Often called the world's greatest steeplechase, The Grand National is one of the most famous steeplechases in the world. It is a unique test of horsemanship for the rider and also a test of a great significance for a horse.The course is nearly two and a quarter miles in length and has 16 unique fences.
Horses and riders have to contend with drop fences that is to say that the landing side of the fence is lower than the take off side and this means the horse approaching the fence is unaware of this fact until in the air. There are also fences where the landing side is higher than the take off side and this is an extra test of ability for the horses that run in the race.
Halfway through the course is a fence with a 90 degree turn after the jump which is another chance to test a horse and riders ability to stay balanced and at the end of four and a half miles there is a long run in to the finish line which when tired can take a lot of getting.
All this adds up to a true test for horse and jockey and that is why The Grand National is the race that most jockeys owners and trainers want to win.
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