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Aintree attracts global audience
Aintree, Apr 03: The Grand National, the world`s most famous steeplechase, takes place at c on Saturday. Forty horses will compete over the 4m 4f course, which features 30 fences, including the infamous Becher`s Brook and the Chair.
Aintree, Apr 03: The Grand National, the world's most famous steeplechase, takes place at c on Saturday.
Forty horses will compete over the 4m 4f course, which features 30 fences, including the infamous Becher's Brook and the Chair.
The race, first run in 1839, represents the only occasion during the year that much of the population steps foot in a bookmaker's.
It is estimated that more than £115m will be wagered on this year's Grand National with a third of the UK's adult population - up to 15m people - expected to have a flutter.
The contest is Europe's richest steeplechase - worth £348,000 to the winner - will be watched by a worldwide TV audience of about 600m in 84 countries.
There will also be close on 70,000 spectators watching the action at the course, which is situated in Liverpool. Irish-trained horses have won the race three times in the last five years and have been prominent in the ante-post betting market with Davids Lad, Hedgehunter and last year's winner, Monty's Pass.
There has also been a lot of support for the 2002 winner Bindaree.
But his jockey, two-time Grand National winner Carl Llewellyn, is one of three top riders who face Saturday morning fitness tests before they can ride.
The Welshman, along with Mick Fitzgerald and Leighton Aspell, all took heavy falls during racing on Friday. Ruby Walsh, who won the race on Papillion in 2000, will miss his ride on Exit to Wave after breaking his wrist on Friday.
The Grand National is the only notable gap on champion jockey Tony McCoy's CV but that will not dissuade many punters from following him in the race.
He rides Jurancon II, one of seven horses representing champion trainer Martin Pipe.
Legendary Irish punter JP McManus, who is one of the major shareholders in Manchester United, has four runners, including the top weight Le Coudray.
Many punters are bound to latch on to Amberleigh House, who runs for Ginger McCain, trainer of Aintree legend Red Rum. Grey horses are also popular with the once-a-year gamblers - there are three in this year's race - What's Up Boys, Kingsmark and Royal Atalza.
But only two greys have ever won the Grand National, the last back in 1961.
Bureau Report
There will also be close on 70,000 spectators watching the action at the course, which is situated in Liverpool. Irish-trained horses have won the race three times in the last five years and have been prominent in the ante-post betting market with Davids Lad, Hedgehunter and last year's winner, Monty's Pass.
There has also been a lot of support for the 2002 winner Bindaree.
But his jockey, two-time Grand National winner Carl Llewellyn, is one of three top riders who face Saturday morning fitness tests before they can ride.
The Welshman, along with Mick Fitzgerald and Leighton Aspell, all took heavy falls during racing on Friday. Ruby Walsh, who won the race on Papillion in 2000, will miss his ride on Exit to Wave after breaking his wrist on Friday.
The Grand National is the only notable gap on champion jockey Tony McCoy's CV but that will not dissuade many punters from following him in the race.
He rides Jurancon II, one of seven horses representing champion trainer Martin Pipe.
Legendary Irish punter JP McManus, who is one of the major shareholders in Manchester United, has four runners, including the top weight Le Coudray.
Many punters are bound to latch on to Amberleigh House, who runs for Ginger McCain, trainer of Aintree legend Red Rum. Grey horses are also popular with the once-a-year gamblers - there are three in this year's race - What's Up Boys, Kingsmark and Royal Atalza.
But only two greys have ever won the Grand National, the last back in 1961.
Bureau Report