famous fences
This is one of the smaller fences at Aintree, but it takes its name from the horse who won the Grand National, after a horrific horse pile up here in the 1960’s. This horse was a complete outsider but went on to win the prestigious title.
Becher’s Brook
It isn’t the highest jump, but coming up second and twenty second in the race, watch out for this fence. Where the horses land over the hedge is in fact 10 inches lower than where they jump from. Enough to make even the most experienced jockeys tremble! The fence gets its name from the jockey Captain Becher who infamously hid in the brook to escape injury.
Booth Fence
Keep an eye out for this fence. It has a six foot wide ditch on the side where the horses jump over followed by the five foot high and three foot wide fence.
The Water Jump
The only water jump on the track, this beholds a fantastic sight for race goers united. It only comes in at two foot nine however its location right in front of the grandstands gets the crowds buzzing, as the horses complete their first lap. Historically the fence was in fact stone. Now days the horses just make one jump here, as on the second lap it is bypassed for the straight run to the title.
So, what are you waiting for? Put your fluttering skills to good use and bet on the horses instead of the dogs on April 8th this year!