Grand Knowledge

The Grand National is one of those days where you can shine and enjoy success or wallow in regret after backing the wrong horse. Whatever happens, we can guarantee you’ll impress a small crowd if you pull some of these facts out of your back pocket on Saturday:

Slow Starter, The first Grand National was held in 1839 but the race started two hours late following confusion over weighing-in procedures.

Winner Winner, The fastest ever race time in the history of The Grand National took place in 1990 when Mr Frisk stormed to the finish line with a magnificent time of 8 minutes 47.8 seconds.

Highs and Lows, The biggest number of horses to complete the course was 23 in 1984. The least number of finishers can be dated back to 1928 when 100-1 outsider Tipperary Tim was the first of only two to make the last hurdle.

The Taking Part, Richard Johnson beat the record for the most rides in the Grand National without a win last year when he took part for the 16th time without success.

Put to the Test, The Chair is the tallest fence in the race at a terrifying 5ft 2in.

Race of Numbers, The 1929 National featured the most starters in the race’s rich history when 66 horses lined up. The smallest field was in 1883 when just ten set off.

Girls on Board, Charlotte Brew was the first female jockey to ride in the race when she was on board 200/1 chance Barony Fort in 1977. The best finish by a female jockey was last year when Katie Walsh made third place riding 8/1 Seabass.

Seeing Grey, The last mare to win the race was Nickel Coin in 1951 and only two grey horses have ever won the National – The Lamb in 1868 and Nicolaus Silver in 1961.

Trained and Ready, Vincent O’Brien is the only trainer to have achieved three consecutive wins with Early Mist taking the trophy in 1953, Royal Tan in 1954 and Quare Times completing the roll of honour in 1955.

Golden oldie, The oldest-winning horse is Peter Simple, who was aged 15 when triumphant in 1853.

Winner takes it all, Red Rum is the most successful horse having claimed first place three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Since 1990 a total of 17 winners have attempted a repeat victory and all have failed.