Your Guide to the Grand National 2015

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Grand National Trivia

This historic handicap steeplechase is run over 4 mile 4 furlong at Aintree and sponsored by Crabbie's. It was first run in 1839. The Grand National is televised in 140 countries and viewed by an audience of 600 million. Horses jump 30 fences including Bechers' Brook, Foinavon, the Canal Turn &  The Chair over two grueling circuits. 

It is considered the ultimate test of horse & jockey. 

Did you know...

The Grand National is the most valuable National Hunt race in Britain. The prize money fund is guaranteed at £1,000,000. Take a look at the Grand National Runners 2015. 

Noted races include...

Tipperary Tim who won in 1928. Amazingly 41 of the 42 runners fell. William Dutton landed the odds at 100/1. This race still holds the record as the fewest number of finishers.

Foinavon proved that you sometimes you need a little bit of luck when winning in 1967. This 100/1 was lagging 100 yards behind the pack when a loose horse named Popham Down caused mayhem at the 23rd fence hampering or unseating most of the field. Foinavon had time to steer round the havoc and none of the opposition had time to catch him.

Red Rum is a true legend of this race winning three times in the 1970s. Trained by the late Ginger McCain, he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 & 1977. He finished second in 1975 & 1976. 

Few people will ever forget Bob Champion's win in 1981 aboard Aldantini. Two years before this race, Champion had been given only months to live after being diagnosed with cancer. Aldaniti had recovered from chronic leg problems but the pair went on to beat SpartanMissile by four and half lengths in an emotional victory. Their story was made into a film, Champions, starring John Hurt.

Grand National Records:

Fastest winning time: Mr Frisk (1990) 8 minute 48 seconds
Oldest winning horse: Peter Simple (1853) 15 years 
Youngest winning jockey: Bruce Hobbs (1938) 17 years old
Longest winning odds: 5 horses have won at 100/1
Largest field: (1929) 66 runners
Smallest field: (1883) 10 runners

Who will win this year?

The National always has its story to tell and with A P McCoy [pictured] retiring at the end of the season it comes as no surprise to see Shutthefrontdoor at 7/1. Favourites have often failed miserably in the big race. Trained by Jonjo O'Neill and owned by the legendary gambler J P McManus there's little doubt racing pundits will be heralding this gelding as the big story. 

Other major fancies include Rocky Creek 9/1 who has been in great form and last year's runner-up Balthazar King 10/1. 

If you are looking for a Cheltenham horse heading to Aintree then The Druids Nephew trained by Neil Mullholland could be your bag.   

For many punters last year's easy winner Pineau De Re is a hot tip. Dr Richard Newlands' charge is a similar weight and price at 25/1. Is this another Red Rum in the making? The betting would suggest not but if this gelding makes it two from two wins imagine the scene. At twelve years of age is it possible?  

With 40 runners there is always a chance of a huge priced horse winning. There have been 5 horses win the Grand National at odds of 100/1. The first being Tipping Tim (1928), while Mon Mone hit the target in 2009.  Could we have a 100/1 victory in 2015? One horse who has plenty of stamina is Bob Ford trained by Rebecca Curtis.    

The race which keeps a nation of hearts jumping.
       

Grand National 2015: The Making of a Grand National Winner

4:15 Aintree (Saturday, 11th April). Horse racing fans across the world anticipate the greatest National Hunt Steeplechase: The Crabbie's Grand National 2015. 

Run over 4 miles 3 1/2 furlongs, 30 jumps, two circuits, the ultimate test of equine and jockey. Last year Pineau De Re won for trainer Dr Richard Newland at odds of 25/1, ridden by Leighton Aspell. 

Gallant. Bold. Magnificent.The National is a story to be told...   

Karl ''The National Man'' Wales is our expert who annually plunders the bookmakers' satchels. He says: 

''Although I fully expect Balthazar King & Rocky Creek to run huge races this year, in my opinion, they don't feature value at odds of 10/1. However, I'm confident four horses will give you a run for your money.

Across The Bay will give a bold show for the first circuit. At odds of 50/1 he looks a good back to lay bet. Donald McCain's eleven year old ran a cracking race last year before being carried wide by a loose horse which ruined his chance. He will travel with zeal.

One horse stands out:

Night In Milan. This gelding has the making of a Grand National winner! Now a nine year old, this son of Milan out of an Irish mare [Chione] is trained by Keith Reveley, ridden by his son, James.

''At odds of 33/1 this horse is my NAP. Definitely worth an each-way bet.''

David Pipe's Soll has experience over course and distance - an improving horse. This ten year old gelding has won both starts this year and holds each-way claims at 20/1.

Third and fourth selections - both worthy of small each-way wagers - include Alvardo at 20/1 & Mon Parrain at 50/1.''

The Grand National is steeped in racing history but did you know...

William Lynn founded this race after setting out a course, building a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on 7th February 1829. The Grand National may have been raced for the first time in 1836 although this is a point of contention. Three races had been ignored in the belief they were held at Maghall and not Aintree. However, leading historians, including John Pinfold, have unearthed evidence that these races were actually held at Aintree. If true, the first winner of the Grand National was a horse called The Duke, who won the following year.

Previously the record books detailed that this race was inaugurated in 1839. It was promoted as unique race with much larger fences than conventional courses. This race was won by a horse aptly named Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason.

Biggest odds & fewest finishers:

Five horses have won at odds of 100/1 including Tipping Tim 1928 when 41 of the 42 field fell. Only two riders completed the course. This remains the record for the fewest number of finishers.

Most bizarre loser:

In 1955 Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, jumped in the air and belly-flopped on the turf when looking certain to win.

Luckiest winner:

Foinavon has to be the luckiest winner. In 1967, Popham Down hampered the majority of the field at the 23rd fence [later named Foinavon]. This Irish horse was so far behind that was able to see the trouble ahead and jump the fence to win at odds of 100/1. His owner had so little faith he went to Worcester instead!

Most emotional winner:

In 1981 Bob Champion and Aldaniti touched the heart of a nation. Two years earlier Champion had been diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. His horse had suffered with chronic leg problems and doubtful to make the race. However, after a slow start the pair went on to win by four-and-a-half lengths from Spartan Missile. Their story was made into the film - Champions, starring John Hurt.

Fastest winner:

In 1990 Mr Frisk won in the fastest time - under nine minutes.


Oldest winner:

A horse was called Peter Simple. He was 15 when victorious in 1853. Five horse have won aged five - the last of those in 1909 named Lutteur III. For safety, horses must now be seven years or older to compete.


The greatest:

Red Rum – the only horse to win the Grand National three times, and runner-up on two other races.

Be safe.

Grand National - A Matter of Course

There are many horse racing events which capture the heart and imagination of fans but all come second place to the Grand National. On the 11th April (4:15 Aintree) the world and his wife will cheer their fancy in the greatest steeplechase. Take a look at this years runners and odds for the Grand National. 

Few races have such a history that even the fences which the horses jump tell a story. The Grand National is run over a distance of 4 miles 3 1/2 furlongs. The horses run two circuits and jump 30 fences.  

There are 16 fences all topped with a least 14'' of spruce from the Lake District, which cushions the obstacles. All sixteen fences are jumped on the first circuit. However, on the second circuit the Chair and the Water jump are bypassed leading into the finishing straight. 

A number of fences have been given names such as Becher's Brook, Foinavon & The Canal Turn. 

But how did they get their names?

Fence 1 and 17 (4 ft 6'') Often met at great speed. In 1951 12 horses fell at this fence. In 2011 the drop on the landing side was reduced for safety.

Fence 2 and 18 (4 ft 7'') This fence used to be called The Fan after a mare who refused to jump this obstacle for three races in succession. However this fell out of use when the fences were relocated in 1888.

