UK Aintree Race Course Information

Aintree Race Course Information

Horses running the Grand National have to successfully jump a total of 30 fences. The race comprises two circuits of the course with each of the 16 individual Grand National Fences jumped twice, apart from The Chair and The Water Jump which are only jumped once. Becher's Brook is the 6th fence on the first circuit and the 22nd on the second. It was modified for safety purposes in 1989 due to the large number of horse falling at it and remains one of the most famous race course fences in Horse Racing today.

The first official races were set up by the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn. Mr Lynn leased the land, laid out a course, built a grandstand and staged the first Flat fixture on July 7, 1829. The Aintree Grand National was first run in 1839 and was won by the 5-1 favourite "Lottery". This was also the year in which the infamous Captain Martin Becher fell from his horse "Conrad" into the brook when in the lead, beginning the legend that is Becher's Brook.

In recent years the Aintree racecourse has gone from strength to strength and a large part of the credit can go to Martell who provided much needed sponsorship at an important time. New Sponsors John Smiths Beer shall take over the Grand National sponsorship in 2005 and this ties in nicely with future plans for the course which include a new grandstand, as well as a redeveloped Parade Ring and Winner's Enclosure. Aintree's ambitious £30million plan was completed in time for the 2007 Grand National.

As well as taking advantage of all the Free Grand National Bets that the Bookmakers are offering to new customers, why not run a Grand National Sweepstake at your place of work or down your local pub. Simply download and print out our Free Grand National Sweepstake Kit and everyone involved!

Free Grand National Bets