You don't need too many guesses considering the name is in the title of this post. But even without that helpful reminder, it's a horse race like no other.
The 2018 Grand National Countdown - Saturday 14th April | 5:15pm.
The Grand National was inaugurated in 1839 at Aintree, Liverpool. A race of legendary status. Four and a half miles, thirty fences, obstacles which test the skills and ability of man and horse. A race of hard knocks, dirty noses and mud-spattered faces.
In recent years, the highlight of the National Hunt calendar has seen many changes which respect the welfare of these beautiful thoroughbreds and jockeys who contest this racing spectacular. It is much safer than days of old which saw Red Rum win three times.
Forty brave horses & jockeys await this day. Excited owners, trainers and an apprehensive betting public are hopeful of a win.
Form horse, a favourite backer, or love a horse's colourful racing silks, it is your chance to bet. One thing is guaranteed, one of forty horses will make headline news.
Did you know that 5 horses have won the Grand National at odds of 100/1?
With total prize money over £1000,000, it's no surprise the best horses take part.
''Even the most unlucky punter on earth has a chance of taking the spoils''
This historic race has revealed a truth stranger than fiction.
3 memorable winners:
Red Rum - Trained by Ginger McCain
The Grand National wouldn't be the race it is today without one very special, talented horse.
Red Rum. This bay gelding made his name winning three times in 1973, 1974 & 1977. In addition, he finished runner-up in 1975 & 1976. He also won the Scottish National in 1974.
Bio: Foaled on 3rd May 1965. In 1966 Red Rum was bought for just 400 guineas. Later, he was purchased by Ginger McCain for Noel le Mare for 6000 guineas. Two days later, while trotting on Southport beach, he was found to be lame. His trainer stated the sea water helped improve his well-being, a remedy used with old carthorses. In his career, he never fell in 100 races. Red Rum is the only horse to win the National three times.
A true legend.
Interesting fact: Red Rum won on the Flat and was ridden twice in his career by Lester Piggott.
Tipperary Tim - Trained by Joseph Dodd
One of the luckiest horses to win the Grand National.
Tipperary Tim.
Bio: The 1928 Grand National. Before the race, one of the opposition shouted out to the jockey of Tipperary Tim: ''Billy boy, you'll only win if all the others fall down!'' He must have tempted fate, as 41 of the 42 of the starters fell. Eventually, only two horses completed the course.
Interesting fact: Tipperary Tim is one of 5 horses to have won at odds of 100/1.
Aldaniti - Trained by Josh Gifford
The ultimate story of man and horse.
Bio: Aldaniti a chestnut gelding recovering from a career-threatening injury and his jockey, Bob Champion, battling cancer. Their emotive story illustrated the bravery of man and horse. They won the 1981 Grand National touching the hearts of a nation.
Interesting fact: Their story was made into a film. Champions was released in 1983 starring John Hurt.