|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Sports
History Of The Aintree Grand National Race Course
By:Paul Edison
Aintree is the home of the Grand National which is arguably the greatest horse race in the world. No other race comes close to matching the excitement at Aintree Grand National day and the April 5th 2008 race will be no different.
The story of the Aintree race course is also the story of the Grand National. It's inconceivable now to imagine the Grand National being held at any other race course in England but this looked a distinct possibility in the early post war years. In 1965 the Aintree course looked likely to be sold to a property developer and every year the press warned this could be "The Last Grand National".
In 1973 the course was eventually sold to property developer Bill Davies who gave a commitment to keep the race going but his heart never quite seemed in it. Attendance at the 1975 Grand National was the lowest in living memory (admission prices had been tripled by Davies) and the Grand National had reached its lowest point and it looked like the end for the great race.
In 1975 a campaign was started by Ladbrokes Bookmakers to revive the ailing Grand National race. Ladbrokes had a deep love for the National and when they took control of managing it they were determined to keep it going. After 8 years of management by Ladbrokes the future of the Grand National and Aintree seemed secure.
Property developer Davies was unimpressed by the swift chances in fortune and still seemed determined to sell the Aintree course. Finally the general public realised that this may be the last chance for the Grand National to be saved and a huge campaign was launched to rescue the race once and for all. Generous donations from the public allowed the Jockey Club to purchase Aintree from Davies. In 1984 distillers Seagram stepped in to provide the solid foundation on which Aintree's revival has been built. The last Seagram sponsored National was in 1991 when the race was won by a horse which chairman Straker twice had the opportunity to buy; the horse's name was Seagram.
A subsidiary of the Seagram company, Martell Cognac, took over sponsorship in 1992. During this time the National experienced a big boom. In 2004 around 150,000 people were at Aintree to witness the last Martell backed race. Aintree racecourse now enjoys its most successful period ever.
There is much debate among historians regarding the first official Grand National race held and most who have trawled the newspaper libraries and archives of the United Kingdom now prefer the idea that the first was in 1836 and was won by The Duke. This same horse triumphed again in 1837 while Sir William was the winner in 1838.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: aintree, grand national, race, sport, history
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Paul Edison invites you to check out his tips for this years Grand National race at www.grand-national.me.uk
|
|
| Top Sports Articles |
|
|
|
|
- 3). The Parachute History By : john
According to researchers, the first practical parachute was introduced by a French inventor in 1783, Sebastien Lenormand. It was he who demonstrated the parachute principle with a dog at the passenger’s “seat.” However, parachutes had been imagined and sketched by Leonardo Da Vinci while he was living in Milan centuries earlier, around 1480-1483. Also, other inventors have designed parachutes, including the Croatian inventor Faust Vrancic, who constructed a parachute device, based on Da Vinci's sketches.
|
- 4). Never paddle alone! By : Jakob Jelling
An important thing to remember about kayaking is that you should never paddle alone.One of the biggest rules of thumb when it comes to kayakin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Sports Articles |
- 1). Weapon Tips For Quake III By : Kadence Buchanan
FPS games such as Quake III are fast paced games which generate a lot of energy and adrenaline rush. To take the Quake III experience to the next level, being skillful and adept at using the weapons involved, really helps.
|
- 2). Golf Game and Free Tips to Improve Your Game By : Jimmy Cox
Every good golfer has the ability to control his or her shots. Every good golfer learns that it is one thing to swing a golf club, but it is another thing to know what position the club is in while it is being swung.
|
- 3). Preparing For Your First Chess Competition By : Clive Jenkins
Before considering entering a chess competition, it is pivotal to ensure your game is up to scratch. If you find it difficult to beat players in your own club, perhaps you should focus on learning from the experience, rather than setting your sights on victory.
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). Billiard Games: Poker Pocket and Six Ball By : George Wood
Poker Pocket: it combines the skill and talent of billiards with the intrigue and skill of poker. If the total ball number is 15 on the billiards table, then poker pocket is played with one more ball than extra which totals.
|
|
|
- 8). Cycling and Aerodynamic Efficiency By : George Wood
Made of aluminum and dual carbon fiber chain and seat stays, the racing bicycle provides a dynamic posture to the rider trough it is lightweight and raised seat. For swift turning, the front and rear wheels are closely arranged. The racing wheel forms a teardrop with the tire because of its triangular cross-section, built for greater aerodynamic efficiency. To reduce wind resistance...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
