The Grand National is one of the most popular and prestigious horse racing events in the world. Every year, avid horse racing fans from around the globe descend on Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England to witness the spectacle. This year’s Grand National is scheduled to take place on April 10th, 2021, and will feature a total of 40 horses competing for the title.
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race that is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund in 2021 of £1 million. The race is over a distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (6.907 km) and is considered to be the ultimate test of a horse’s stamina and jumping ability. The race is famously known for its challenging fences, which include the famous Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and the Chair.
Who Can Enter the Grand National?
The Grand National is open to horses aged six years or older, and there is no upper age limit. All horses must be registered with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and must meet certain eligibility criteria in order to qualify for the race. Horses must also have a rating of at least 120, and must have won a minimum of £20,000 in prize money, or have finished in the first three of a Grade 3 race or higher.
Grand National 2021 Entries
- Total Entries: 40
- Favourite: Burrows Saint
The 2021 Grand National will feature a total of 40 horses, with the favourite being Burrows Saint. The field also includes a number of Grand National veterans, including Tiger Roll, who is returning to the race for the fourth consecutive year. Other notable entries include Minella Times, Cloth Cap, Bristol de Mai and Native River.
Training for the Grand National 2021
The horses that are competing in the Grand National 2021 will have undergone an intensive training regime in the months leading up to the race. This includes gallops, canters and jumps, as well as regular visits to the vet to ensure they are in peak physical condition. Trainers will also focus on ensuring that the horses are mentally prepared for the challenge ahead, as the Grand National is one of the most demanding races in the world.
The Course
The Grand National course at Aintree is a unique track that features a number of difficult obstacles. The course is 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (6.907 km) long, and features 30 fences, including the famous Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and the Chair. The fences are notoriously challenging, as they are made of solid timber and are up to 5ft 6in (1.68m) high.
Grand National Weather Forecast
The weather is always an important factor in the Grand National, as it can have a significant impact on the performance of the horses. The forecast for the 2021 Grand National is dry and sunny, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 17°C. This should ensure that the horses will be able to perform to their best ability.
Prizes and Awards
The winner of the 2021 Grand National will receive a prize fund of £1 million. This is split between the winning horse, its owner and its trainer. There are also a number of awards on offer, including the £50,000 NatWest ‘Racing to Aintree’ Prize for the horse that accumulates the most points in the lead up to the race.
Grand National 2021 Betting
Betting on the Grand National is a popular pastime, and the race typically generates millions of pounds in bets. The favourite for the 2021 Grand National is Burrows Saint, who is currently the 3/1 favourite. Other horses towards the top of the betting include Tiger Roll, Minella Times, Cloth Cap and Bristol de Mai.
Conclusion
The 2021 Grand National will feature a total of 40 horses, with the favourite being Burrows Saint. The horses have undergone an intensive training regime in the months leading up to the race, and the forecast for the day is dry and sunny. The race is expected to generate millions of pounds in bets, and the winner will receive a prize fund of £1 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Grand National?: The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race that is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is the most valuable jump race in Europe.
- How many horses are in the Grand National 2021?: The 2021 Grand National will feature a total of 40 horses.
- