The world’s greatest race brings the whole nation together
For many, the happiest memories of our lives are from our childhood years. And whether you are a once-a-year Grand National viewer or an enthusiast of the sport, the gallant horses and jockeys that you first watched gallop to victory or defeat over the fences at Aintree will be forever engraved on your heart; L’Escargot, Crisp, Red Rum, Suny Bay, Spanish Steps or Churchtown Boy. It’s impossible to remember those warriors without a few tears welling up.
The Grand National has a habit of throwing up drama and creating unlikely heroes. The fact that there are 40 runners in the race – the biggest field in any recognised horse race – means that inevitably there will be hard luck stories and unlikely fairy tales. What is more, the “small man” still has a shot at winning what to many is the greatest prize of all.
On the one hand, nobody wants to see mayhem. But on the other, a certain frisson of the unexpected is all part of the attraction of the Grand National.
The world’s greatest race brings people from all walks of life together, be it via office sweepstakes or families gathering in front of their grandparents’ televisions. And in that sense alone, the race is a force for good. The race is also contested by a very diverse crowd; rich and poor; professional and amateur; pessimists and optimists.
The roots and origin of the Grand National should also be remembered. Without amateur racing – point to pointing – and foxhunting this race would never have been created. But like so many country pursuits, the urban majority would have such ways of life outlawed.
So the Grand National is more than just a race. It’s a flag-bearer for rural people whose natural lives are increasingly under pressure.
There was a time when the ferocity of the challenge became unpalatable. But only vegans who rail at leather shoes and woollen clothes could condemn the race these days. The fences have been modified and the drops behind them ironed out.
Although the mere mention of the Chair, Valentine’s, Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn still sends a tingle down the spine, some would say the health and safety brigade have held too much sway. While there are still risks to those taking part, as there are in any sport, the Grand National no longer asks unacceptable questions of its participants.
There are events and places that combine to make Britain great. This iconic, unique race at Aintree, a suburb of Liverpool, is definitely one of those occasions.
Later today there can only be victory for one camp, but the thrill of being part of such an amazing sporting event will live with the vanquished for the rest of their lives. So get together with family, friends or colleagues, have a sweepstake and gather around the TV to enjoy one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar.