Course and Fences It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to gamble Grand National Course and Fences The Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and jockey. The race comprises two full circuits of a unique 2ï¿½ mile (3,600 metres) course, where challengers will face 30 of the most testing fences in the world of jump racing. It was originally designed as a cross-country steeplechase when it was first officially run in 1839. The runners started at a lane on the edge of the racecourse and raced away from the course out over open countryside towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The gates, hedges and ditches that they met along the way were flagged to provide them with the obstacles to be jumped along the way with posts and rails erected at the two points where the runners jumped a brook. The runners returned towards the racecourse by running along the edge of the canal before re-entering the course at the opposite end. The runners then ran the length of the racecourse before embarking on a second circuit before finishing in front of the stands. The majority of the race therefore took place not on the actual Aintree Racecourse but instead in the adjoining countryside.

That countryside was incorporated into the modern course but commentators still often refer to it as "the country", much to the confusion of millions of once-a-year racing viewers. Nowadays, around 150 tonnes of spruce branches, sourced and transported from forests in the Lake District, are used to dress the Liverpool course's jump fences. Each fence used to be made from a wooden frame and covered with the distinctive green spruce. However, a radical change for the 2013 renewal saw that frame replaced by a softer, more forgiving material known as "plastic birch", for safety reasons. Each of the 16 fences on the course are jumped twice, with the exception of The Chair and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first circuit only. You can take a jockey's eye view of the Grand National course via the video below: Safety Changes Following safety reviews after both the 2011 and 2012 renewals, a number of changes were made to the course with some reductions in fences or the drop after fences, plus the levelling of landing zones.

Since 2013, the start of the race is now 90 yards closer to the first fence, reducing the race to four miles and three-and-a-half furlongs, from four-and-a-half miles, while measures were introduced to stop horses getting caught up in the starting tape. In particular, the start now includes the 'no-go' zone, which is defined by a line on the track, being extended from 15 yards to around 30 yards from the starting tape. The starter's rostrum has been moved to a position between the starting tape and the 'no-go' zone to reduce the potential for horses to go through the starting tape prematurely. The tapes themselves are also more user-friendly, with increased visibility, while there is now a specific briefing between the starters' team and the jockeys on Grand National day. The changes to the start are aimed at slowing the speed the first fence is approached at, while moving the start further away from the crowd reduces noise that can distract the horses. The makeup of all of the fences changed significantly in 2013.

The new fences are still covered in spruce, but wooden posts have been replaced by a softer material known as "plastic birch", and on top of that birch there's a minimum of fourteen to sixteen inches of spruce that the horses can knock off. The outward appearance of the fences remains the same. Other measures included ï¿½100,000 being invested in irrigation to produce the safest jumping ground possible and a new bypass and pen around fence four to catch riderless horses. The Start There is a hazard to overcome even before the race starts - the build up, parade and re-girthing prior to the off lasts for around 25 minutes, over double the time it takes for any other race. With 40 starters, riders naturally want a good sight of the first fence and after the long build-up their nerves are stretched to breaking point, which means the stewards' pre-race warning to go steady is often totally ignored. The Fences 1 & 17: Thorn fence, 4ft 6in high, 2ft 9in wide - The first often claims many victims as horses tend to travel to it far too keenly.

As described above, the drop on the landing side was reduced in 2011. 2 & 18: Almost the same height as the first but much wider at 3ft 6in. Prior to 1888 the first two fences were located approximately halfway between the first to second and second to third jumps. The fence became known as The Fan after a mare refused at the obstacle three years in succession, but it lost that name when the fences were relocated. 3 & 19 Westhead: This is the first big test with a 6ft ditch on the approach guarding a 4ft 10in high fence. 4 & 20: Plain fence, 4ft 10in high and 3ft wide. In 2011, the 20th became the first fence in Grand National history to be bypassed on the second circuit, following an equine fatality on the first. In 2012, it was reduced in height by 2 inches to its current height of 4 foot 10 inches (1.47 metres) after it was shown to be the hardest fence on the course to jump along with Becherï¿½s Brook.

Its landing area was smoothed out ahead of the 2013 race. 5 & 21: Spruce dressed fence, 5ft high and 3ft 6in wide. Its landing side was also levelled in 2013. It was bypassed on the final lap for the first time in 2012 so that medics could treat a jockey who fell from his mount on the first lap and had broken a leg. 6 & 22 Becher's Brook: Although the fence looks innocuous from the take-off side, the steep drop on the landing side, together with a left-hand turn on landing, combine to make this the most thrilling and famous fence in the horse racing world. The fence actually measures well over 6 ft on the landing side, a drop of between 5 and 10in from take off. Horses are not expecting the ground the disappear under them on landing, riders need to sit back in the saddle and use their body weight to act as ballast to keep the horses stable.

As described above, there have been a number of alterations to this fence in recent season to try to make it a fairer and safer test for horse and rider, and the whole field managed to clear the obstacle on the first circuit last year. Becher's Brook earned its name when a top jockey, Captain Martin Becher, took shelter in the brook after being unseated. "Water tastes disgusting without the benefits of whisky" he reflected. 7 & 23 Foinavon Fence: Basically an 'ordinary' fence (4ft 6in high and 3ft wide) that was made famous in 1967 when Fionavon was the only horse to scramble over it at the first time of asking, following a mass pile-up. The jump is the smallest on the course, but coming straight after the biggest drop, it can catch horses and riders out. 8 & 24 Canal Turn: Made of hawthorn stakes covered in Norway spruce, it gets its name from the fact that there is a canal in front of the horses when they land. To avoid it, they must turn a full 90 degrees when they touch down.

The race can be won or lost here, with a diagonal leap to the inside of the jump taking the fence at a scary angle, but reducing the turn on landing. With 30 or more horses often still standing when the field reaches this point on the first circuit, not every rider has the option of taking this daring passage. Before the First World War it was not uncommon for loose horses to continue straight ahead after the jump and end up in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal itself. There was once a ditch before the fence but this was filled in after a mï¿½lï¿½e in the 1928 race. 9 & 25 Valentine's Brook: The third of four famous fences to be jumped in succession, it is 5ft high and 3ft 3in wide with a brook on the landing side thatï¿½s about 5ft 6in wide. The fence was originally known as the Second Brook but was renamed after a horse named Valentine was reputed to have jumped the fence hind legs first in 1840.

A grandstand was erected alongside the fence in the early part of the 20th century but fell into decline after the Second World War and was torn down in the 1970s. 10 & 26: Thorn fence, 5ft high and 3ft wide that leads the runners alongside the canal towards two ditches. 11 & 27 Booth: The main problem with this fence, which is 5ft high and 3ft wide, is the 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side. 12 & 28: Same size as the two previous fences, but with a 5ft 6in ditch on the landing side, which can catch runners out. The runners then cross the Melling Road near to the Anchor Bridge, a popular vantage point since the earliest days of the race. This also marks the point where the runners are said to be re-entering the "racecourse proper". In the early days of the race it was thought there was an obstacle near this point known as the Table Jump, which may have resembled a bank similar to those still seen at Punchestown in Ireland.

In the 1840s the Melling Road was also flanked by hedges and the runners had to jump into the road and then back out of it. 13 & 29: Second-last fence on the final circuit, it is 4ft 7in high and 3ft wide. This is the other obstacle to have had its landing side smoothed out ahead of the 2013 renewal. 14 & 30: Almost the same height as the previous fence and it is rare for any horse to fall at the final fence in the Grand National. 15 The Chair: The final two jumps of the first circuit form the only pair negotiated just once - and they could not be more different. The Chair is both the tallest (5ft 2in) and broadest fence on the course, with a 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side. In addition, the landing side turf is actually raised six inches above the take-off ground. This has the opposite effect on horses and riders to the drop at Becher's, as having stretched to get over the ditch, horses are surprised to find the ground coming up to meet them.

This is spectacular when horses get it right and equally so, for all the wrong reasons, when they donï¿½t. This fence is the site of the only human fatality in the National's history, Joe Wynne who sustained injuries in a fall in 1862. This brought about the ditch on the take-off side of the fence in an effort to slow the horses on approach. The fence was the location where a distance judge sat in the earliest days of the race. On the second circuit he would record the finishing order from his position and declare any horse that had not passed him before the previous runner passed the finishing post as "distanced", meaning a non-finisher. The practise was done away with in the 1850s but the monument where the chair stood is still there. The fence was originally known as the Monument Jump but The Chair came into more regular use in the 1930s. 16 Water Jump: This 2ft 9in fence brings the first circuit to an end and the sight of the runners jumping it at speed presents a terrific spectacle in front of the grandstands. The fence was originally a stone wall in the very early Grand Nationals.

On the final circuit, after the 30th fence the remaining runners bear right, avoiding The Chair and Water Jump, to head onto a "run-in" to the finishing post. The Finish The 474-yard long run in from the final fence to the finish is the longest in the country and has an acute elbow halfway up it that further drains the then almost empty stamina reserves of both horse and jockey. For numerous riders over the years, this elongated run-in has proved mental and physical agony when the winning post seems to be retreating with every weary stride. Don't count your money until the post is reached as with the rest of the Grand National course, the run-in can - and usually does - change fortunes. The likes of Devon Loch, Crisp and Sunnyhillbot have all famously had defeat snatched from the jaws of victory in heat breaking fashion. Course Walking No visit to Aintree would be complete without taking the opportunity to see some of these famous fences close up. The whole course can actually be walked on the morning of the race (subject to ground conditions and security requirements). Walkers should leave an hour to do a circuit, which must be completed one hour prior to the first race.

Maps, guiding racegoers to the start point, are located around the racecourse. The famous Becher's Brook with its steep drop on landing - a daunting obstacle © Where To Bet Ltd 2004-16 (contact us: wheretobet@hotmail.com) When is Grand National 2014 - a guide? - Telegraph Grand National When is Grand National 2014 - a guide? The 175th edition of the Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday, 5 April 2014. Read a guide to this year's event, the horses to back and what's new for 2014 On the charge: Jockeys and their horses take on The Chair at last year's Grand National 10:30AM BST 01 Apr 2014 Big bucks on offer at Aintree It may celebrate the 175th year since the race was first staged but a significant new chapter will be added to Aintree’s long and illustrious history next week when, with the backing of new and Liverpool local sponsor Crabbies, the first £1m Grand National is run on Saturday April 5.

What's new for 2014? Aintree’s groundsmen have been putting the final touches to the Grand National’s famous obstacles, laying the distinctive green, freshly cut spruce over the fences’ new ‘plastic birch’ cores. Becher’s Brook, named after Capt Becher who ended up getting a ducking there in the first national in 1939, Foinavon’s Fence, commemorating the famous pile up in 1969, the Canal Turn and Valentine’s will all be jumped twice during the four-and-a-half mile marathon. The Chair, the biggest fence on the course, will be jumped just once. How many horses will compete? This year 73 horses remain entered for the race though only the top 40 will make the cut. The top weight will be Tidal Bay, a talented character trained by Paul Nicholls. However statistics are against him. A 13-year-old has not won since Sergeant Murphy in 1923 while the last top weight to win it was the incomparable Red Rum in 1974 when he recorded the second of his three wins. Who should I back?

Former Gold Cup winner Long Run is fancied to become the first horse to add a Grand National to his Gold Cup since L’Escargot in 1975. Jumping has never been his strong point but with the National being run over softer, new-look ‘kinder’ fences - only two horses actually fell in the race last year - for the second time after the modifications that followed the 2012 race, he has a chance. His best hope though is his amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen who, without actually winning a National, has a remarkable record over the Aintree fences. Related Articles Grand National 2015 winner and full results: Many Clouds triumphs at Aintree - Telegraph Grand National Grand National 2015 winner and full results: Many Clouds triumphs at Aintree Details of all the Grand National results, reaction and analysis as Many Clouds wins the big race at Aintree How they finished in the National Many Clouds (25/1) Interactive: Grand National fallers 18.00 Right, that's it from us. Hope you made some money, and enjoyed the race.

All the horses seem to have got round safely and, in Many Clouds and Leighton Aspell, we had a worthy National champion - even if it wasn't the fairytale finish we might have wanted in AP McCoy. We leave you with an image that sums up all we love about the National: a grim-faced jockey and a can of alcoholic ginger beer. Thanks! Here's Alan Tyers's review of the Channel 4 TV coverage 17.44 The latest on Balthazar King is that he is being taken to the vets after being diagnosed with broken ribs. Balthazar King has been transported to a Veterinary Hospital. It's believed that he may have broken ribs. Fingers crossed he will be ok. — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 11, 2015 17.37 Here's some more on Shutthefrontdoor, from trainer Jonjo O'Neill: "He ran a blinder. He did everything right, he was following the right horses but unfortunately he wasn't good enough on the day and maybe he didn't get the trip.

"It's good news, at least I've got AP (McCoy) for a couple more weeks (before retirement)." 17.32 We have a confirmed list of where each horse finished. RESULT Pulled Up 19) Court By Surprise Pulled Up 25) Across The Bay Pulled Up 25) Super Duty Pulled Up 25) Lord Windermere Fell 26) The Rainbow Hunter Fell 26) The Druids Nephew Pulled Up 27) Rebel Rebellion Fell 28) Portrait King Pulled Up 29) Wyck Hill Pulled Up 29) Bob Ford 17.25 The always-cheery Leighton Aspell cracks one his trademark grins on winning his second Grand National in as many years. You wonder what he would look like if he failed to finish. 17.20 Here's some reaction from AP McCoy on coming close to a fairytale National swansong on Shutthefrontday, which was in contention until the final fence. He eventually came fifth. "I thought from the third last fence I was running on empty," he tells Channel 4. "I will miss riding horses and races like that.

I thought for a long way he could win. It was my last National but was a very enjoyable one." 17.17 A good day for Zara, wife of Mike Tindall - the owner of Monbeg Dude. He came third today. 17.15 More on Balthazar King, who was a faller in the National. He is up but still being assessed on the course. 17.06 More from Tom Peacock. The last jockey to complete such a feat as Aspell was Brian Fletcher, who rode the great Red Rum to his first two triumphs in 1973 and 1974. There was a typically fast early pace set by Bob Ford and later Soll, with the likes of The Rainbow Hunter also showing up early on. The most significant piece of drama came when last year’s runner-up Balthazar King took a nasty fall at the Canal Turn first time around, and the field had to bypass the same fence on the final circuit with the screens up. The gelding was later reported to have been unhurt. McCoy’s mount went off the 6-1 favourite and the champion was an ominous presence as he sat just in behind the leaders.

Many Clouds has shown top-quality form and won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November. He was considered a live chance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup as well, but was sixth in his only defeat of the season. Hemmings, a giant of the business world who has been involved in Pontins, racecourse groups and even owned Blackpool Tower, has long had a love of the National and it was his request that Many Clouds should run. It was his third victory in the race. Many Clouds could easily be spotted with his white noseband but needed to give everything to thwart Saint Are, who was always in front rank. McCoy began to send out distress signals with three fences to jump and it was Mongbeg Dude, part-owned by Zara Phillips’ husband Mike Tindall, who grabbed third ahead of Alvarado, also fourth last year. Aspell said: "It was wonderful and we will certainly celebrate tonight. I asked some big questions, but he dug deep. "We really refreshed and recharged his battery, and I tried to conserve energy. He is all heart - all season he has had hard races. "Win lose or draw, that's the best ride I have had in the National.

I just hoped his battery life lasted out and it did. " Go on Ruby! Wave that flag! #GN2015 pic.twitter.com/4FaoXuzSfo — Andy Powell (@Zipster_UK) April 11, 2015 16.58 Winning owner Jennings here: "When a third comes along, that is something special. It is a wonderful, wonderful feeling. For years and years this race has captured my heart. What a wonderful feeling, you can't express it.Thank you Oliver Sherwood, thank you Leighton and all the staff, and, of course, Aintree. 16.57 Here are the full results from the Grand National at Aintree . 16.50 A lot of horses jumped that well. 29 were still on their feet coming to the second circuit. 16.48 Here is the winning jockey Leighton Aspell on Radio Five Live: That was awesome. Many Clouds is a tired boy, he gave his all like he always does but what a wonderful ride round. It was all guts. We went around the canal turn and AP McCoy was full of running but he pricked his ears and was in front.

I could hear a couple of horses but I couldn't see anything and I was hoping for a couple to push us on because it is a lonely place. 16.46 From PA: What a result for Leighton Aspell as he wins the National for the second year running, this time on Many Clouds for Oliver Sherwood. He's the first to achieve that feat since Brian Fletcher on Red Rum. And it's a third National for owner Trevor Hemmings after Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs.

16.44 Full result here as Many Clouds wins the Grand National 1 Many Clouds (L P Aspell) 25-1 2 Saint Are (P J Brennan) 25-1 3 Monbeg Dude (L Treadwell) 40-1 4 Alvarado (Paul Moloney) 20-1 39 ran Also: 6-1 Fav Shutthefrontdoor Non Runner: 14 Tote: win £32.90 places £8.10 £8.40 £11.20 £5.50 Tote Exacta: £1366.90 CSF: £584.72 Tricast: £21526.42 Tote Trifecta: £48,436.10 16.42 All 39 horses that ran are in one piece, we hear. 16.39 Many Clouds seems to be doing okay. In other good news, Balthazar King, a faller at the Canal Turn, is also reportedly okay.

16.38 They've got the winner in a tent and they're hosing him down with water to try and chill him out. Ah, memories of a free festival. 16.35 Here is Tom Peacock with his live report. Leighton Aspell completed remarkable back-to-back victories in the Crabbie’s Grand National as 25-1 chance Many Clouds struck at Aintree. The 38-year-old, who once retired from the saddle, struck a year ago aboard Pineau De Re and was always travelling smoothly aboard the classy Oliver Sherwood-trained gelding, who is owned by Trevor Hemmings. Many Clouds held off Saint Are by a length and three-quarters, while Tony McCoy had a great ride in his final National on Shutthefrontdoor but could only manage fifth. 16.33 Looks like hot work for Many Clouds, they're pouring water over him like he's on fire. Channel 4 commentators hastily assuring viewers that this is all normal. They won't bring the horse into the winners' enclosure yet "becuase it's a confined space". The horse looks puffed out. Many Clouds wins the Grand National Al Co among the fallers at the first.

Rubi Light, Ely Brown and River Choice also down. Reble Rebellion leads. Caught By Surprise is up there. Balthzar King falls at the 8th.AP going quite well coming up to the 11th. Rocky Creek up behind the leaders. Portrait King in the mix, also Soll. 13th fence now. Many Clouds is in there. Cause of Causes and Tranquil Sea towards the back. Coming up to the chair and everyone is over that. Amzaing atmos as they come in front of the stands to take the water. Lord Windermere and Wyck Hill still going. 29 still standing as they start the second circuit. Caught By Surprise pulled up. First Lt for Nina C looks like he is being pulled up. At the Canal Turn it's the Durids Nephew and Soll. Druids is down at the fourth. AP is in second and going well. Trade King falls. Two fences to go. It's AP and Shutthefrontdoor in second. Many Clouds leads. Saint Are is third. It's Many Clouds, Saint Are into second, Shutthefrontdoor into third. On the run in it's those three but here comes Monbeg Dude.

Coming to the elbow it's Many Clouds, he is tiring, but he has just held on and has won the Grand National 16.18 They are under starter's orders. Bit more circling around. Bob Ford and Spring Heeled looking nervy. They're off! 16.17 All gathering at the tape now. Mick Fitz says that both AP and his mount look very relaxed. 16.14 Thundering down to the start now. Some of the horses being taken to have a look at the first fence. That bit always makes me smile. One of them looks distinctly unsure. Like "you want me to jump what??!!" 16.12 Jocks have mounted up, parading in front of the stand. There is Paul's sister Nina, wouldn't it be fantastic if she could get a win today? 16.11 AP had the choice of two (or more, I guess) horses but he snubbed Cause of Causes. CoC looks very well and is ridden by Paul Carberry. 16.09 Some very sweet children singing the national anthem. The Liverpool Community Childrens' Choir. 16.06 Jocks getting ready for their group photo.

