Grand National Festival Race Card 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The Grand National Festival is held annually in April, and this year it is from April 13 to 15. Aintree Racecourse hosts this National Hunt horse race. The event is a handicap steeplechase over a distance of approximately four miles, 514 yards, with horses jumping 30 obstacles over two circuits.

In 2017, the Grand National Festival was the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a £1 million prize fund. This race’s popularity has increased even among those who do not observe or wager on horse racing throughout the year. The race takes place on a course with significantly larger obstacles than those typically encountered on National Hunt courses. Together with the distance covered by the horses, these obstacles constitute the ultimate test for both horses and riders.

Those who are unable to attend Aintree Racecourse in the United Kingdom can view the live broadcast on terrestrial television for free. Since 1927, the race has also been transmitted in its entirety via radio. This is currently performed by the BBC and Talksport. This event has worldwide followers. An estimated 500 to 600 million individuals in over 140 countries follow the Grand National.

The background of Grand National Festival Race Card

William Lynn, chairman of a syndicate and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel, established the Grand National Festival. He leased some land in Aintree from the second Earl of Sefton, William Molyneux. Lynn designed the course and constructed the grandstand, while Lord Sefton placed the cornerstone on February 7, 1829.

In 1838 and 1839, three significant events occurred that elevated the race from a local contest to a national one. The Great St. Albans Chase, which had conflicted with the steeplechase at Aintree, was not renewed after 1838. This left a significant gap in the pursuing schedule.
In addition, the Manchester to Liverpool railway, which opened in 1830, was connected to a Birmingham to London line in 1839. From many other parts of the country, train travel to Liverpool was made practicable for the first time.

A committee was finally established to improve the organisation of the race. All of these factors combined in 1839 to generate a highly publicised race. It attracted a greater variety of high-quality horses and jockeys, as well as a larger audience on race day and more press coverage.

The Grand National Festival has remained one of the world’s most prestigious jump competitions for horses and riders over the years. Currently, it is the longest race in the UK. Numerous horse enthusiasts and animal rights organisations have argued that the Grand National is too dangerous for the participating animals. Two horses perished while competing in the Grand National Festival in 2011 and 2012. Animal welfare groups such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (R.S.P.C.A.) advocated for a change in the situation.

As a consequence, courses and obstacles have been modified over time to make them safer for horses and jockeys. To assist the horses remain calm at the beginning of the race, the starting line has been moved away from the grandstand. Involved in Grand National research, discussions, and evaluations for the past three decades, the RSPCA has contributed to the improvement of horse racing.

National Make Lunch Count Day 2023: Date, History, Activities

ACTIVITIES FOR THE GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL RACE CARD

Attend the National Grand Festival

If you are in the United Kingdom, travel to Liverpool for live action. Nothing compares to the thrill of attending a race in person.

Learn about the past

The history of the Grand National Festival is quite intriguing. This is the ideal time to review the events that have transpired over the years.

Mount a steed

Riding a horse is one of the best methods to celebrate The Grand National Festival. You will enjoy yourself without the constraint of a race.

5 information about the Grand National Festival

In 1993, some riders failed to detect a false start and continued, resulting in the cancellation of the event.

Dick Saunders was the oldest equestrian to win in 1982, at the age of 48.

Peter Simple, which was 15 years old, was the oldest horse to win the Grand National Festival.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National Festival as the first female equestrian.

In 1938, Bruce Hobbs had just turned 17 three months prior to winning the Grand National Festival.

GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL RACE CARD DATES