Grand National 2008

1:00pm Friday 4th April 2008

GRAND NATIONAL 2OO8
And they are off...
The Grand National is often called the most famous steeplechase in the world.

And it is also one of the highlights of the sporting year.

Every year, millions bet on it for its ability to provide thrilling finishes as well as poignant stories about the horses and riders.

The fences are practically as well known as the horses with Becher's Brook and The Chair almost as famous as Red Rum and Aldaniti.

But the first Grand National was staged on July 7, 1829, and was organised by the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, William Lynn.

He leased land from Lord Sefton, laid out a course and built the grandstand.

In 1949, Lord Sefton sold the course to the Tophams, who appointed ex-Gaiety Girl Mirabel Topham to manage it.

Mirabel built a new track within the established National course and named it after Lord Mildmay, an amateur jockey. It opened in 1953, the same year as the motor circuit did around the track. But Aintree also suffered some hard times too particularly post-war.

However, in 1984, Seagram Distillers stepped in to provide the solid foundation on which Aintree's revival has been built.

The Seagram subsidiary, Martell Cognac, took over sponsorship in 1992. In 2004, the race was to be the very last Martell Cognac Grand National meeting, with Martell's priorities changing.

In 2005, John Smith's, a subsidiary of Scottish and Newcastle brewery, took over the sponsorship of the Grand National. This should last until 2010 and the racecourse is now enjoying its most successful period in modern times.

While many courses rely on subsidies, Aintree is very much commercially minded and on non-racedays, all of Aintree's grandstands host wedding receptions, conferences and exhibitions.

This year's race takes place this Saturday, April 5, at 4.15pm.

Your top tips for 2008
CURRENTLY, there are around 50 horses entered for the Grand National but not all will end up running the race. But some favourites are beginning to emerge at the bookies.

Cloudy Lane 7-1 This horse will be a popular choice for many coming from the McCain stable - famous for training three-times winner Red Rum as well as Amberleigh House.

Only eight-years-old and still plenty of improvement to come.

Comply or Die 13-1 Another coming from the powerful stable of David Pipe and has some good long distance form behind him.

Could well be at the finish.

Slim Pickings 13-1 This is a horse who is also something of an Aintree horse. Ran a cracker when he came third last year and he is sure to put up a good run this year.

Bewleys Berry 15-1 Not a prolific winner but he too has become something of an Aintree horse, which is in his favour.

Simon 15-1 Turning into a fine chaser. He is one of the horses who runs to form every time but he has more weight to carry this year.

Butlers Cabin 17-1 This eight-year-old horse is getting better as he gets older.

He is well supported in the betting and can not be dismissed lightly.

Snowy Morning 17-1 From the strong Irish stable of Willie Mullins. Has a strike rate of about 60 per cent and should not be overlooked.

McKelvey 21--1 This bay gelding was the pick of the bunch at the end of last year's race when he came second to Silver Birch.

Editors Choice