The Grand National is different to other horse races. It has a magic and a mystery that few other sporting events can claim. And it has the power to capture the imagination of those who would not normally be interested in horse racing.
A tradition of betting
In years gone by, the Grand National became the one race where many people would place their one and only bet of the year. Those who normally had no interest in gambling would suddenly get excited, pick a horse and place a bet; either at a bookmaker, or just between family and friends. And then there was the office sweepstake – a tradition that is still practised in workplaces across the United Kingdom and Ireland today.
Some picked a horse based on a lucky colour, name or number, while others just closed their eyes and stuck a pin in a list. But, come race time, a large portion of the nation would be sat in their living rooms on sofas and beanbags doing their best jockey impressions as they willed their runners home.
Grand National fever
Today, there are fewer people who have never placed a bet. Online gambling sites have made it easier than ever before to wager via sportsbooks, casino and video slots such as those at Paddy Power games, but the tradition still remains. When April comes around, Grand National fever will sweep across the nation and all the talk will be about what horse you are backing and why.
In the racing world, there are few examples of events that hold the same appeal. Perhaps the closest is the Melbourne Cup in Australia, known as “the race that stops a nation” for the way it captures the national attention.
The 2019 Grand National
Officially known as the Randox Health 2019 Grand National, this year’s edition will be the 172nd running of the Grand National. The three-day festival will commence on April 4, with Ladies’ Day held on the following day, before the action concludes on Saturday, April 6.
The big race will begin at 5:15 pm when a maximum of 40 runners will line up to tackle the four-mile, two-and-a-half furlong course with a prize fund in excess of £1m at stake.
Liverpool’s sporting pedigree
The Grand National festival at Aintree race course is a part of Liverpool’s wider sporting heritage. Sports fans from all over the world are attracted to Merseyside by the famous horse race, but also by the city’s two Premier League football teams. Liverpool FC are one the most successful clubs in Europe with 18 league titles, eight European trophies and 16 domestics cups amongst their impressive haul of silverware, while nine-time league champions Everton also have a track record bettered by only a handful of clubs in England.
The city continues to set the bar for sporting excellence and this year’s Grand National event is set to be one of the biggest and best ever held. But can you pick the winner?