"150,000 guests
attending the events,
and about 600 million
people watching it
on television "

Current Issue | Archive | Home

Contents

• Edge Hill Celebrates Commonwealth Day
• The Grand National
• St George's Day
• Jesse Jackson Scholarship
• Facing your Fears

The Grand National

The Grand National is known internationally as the world's most famous steeplechase and is the centrepiece of a spectacular festival of racing and entertainment. The event take place in Aintree, close to Ormskirk, which allows Edge Hill students to get involved, working at the three day event.

For the locals, the Grand National is a three day celebration. With over 150,000 guests attending the events, and about 600 million people watching it on television, everyone inevitably gets caught up in the excitement. The proceedings begin on a Thursday and carry on until the Saturday evening; during which the women put on their Sunday best, the locals place their bets, and everyone enjoys a bit of fun and horse racing.

The Grand National is an exceptional demonstration of navigation and negotiation between the rider and the horse. Together the two battle high jump fences, steep dropped landings, diagonal leaps, and 90 degree angles. The true test of skill comes with the rider’s ability to stay balanced and horse’s verve to finish the race. These circumstances only further provide evidence that The Grand National is the race that most jockeys, owners, and trainers strive to win.