Fence 3 and 19 - Open Ditch (4 ft 10'', fronted by 6 ft ditch)

Fence 4 and 20 (4 ft 10'') 

Fence 5 and 21 (5 ft) precedes the most famous fence on the course

Fence 6 and 22  - Becher's Brook (5 ft, with landing side 6-10'' lower) 

This fence takes its name from Captain Martin Becher who fell in the first race and took shelter in the small brook on the landing side while the other horses jumped over his head. Becher was quoted as saying: ''The water tastes disgusting without the benefits of whiskey.''

Fence 7 and 23 - Foinavon   (4 ft 6'')

Named in 1984 after 1967 winner Foinavon who won at odds of 100/1 after avoiding a dramatic accident when most of the field fell or refused to jump.

Fence 8 and 24 - Canal Turn (5 ft) 

A 90- degree left turn upon jumping. Amazingly before the First World War many loose horses continued after the jump landing in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. 

Fence 9 and 25  - Valentine's Brook (5 ft with 5 ft 6'' brook)

Named after a horse Valentine in 1840 who was reputed to have jumped the fence hind legs first. 

Fence 10 and 26 (5 ft)

Fence 11 and 27 - Open Ditch (5 ft, with 6 ft ditch on takeoff side) 

Fence 12 and 28 - Ditch (5 ft with 5 ft 6'' ditch on landing side)

Fence 13 and 29 - (4 ft 7'') 

Fence 14 and 30 - (4 ft 6'')

Fence 15 - The Chair (5 ft 2'', preceded by a 6 ft wide ditch)  

The only fence to have claimed a human life. In 1862 Joe Wynne fell and died from his injuries. This accident brought about the ditch being placed before the fence in an attempt to slow the horses down. This fence was originally known as the Monument jump but renamed The Chair in the 1930s. A judge used to sit at this fence to recorded the finishing order of horses but the practice was done with in 1850 although a monument still remains where the chair stood.  

Fence 16 - Water Jump (2 ft 6'')

Originally this was a stone wall in the early years of the race. The water jump was one of the most popular features until television coverage saw the Chair become the major obstacle of interest. 

The run in is one of the longest in the United Kingdom  at 494 yards.
   

Karl ''The National Man'' Wales | Early Grand National Tips 2015

Crabbie's Grand National Chase isn't far away (11th April) and readers will be pleased to hear Karl ''The National Man'' Wales has been narrowing down the field and pinpointing a few ante-post tips which will give value and ''give punters a good run for their money''. Karl has the Midas touch when it comes to this race so you've been warned. 

• Alvardo - Trained by Fergal O'Brien (33/1 most bookmakers)

''This horse finished 4th last year and the right age and weight to run a big race.''

• Soll - Trained by David Pipe (25/1 most bookmakers)

''Huge horse who missed out last year been there before when 7th two years ago.'' 

• Night In Milan - Trained by Keith Reveley (50/1 William Hill/ Coral)

• Katenko - Trained by Venetia Williams (50/1 most bookmakers)

• Rocky Creek - Trained by Paul Nicholls (25/1 William Hill)

• Balthazar King - Trained by Philip Hobbs (20/1 with most bookmakers)

• Across The Bay - Trained by Donald McCain (50/1 BetVictor)

''Was taken out last year when well ahead of the field.''

Ferdy Doesn't Bottle It Over Crabbie's Grand National Campaign

The Crabbie’s Grand National advertising campaign for 2015 has been unveiled. A set of dramatic, powerful images that really capture the spirit and thrill of this great race. 

Being local to Aintree Paul Green's Oaklea Racing Stables were asked if they could supply a horse to partner Katie Walsh for the Ladies Day advert. Green said: ''Lets say, when it came to finding a horse that knew how to pose we knew we had the perfect one. Good looks, style and certainly not camera shy…step up Ferdy!'' 

As we all know Katie Walsh is no stranger to riding racehorses, but I’m sure that even she found riding in a full-length dress a bit hard to negotiate. Ferdy was a perfect gentleman and even with a 3 ft train flapping around his bum he still behaved impeccably…well most of the time!