Horses being led around the ring. Bookies and punters flashing the cash frantically. 16.05 And here's what the experts reckon. Marcus Armytage: My first selection is ROCKY CREEK. He was fifth in the race a year ago having led over the last fence. He has been trained for this year’s race by Paul Nicholls and he won his last race, at Kempton, extremely impressively. If betting were logical he should start favourite rather than the AP McCoy ridden Shuthefrontdoor. My second selection is BALTHAZAR KING. A good, experienced jumper he was runner-up in 2014 having come from a hard race at Cheltenham. He did not go to Cheltenham this time so comes into the race much fresher. That could make all the difference. More from Marcus . 16.04 Here are your options. A full run-down of all the horses and a look at their various chances. Lord Windermere - 40/1 Won 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup but has not looked the same horse since; solid jumper and these fences may revitalise him. Visored for the first time.

Many Clouds - 33/1 Won Hennessy Gold Cup in style but below par in Gold Cup last time; jumps well and stays; give in ground would suit. Unioniste - 33/1 Consistent and sound jumper; has good record at the track although tackles these fences for first time. Rocky Creek - 10/1 Great effort when fifth last year; looked back to his best when winning at Kempton last time; acts on any going. First Lieutenant - 16/1 Formerly very smart but has not won since landing 2013 Betfred Bowl over smaller fences here.? Balthazar King - 11/1 Runner-up a year ago and 15th in 2013; jumps well and stays well. Has had lighter campaign this time and should turn in another solid effort. Shutthefrontdoor - 8/1 Winner of Irish National and has been trained all year for this race. Solid credentials. Pineau De Re - 33/1 Won by five lengths a year ago but suspicion is that effort has left a mark for he has shown little sparkle this season.

Ballycasey - 40/1 This trip will test him to limit but has assistance of jockey with great Aintree record. Spring Heeled - 20/1 Consistent and a really capable jumper who has never fallen. Should run well. Rebel Rebellion - 40/1 Usually races over much shorter distances. Took well to the fences in December (over 2m 5f). Dolatulo - 66/1 Finished eighth over these fences despite a few jumping errors in Grand Sefton (2m 5f) and has bit to prove on stamina front. Mon Parrain - 40/1 Capable of decent form and got around both times he tackled these fences; should be concerned in finish. Carlito Brigante non runner Night In Milan - 25/1 Game stayer who rarely runs a bad race; not at his best when ground is very soft. Rubi Light - 80/1 Good jumper who has a 100 per cent survival record but he may struggle on stamina front. The Druids Nephew - 12/1 Won a Cheltenham Festival handicap with authority last time; appears to act on any going.

Cause Of Causes - 14/1 Came into his own when set a stamina test at the Cheltenham Festival, staying on strongly to win over 4m; good jumper. Godsmejudge - 20/1 Won Scottish National in 2013 and was runner-up last year so stamina not an issue. Could be thereabouts. Al Co - 25/1 Won 2014 Scottish Grand National and ran well in prep race over hurdles. Disappointed over these fences in December. Monbeg Dude - 40/1 Finished a creditable seventh last year and although he has not won for a while he retains ability. Corrin Wood - 100/1 Lacks a bit of experience, only having had seven runs over fences, and that may count against him. The Rainbow Hunter - 66/1 Has suffered hard luck stories in the past two Nationals when wiped out by a loose horse. Saint Are - 25/1 Seems to like these fences, having got around on both occasions he has tackled them; looks well treated.

Across The Bay - 50/1 Has completed the course in the past two Nationals, but very much in his own time and hard to see him in the shake-up. Tranquil Sea - 100/1 May not perhaps be the force he once was but has jumped round here twice, albeit over shorter trips and stamina is his biggest issue. Oscar Time - 33/1 Would defy plenty of statistics if winning but no mistaking his liking for the place; has twice been placed in the race. Bob Ford - 100/1 Solid jumper who has never fallen; made a number of mistakes when 10th over 2m 5f here; stays much further. Super Duty - 50/1 Lightly-raced in recent years and will need to show a lot more than on his latest outing. Wyck Hill - 66/1 Has tons of stamina and acts on any ground; got around on only attempt at these fences and could easily play a part. Gas Line Boy - 100/1 Stout stayer and sound jumper; but lacks a bit of pace and that might find him out.

Chance Du Roy - 40/1 Has a grand record over these fences completing the course on five of the six occasions he has attempted them, including when 6th in the 2014 race. Portrait King - 50/1 Had some useful staying form a couple of years ago but has had a few problems since; capable on his day. Owega Star - 50/1 Hard to fancy on recent form and generally races over shorter trips. River Choice - 100/1 Loves the mud and may find many of these rivals have too much speed for him. Court By Surprise - 33/1 Progressive stayer who should have perfect ground; No surprise if he makes presence felt. Alvarado - 22/1 A fine fourth last year and has been trained with the race in mind; looks sure to run well again. Soll - 20/1 On the upgrade and even the Handicapper admits he should have more weight; solid chance. Ely Brown - 100/1 Appears to have lost his way and, with only four chase races behind him, lacks experience.

Royale Knight - 25/1 Stays really well and has already won the Durham and Borders National; may lack a bit of class but is a tough cookie. 16.00 Who is anyone betting on? I've gone for Al Co and Godsmejudge, based on this highly scientific formula . Look for a horse that is not carrying too much weight – under 11 stone This is not a euphemism for saying that a horse is fat. The Grand National is a Handicap, which means that experts examine each horse’s previous performances and rank them, with the horses judged to be the best carrying heavier weights. Because the course is so long, this is especially gruelling near the end of the run (and even more so if the ground is muddy and heavy). Since Corbiere in 1983, only Neptune Collonges, Don’t push It and Hedgehunter carried more than 11 stone to victory.

That rules out: Lord Windermere, Rocky Creek, First Lieutenant, Balthazar King Still in it: Rebel Rebellion, Mon Parrain, Carlito Brigante, Night In Milan, Rubi Light, Godsmejudge, Al Co, Monbeg Dude, The Rainbow Hunter, Saint Are, Across The Bay, Super Duty, Wyck Hill, Gas Line Boy, Chance Du Roy, Portrait King, Court By Surprise, Alvarado, Soll, Ely Brown, Royale Knight. 15.58 Paul Nicholls saddles four in this race, Rocky Creek chief among them. He's also got a lovely grey, Unioniste. 15.55 Here is Jim White. The democracy of the National in action. Zara Phillips attempting to enter the parade ring ahead of the race is stopped at the gate. "You gorra pass love?" asks the security guy. She didn't have one, so he wouldn't let her through. She had to wait for her husband, trailing slightly behind, to catch up her had her pass in his pocket. 15.53 First Lieutenant, the mount of Nina Carberry, is not without his supporters in the market.

