Grand National 2016: The world’s most famous horse race in numbers
Here are the numbers behind one of the sporting calendar’s most competitive events
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s that time to have your only bet of the year again. Your neighbour thinks he’s got the winner but all you want to do is cheer on the one with the silly name. Yes, the Grand National is here.
This year promises to be a fascinating race with last year’s winner, Many Clouds, in with a great chance. Another win for the Oliver Sherwood trained gelding would see Leighton Aspell make history, becoming the first jockey to win the race three times in a row.
The contest is a dramatic showpiece for horse racing, having 40 horses charge over a distance of four miles, two furlongs and 74 yards with 30 fences in between.
Competitors are rewarded handsomely with the prize fund totalling £1m and there have been a few shock winners of this windfall in the past.
Five different horses have won at 100/1 (largest ever winning odds), the most recent being Mon Mome in 2009.
The contest will always be associated with racing icon Red Rum, who won the race three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments