Your guide to picking horse for the course
THEY used to be essential for any DIY car mechanic, but now a Haynes manual for a different kind of horse-power has been released.
Here, Tom Peacock, author of the Haynes Horse Racing Manual, reveals some fascinating facts and top tips on tomorrow’s big race.
THE PRIZE
The Grand National is the most valuable jump race in the world with £1million up for grabs.
THE COURSE
Aintree, Liverpool, has been the setting since the 1830s.
THE FENCES
The 16 fences are dressed with 150 tonnes of spruce from Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. The horses jump 14 fences twice. The fences used to contain wooden posts but a 2013 safety review saw them replaced with a plastic core to make them more forgiving. Becher’s Brook has the most
fearsome reputation. It is 5ft high with a steeper drop on the landing side. The Chair is the biggest obstacle at 5ft 2in and also the longest to jump, with a 6ft ditch on the take-off side.
RECORD WINNER
Red Rum’s three wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and two seconds will probably never be surpassed.
GREY IS THE COLOUR
Grey horses are always popular with racing fans due to their
unusual colour but few have won. Neptune Collonges in 2012 was only the third since the race began. Baie Des Iles, the mount of Katie Walsh, is hotly tipped this year.
CELEBRITY OWNERS
The Queen is a keen owner. The Queen Mother’s Devon Loch was leading on the final straight before falling in 1956.
GROUND RULES
The wet winter has meant that the ground will be much softer than usual. Many horses will not stay the distance. Find a horse with form on soft or heavy ground.
THE RIDER
Racing is one of the only sports where woman and men compete equally. There has never been a female-ridden winner but this year three are competing.
HORSES FOR COURSES
A previous start on the course in the season is helpful, as advertised by last year’s winner One For Arthur, who finished fifth at Aintree the previous December.
The Haynes Horse Racing Manual is available from haynes. com priced £22.99.