15.51 Shutthefrontdoor has drifted from 7/1 to 8/1, perhaps some harder heads taking the place of sentiment. The AP McCoy mount now shares favourite status with Rocky Creek. 15.51 Frankie Dettori and Gok Wan - together at last. 15.50 Cameras inside the weighing room. 15.45 Tom Peacock says: "Duke Of Lucca was actually second reserve for the National itself. I'm sure his owners would have loved him to have made the cut, but he'd have been an outsider there and another win on the big day is not to be sniffed at." 15.35 But now it is time to focus fully on the Grand National. Here's some audio from AP McCoy. listen to ‘AP McCoy previews the 4.15 Grand National Steeple Chase’ on audioBoom 15.33 Cracking win that, a fine ride by Jobson, who fell two or three times yesterday but has a smile on his face after a battling win. Congrats to him and to Hobbs.

15.25 We're off and running in the 3.25pm Betfred Handicap Chase. Vino Griego is leading them around, Your Busy up there as well. Duke of Lucca, who won last year, is in third. Coming to the second last, it's Your Busy and Duke of Lucca, battling hard. Coming up to the last, Duke of Lucca jumps well, Wonderful Charm with a storming late run, heroic effort but Duke of Lucca has just held off Wonderful Charm and Your Busy. Duke of Lucca wins for Richard Johnson, trained by Philip Hobbs 15.22 Here's Tom Peacock. Nicky Henderson has been sharing the rides around his other jockeys this week with Barry Geraghty injured but it's maybe quite significant that Nico De Boinville partnered Whisper. Geraghty was linked as a replacement for Tony McCoy as JP McManus' new retained rider. There's no suggestion that's going to be the case, but De Boinville will continue to get good opportunities. I'm surprised no-one snapped him up for a National horse.

15.20 Here is a full run-down of all the horses and a look at their various chances. Lord Windermere - 40/1 Won 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup but has not looked the same horse since; solid jumper and these fences may revitalise him. Visored for the first time. Many Clouds - 33/1 Won Hennessy Gold Cup in style but below par in Gold Cup last time; jumps well and stays; give in ground would suit. Unioniste - 33/1 Consistent and sound jumper; has good record at the track although tackles these fences for first time. Rocky Creek - 10/1 Great effort when fifth last year; looked back to his best when winning at Kempton last time; acts on any going. First Lieutenant - 16/1 Appears to have lost his way and, with only four chase races behind him, lacks experience. Royale Knight - 25/1 Stays really well and has already won the Durham and Borders National; may lack a bit of class but is a tough cookie. 15.15 Channel 4 having a good game so far.

The Gok Wan fashion segments are not to everyone's taste but I think have their place. Nick Luck doing a fine job as the main presenter with Balding offski to the BBC. &amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Richard Hoiles - Great to see &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@nickluck&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; fronting &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@Channel4Racing&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; coverage this afternoon. Was there for his first presenting shift. A natural from day one.&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 15.10 Here's Balthazar King enjoying a roll in the hay. Literally. 15.05 Just an hour and ten minutes to go until the National. Here is Marcus Armytage to mark your card . 15.02 From PA: Such a brave effort from Cole Harden and Gavin Sheehan, but fantastic to see Whisper record back-to-back wins in the race. The winner was only fifth at Cheltenham, so that's a fair training performance from Nicky Henderson.

Might have been a bit painful for Barry Geraghty, as the injured stable number one saw Gold Cup-winning rider Nico de Boinville do the steering. 14.50 They are off in the 2.50, the stayers' hurdle. Cole Harden leading them five flights out, dear Zarkandar up there as well, but the Sam Twiston-Davies ride hasn't jumped that very well. Whisper is joining them and takes the scond last neck and neck with Cole Harden, Zarkandar hasn't got the goods. Cracking finis, Whisper in the lead but Cole Harden comes back gamely, brave as you like from both of these animals, but Whisper is just staying on the better and he has won, showing a lot of heart.

Whisper wins for Nico de Boinville, Nicky Henderson the trainer 1 Whisper (Nico de Boinville) 5-1 2 Cole Harden (G Sheehan) 2-1 Fav 3 Un Temps Pour Tout (T Scudamore) 15-2 9 ran Also: 5-2 Zarkandar 4th Tote: win £5.70 places £1.90 £1.30 £2.60 Tote Exacta: £18.50 CSF: £15.96 Tricast: £75.94 14.44 And here is a transcript of the interview, which was conducted by Legendary commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan pays tribute to ‘hero’ AP McCoy Ahead of AP McCoy’s final ride in the Crabbie’s Grand National today, legendary commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan has paid tribute to the man he considers a hero.

O’Sullevan, beloved of racing fans as the ‘the Voice of Racing’ said of the 19-time Champion Jockey, “What makes AP very special is his absolute focus, his dedication, his application, his absolutely single-minded approach to the sport. I think it’s his determination to give of his best all of the time that’s made him, as much as his ability, the hero of so many people. It’s a v difficult thing day in day out when you’re facing horrible injuries, very unfavourable weather and everything is conspiring against you. To remain as actively devout almost, but certainly devoted, to success is something that enormous application and he has application in abundance. He’s a very brave man and a very articulate man. He’s an amazing man to put his body through what he has put it through to succeed and not just on the big occasion but on any occasion. He’s a serious hero in his own right.” 14.42 The man Jim White emails to say: "I have just spotted the most ludicrous pair of shoes ever seen at a race course. Will try to get pictorial evidence...." I am assuming he means human shoes not horse shoes.

Slightly concerned that Jim might get himself into trouble if he's trying to surreptitiously take pictures of peoples' feet... 2.35 And here's our man Tom Peacock. JP McManus rugby shirts are yours for 45 quid at one of the stalls. They might just shift a few if Shutthefrontdoor obliges later 2.31 The Telegraph's Jim White checks in from the course with a Rodney Trotter-esque tale of woe. It’s a blustery day at Aintree. Very blustery. Just as the second race concluded, a female race goer was seen tottering off across the Queen Mother enclosure in pursuit not of a flying betting slip, but something rather more personal. “Me hair extension’s blown off,” she shrieked, as she set off on her six inch platforms in pursuit of a blonde ponytail. She caught up with it just by the bookies stands. 2.30 Splendid titfer for this lady. 2.25 Flipping terrifying, I believe is the techincal term.

2.20 listen to ‘Fans pay tribute to AP McCoy’ on audioBoom 2.12 Lots of people have been tweeting their messages of support for AP. They'll be going some to beat this one! 2.05 They're off in the second race of the day, the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase. It's 2 miles over the Mildmay course. God's Own is the favourite but he;s not looking too handy as they come to the third last. Sizing Granite is taking it up, he's over the last, and God's Own finally gets to his work and he tries to run down Sizing Granite but he's left it too late.

