The Grand National: UK Prepares for Europe’s Highest Value Horse Race

The Grand National is one of those sporting events that captures the imagination of a nation. On the second Saturday in April each year, much of the UK population will be glued to their TV screens to watch around 40 runners and riders battle it out for a share of the £1m prize fund.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the race is that it appeals to people who have no interest in horse racing for the rest of the year. And for many of those, it also marks the only time of the year that they place a wager. Offices and workplaces up and down the country will be organising sweepstakes and betting pools, and newspapers will be full of information about the horses, jockeys and trainers, and offering tips on how to pick a winner in this special race.

But it is not just in the UK that race is held in high regard. In 2017, over 600 million people around the world tuned in to watch the action. The Grand National really is a global sporting phenomenon.

For prestigious betting firms, the Grand National is one of the busiest times of the year, as seasoned racing experts and pin-sticking punters are all gripped by the action, betting slips firmly in hand. It was estimated that more than £300m was wagered on the big race in 2017.

While many will pick a horse based on extensive research and years of equine knowledge, others will make their choice because of a favourite colour, lucky number or some other random connection. Others will look even further into it and bet on the age of the winner with a bookie like William Hill. And all stand a chance of winning in what is a notoriously unpredictable race.

The race itself is run over four miles, two and a half furlongs, making it the longest horse race in Britain. The distance, combined with the huge fences, also makes it one of the toughest. And its location within the city of Liverpool gives it a unique atmosphere, hence the nickname ‘The People’s Race.’

However, it is not all about the Grand National. The showpiece event is part of a three-day festival that brings the whole area to life. Friday is ladies day where - as well as a schedule of top horse racing - fashion is the order of the day. This is a day for best dresses and extravagant hats, whatever the weather.

It is impossible to talk about the Grand National without talking about Red Rum. This famous horse won the race three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and came second in 1975 and 1976. He has since been honoured with a statue at the course. No other horse has come close to conquering the Grand National in the way that the Ginger McCain-trained bay gelding did, and his 1973 victory, when he came from 30 lengths back, is widely-regarded as the greatest horse racing performance of all time. Will we see something as stunning again? We'll have to wait and see.