Sizing Granite wins for jockey JJ Burke and trainer Henry de Bromhead 1 Sizing Granite (J J Burke) 9-2 2 God's Own (P J Brennan) 15-8 Fav 3 Traffic Fluide (L P Aspell) 7-2 6 ran Also: 9-2 Court Minstrel 4th Tote: win £5.30 places £2.40 £1.70 Tote Exacta: £15.20 CSF: £13.66 2.03 Very sorry to have to tell you that the horse that fell in the first, Seedling, has been put down. 2.02 Tom Peacock says: "There has been a great parade of former National winners which was led by Lord Gyllene, who took the 1997 renewal which was restaged on the Monday after the famous bomb alert. The old boy is now 27 years old, a very good age for a racehorse, and still looking well." 2.00 "Strong breeze around the course," says Marcus Armytage.

1.54 Here is a picture gallery of all the best outfits at Aintree . 1.50 And here is Chanelle talking to Gok at the course. "The fashion stakes are high at Aintree! The Liverpool girls are very glam - so I wanted to look nice." 1.45 Gok Wan and AP's wife! Together at last! They are in the McCoy home, which is lovely. "Have I died and gone to fashion heaven?" asks Gok when he sees Chanelle McCoy's closet. It is the size of a barn. My wife will be well jell if she sees this. 1.39 But sad news of a faller, Seedling. They have put the screens up around him. 1.38 Here's a picture of AP McCoy, taken by the fair hand of none other than Marcus Armytage. 1.37 "Settled like a lamb, jumped like a bunny," says Ruby Walsh of his mount. 1.20 Off in the 1.30, the Novice Hurdle.

With three to jump, there are any number of horses with chances in this, Ballybolley takes the second last in the lead but here's Nichols Canyon and Parlour Games to take it up at the last. It's AP versus Ruby in the opener, and Ruby has just gotot a bit more horse underneath him.... Nichols Canyon is pulling clear. Impressive. Nichols Canyon wins for jockey Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins 1 Nichols Canyon (R Walsh) 3-1 Fav 2 Parlour Games (A P McCoy) 4-1 3 Three Musketeers (Harry Skelton) 7-1 12 ran Also: 10-1 Sub Lieutenant 4th Non Runners: 7,11 Tote: win £3.60 places £1.90 £2.20 £2.10 Tote Exacta: £10.00 CSF: £14.44 Tricast: £78.02 1.20 Here's a reminder of the colours of the runners and riders for today's big race - just ignore Carlito Brigante, who is a non-runner for today's race.

1.00 The Big Man is back. And AP McCoy looks thrilled to have been given some sort of plate-thing ahead of his final National. 12.37 All the big stars are out at Aintree today. Here's Gok Wan! He used to be on the telly!! Just arriving and at the racecourse.. Although quiet, you can feel the buzz! It's gonna be a great day! #GrandNational — Gok Wan (@therealgokwan) April 11, 2015 12.20 Not everyone is a fan of the Grand National. Animal rights' protestors have draped a banner around the horse sculpture on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square... Video of a dramatic protest against the #GrandNational this morning: @AintreeRaces @Channel4Racing — Animal Aid (@AnimalAid) April 11, 2015 12.14 Staff at Aintree are swarming over the course making sure everything is spick and span for the race at 4.15pm. Clearly you will be following this live blog come race time, but here's a guide to how follow events on television as well...

11.55 Still in a flumox over who should get your vote, sorry money? Well how about having a gander over what some so-called celebrities are backing - featuring Jimmy Bullard and er, Made in Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock. Don't let that put you off, it also features Tim Lovejoy - is that better? Don't answer that. 11.20 How will AP McCoy prepare for his final ever National? Well, he'll start with a nice hot bath, arrive at Aintree, take a sauna, get changed, soak up the weighing-room banter and then mentally play out the course a good number of times. Here's Marcus Armytage's preview on the grandest farewell. As McCoy prepares, the depth of the nation’s respect and affection for its greatest jockey – arguably its greatest sportsman – will be expressed in the form of a huge gamble on McCoy and his horse Shutthefrontdoor, which if successful, bookmakers say will cost them around £30 million.

As if the Grand National were not a compelling enough spectacle already for the nine million or so who will watch it on television, this year’s race offers this uniquely durable, brilliant jockey the chance of the most triumphant goodbye imaginable. Usually so unsentimental, McCoy said this week: “I’ve spent all my life dreaming, so I may as well dream for another couple of days that it could happen.” Never before has the National, first run in 1839, been about one man 10.57 There are eight golden rules to follow to pick a winner for the National. The first one is to pick a horse that is older than eight years. Seven-year-olds just don't win the big one, so that rules out the favourite Shutthefrontdoor straight away. Luckily that means there are still a fair few horses to pick from - they are...

Lord Windermere, Rocky Creek, First Lieutenant, Balthazar King, Pineau De Re, Rebel Rebellion, Mon Parrain, Carlito Brigante, Night In Milan, Rubi Light, Godsmejudge, Al Co, Monbeg Dude, The Rainbow Hunter, Saint Are, Across The Bay, Tranquil Sea, Oscar Time, Super Duty, Wyck Hill, Gas Line Boy, Chance Du Roy, Portrait King, River Choice, Court By Surprise, Alvarado, Soll, Ely Brown, Royale Knight. Here are the seven other rules to follow ...including our big reveal - which horse is a dead cert to win today. 10.42 Shutthefrontdoor is the runaway favourite at 8-1, but when it comes to the National anything goes. What about Gas Line Boy, at 100-1 surely he's worth a punt? Or perhaps not. Whether you pick a horse because you like the name, or some other random way of choosing, here's the complete rundown. Lord Windermere - 40/1 Won 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup but has not looked the same horse since; solid jumper and these fences may revitalise him.

Visored for the first time. Many Clouds - 33/1 Won Hennessy Gold Cup in style but below par in Gold Cup last time; jumps well and stays; give in ground would suit. Unioniste - 33/1 Consistent and sound jumper; has good record at the track although tackles these fences for first time. Rocky Creek - 10/1 Great effort when fifth last year; looked back to his best when winning at Kempton last time; acts on any going. First Lieutenant - 16/1 Appears to have lost his way and, with only four chase races behind him, lacks experience. Royale Knight - 25/1 Stays really well and has already won the Durham and Borders National; may lack a bit of class but is a tough cookie. 10.20 So after the glorious sunshine of the last few days the forecast at Aintree is for conditions to be cloudy and cool, with temperatures of around 10C, but no rain. 10.05 Today's National race could be the worst ever for bookies as the nation gets behind champion jockey AP McCoy - according to Ladbrokes.

His horse Shutthefrontdoor is expected to be the best-backed horse in recent Aintree history on a day when bookies predict a staggering £150 million will be bet on the Grand National alone. David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "A win for McCoy is our nightmare scenario. Shutthefrontdoor could easily be the best backed horse we've ever known in the Grand National. We're scared even to think about it. "More often than not Aintree throws up a host of stories but this year there's only one show in town. The entire race revolves around one man and one horse. "We reckon it will cost the industry £30 million if McCoy wins but that could be conservative. "If the nationwide gamble unfolds, the liabilities could go through the roof. The total cost could be disastrous." 09.45 Morning all, there's a busy sporting day ahead of us with seven Premier League matches, a boat race and the third round of the Masters taking place. But wait, there's also the small matter of the Grand National taking place. And if you haven't made your pick for the big race this afternoon, well you're in luck.

This blog will help you make your selection and bring you the best build up and coverage from Aintree. Where to start? Well how about taking a gander at our very own Marcus Armytage's tips for this year's race. He was the last amateur jockey to win the National so should be all knowing. My first selection is ROCKY CREEK. He was fifth in the race a year ago having led over the last fence. He has been trained for this year’s race by Paul Nicholls and he won his last race, at Kempton, extremely impressively. Rocky Creek (right) If betting were logical he should start favourite rather than the AP McCoy ridden Shuthefrontdoor.

Read his full tips here THE JUMP THAT WON A GRAND NATIONAL THE JUMP THAT WON A GRAND NATIONAL April 5, 1965 Shopwalk By Martin Kane After months of stern preparation, a small but significant discovery just before the race ensured the first all-American victory in England's 126-year-old Grand National Steeplechase as the Maryland-bred Jay Trump and his amateur Virginia jockey, Tommy Smith, defeated 46 other starters TWO DARING WAYS TO ATTACK THE MASTERS 30 By Gwilym S. Brown The ruler of Augusta, Arnold Palmer, has prepared for battle by resting, while Jack Nicklaus is trying the casual approach.

The result of their unorthodox plans could be a head-on duel FACES IN THE CROWD 121 THE JUMP THAT WON A GRAND NATIONAL After months of stern preparation, a small but significant discovery just before the race ensured the first all-American victory in England's 126-year-old Grand National Steeplechase as the Maryland-bred Jay Trump and his amateur Virginia jockey, Tommy Smith, defeated 46 other starters Original Layout Only five years ago Jay Trump, the American-bred, -owned and-ridden winner of the 117th and perhaps last Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree, was a rogue, trained as a flat racer rather than a jumper, and considered so dangerous that jockeys were reluctant to accept him as a mount. He never, in fact, amounted to anything as a flat racer, even in such undistinguished company as might be found at Charles Town and Shenandoah Downs, where he was unable to break his maiden. He first showed ability to jump on the day he turned bad actor. An exercise rider, trying to correct a tendency of the horse to drift out, whipped him on the right side of the head and accidentally struck his eye.

Jay Trump thereupon jumped over the inside rail, cutting his right foreleg so severely that 29 stitches were needed to close the wound. His owner, Jay Sensenich, even considered destroying him. This is an article from the April 5, 1965 issue Original Layout For a long time thereafter, Jay Trump was a common danger. Until, that is, Crompton (Tommy) Smith, an amateur jockey from an old Middleburg, Va. foxhunting and steeplechasing family, came along. He had been commissioned to spend a few dollars to buy a likely timber horse for his godmother, Mrs. Mary C. Stephenson of Cincinnati, and he purchased Jay Trump from the discouraged Sensenich for $2,000. There was little to recommend Jay Trump except that the price was right. Today, aside from the fact that he does not like crowds of horses near him and in the Grand National refused to move up to the front before the start because there were 46 other horses bothering his desire for freedom of movement, Jay Trump is as amenable a fellow as one could hope to meet—well-mannered, obedient and eager to oblige.

Smith had gentled him and won his confidence with a long course of fox hunting—so successfully that, together, they won two Maryland Hunt Cups. In 1963 they set the record for the race. In winning the Grand National, at odds ranging from 12 to 1 to 17 to 1—depending on whether and when one bet with bookmakers or the tote—Jay Trump enriched hundreds of Americans who had journeyed from the U.S. to Aintree in full confidence that he would win. Marylanders among them were especially optimistic, so much so that some required police escorts to get them safely away from the track with their winnings. Bookmakers were badly scorched. Turf Accountant William Hill alone reported a record Grand National payout of $1,384,000 on the big bay gelding, highest for the race in his firm's history. And the value of the race to Mrs. Stephenson was $61,714. Next move for Jay Trump is to the Grand Steeplechase de Paris at Auteuil in June.

For all its fame and history, the Grand National is such a difficult race that only a few of the very top steeplechasers are entered. In this year's running, for instance, the best steeplechaser in Britain and, for that matter, the whole world, an Irish-bred horse named Arkle, was not entered. Owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, and trained in Ireland by Tom Dreaper, Arkle has won 19 of his 23 races since he started running under National Hunt Rules in the 1961-62 season. Another celebrated British jumper, Mill House, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1963 and has finished second to Arkle twice in that event, was entered but was weighted so heavily in the handicapping that he was withdrawn. Even so, it is a magnificent challenge to horse and rider, the greatest that exists on the turf. Of Saturday's 47 starters only 14 finished the course. Most of the race was the usual scramble, and at times it was a shambles, with horses falling and running wild and thrown riders cringing away from hooves that thundered all about them.

Jay Trump himself stepped on a fallen rider, who was lucky enough to escape with cracked ribs. Five jockeys were hospitalized, but with relatively minor injuries. The 27-year-old Tommy Smith is a grandson of Harry Worcester Smith, a famed Virginia sportsman who once took his entire household—all his servants, stable staff, carriages and a pack of hounds—to Ireland for a season of fox hunting. Some of that love of the chase gleams in young Smith's eyes. Scars from two automobile accidents are livid on his forehead, and the marks of hunting spills are on his body, but Jay Trump never has fallen with him. Two days before the Grand National, Smith walked the course with Mrs. Stephenson and Trainer Fred Winter, who rode in more than 4,000 races over a period of 17 years. Fourteen of those races were Grand Nationals, of which he won two. Examining the turf, Winter expressed concern that the footing was "a bit deep." Jay Trump is accustomed to firm sod, as in his native America. (It rained intermittently right up to the day of the race, when the course was graced with a strong, drying wind.

That was Jay Trump's first piece of good luck.) After examining such dangerous jumps as Becher's Brook and The Chair, the party came finally to the last fence. Smith climbed onto its top and tested it for hardness. He spread-eagled himself over it and said, "It feels a little softer than the others." That was perhaps the key discovery of the day. It turned out to be another piece of luck for Jay Trump. The Hunt Cup fences are of hard, unyielding timber. The Grand National jumps are of hard, unyielding thorn, covered with deceptively soft-looking spruce, fir or gorse, and in some cases have a foundation of timber. However they may look, no horse can expect to jump low and brush his way through the top cover. And so Jay Trump's experience in Maryland served him well. He learned there to respect fences and clear them cleanly. But when Smith noted the relative softness of the last jump, he made a decision that won him the race. He had prepared in other ways than by walking the course.

There is a belief among horsemen that the best way to train for racing is by racing, and he had been criticized because he had ridden Jay Trump in only five races before the National, winning three of them, and had refused to ride other horses in other races. Instead, he bicycled, weight-lifted and, for interminable hours over a five-month period, studied movies of previous Grand Nationals. He had no wish to risk injury in preparing for a race that represented a life's ambition. On the afternoon before the National, Smith and his wife went appropriately to a Frank Sinatra movie entitled None but the Brave. He was in bed by 7:30 p.m., for he is a prodigious sleeper. Just before saddling time the riders sipped the customary cup, a mixture of champagne and orange juice called a fifty-fifty. The paddock area was jammed with spectators anxious to see the horses and the Queen Mother, who had entered a horse of her own, The Rip. The Rip ran well but finished seventh. The Queen Mother appeared in the walking ring wearing a costume of very light turquoise, studied the circling horses knowingly and repaired to the Royal Box.

Smith said afterward that the race was a "blur" to him, but he remembered some details well. He had a hard time getting into the line, because of Jay Trump's reluctance to mingle with other horses, and when the tape went up he was left two lengths behind. Fred Winter had instructed him to "get inside and stay there," and so he pulled his horse back and moved to the inside position. Mrs. Stephenson's only instruction, which she gives before every race, was to "get around safely." "A horse fell in front of meat the third fence after the Canal Turn," said Smith, "and my horse stepped on the rider. It almost made me sick. I've never been in so much bedlam." In due course it appeared the race would be among Jay Trump, Peace-town and the 7-to-2 favorite, Freddie, the pride of Scotland, though other well-regarded mounts like Rondetto, Kapeno and Vultrix were doing well for a time.

Horses were falling, or refusing, or being pulled up, and when they came to the Canal Turn for the second time (the 4½ mile race is twice around the course) the field had thinned out so that, as Smith said, "I was able to pick my fences and ride a normal race." He began to make his move at The Elbow, as the turn into the stretch is called. Peacetown tired and fell back, giving way to Mr. Jones, who finished third. With but two fences to go, Freddie and Jay Trump were side by side. With only one to go, they were pretty much the same, though Jay Trump gained a trifle on the penultimate jump. Then Smith gambled on the knowledge he had gained in walking the course. He asked Jay Trump for a "very quick fence." A quick fence is one in which a horse flattens out and takes the jump with a low trajectory. Against hard fences like those at Aintree, it can be dangerous. If the horse miscalculates he cannot just brush through the top. He collides with an unyielding wall. Jay Trump responded, forelegs straight out in front of him, hind legs straight out behind him.

He cleared the fence, gaining perhaps three-quarters of a length on Freddie, who took the jump with a normal high bound. And three-quarters of a length was the margin by which Jay Trump won, though not without a desperate struggle in the flat run to the finish. Jay Trump gained even more ground because he was able to recover quickly from his long, low jump, but Freddie had to come back from his almost vertical descent. Once down and running, Freddie—whipped on by Rider Pat McCarron—closed on his rival at an extremely threatening rate. He drove on until his nose was alongside the withers of the American horse. But he could not pass him. Jay Trump crossed the finish line a clear winner of one of the most thrilling Grand Nationals ever raced. The last American-bred horse to win was Battleship, who did it 27 years ago. The last amateur to win was Captain Bobby Petre on Lovely Cottage in 1946. But Tommy Smith was the first American jockey to win on an American horse.

The decision as to whether this is to be the last Grand National, a race that goes back in history to 1839 and has been run every year since except during two world wars, rests with Parliament, the courts and Aintree's owner, Mrs. Mirabel Topham, 74, a former showgirl who once played leggy parts in musical comedy. She is the widow of Arthur Topham, grandson of the man who took over the race in 1849. A few years ago she concluded that it had become unprofitable and decided to sell the track to a real estate development company. Crowds, though their size never is announced officially, had thinned in postwar years, in part because Mrs. Topham sold television rights to the BBC and a punter could see it all in his living room better than at the track and, furthermore, place his bet simply by telephoning his bookmaker. But the Earl of Sefton, one of the race's four stewards, and the man who sold the track to Tophams Ltd., obtained an injunction restraining the firm from selling the land during his lifetime for purposes other than horse racing. Mrs.

Topham is appealing and, if necessary, will take her case to the House of Lords. Meanwhile, others are interested. Crockford's, the leading London gambling club, announced last year that it would make an offer to buy Aintree and keep the Grand National going there if the government would allow it to run a sweepstake on the race. Since then Tim Holland, Crockford's chairman, has been a prime mover behind a parliamentary bill that would let him proceed with his plan. On its second reading it passed the Lords (March 16) by 62 votes to 46. It will have its third reading soon and, if passed, must then go through three readings in Commons. In any case, Mrs. Topham, contemplating the crowds that thronged to the track for the "last" running on Saturday (there may have been better than 100,000 present), allowed that she herself might hold another Grand National Steeplechase next year. Let us hope so, though Aintree is by no means a lovely establishment. It is ugly and graceless.

In the dank restaurant water condensation on the ceiling drips into the champagne of uncomplaining lords and their ladies. "When it isn't raining outside," a waitress explained, "it's raining in here." The stands and fences are painted with cheap stuff that rubs off on clothing. But who is complaining? The race itself is one of the world's great sporting events, with a long and noble tradition behind it. It would be deplorable if—like Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and other shrines—it should end as a victim of the population explosion. Housing developments can be established almost anywhere. The Grand National can be run only at Aintree. TWO PHOTOS Walking the course with Owner Mary Stephenson and Trainer Fred Winter (opposite), Smith finds last jump softer than others. In the race (below) he brushed through it and gained vital ground on favored Scottish horse, Freddie, who went over with a normal high leap. PHOTO Characteristic of the carnage—only 14 of 47 horses finished and five jockeys needed hospital care—was this spill in which Rider Dave Dick and Kapeno went down at famed Becher's Brook.

FOUR PHOTOS Splendidly British on Grand National Day were the lady with her ocelot and her derby-hatted escort, the gentleman with pipe and RAF mustache, and the sport in his bowler and Edwardian handlebars. Even the BBC man who interviewed bareheaded Jockey Smith was a spiffy sight. In this Article

Question: How many jumps are in the Grand National?
Answer: 30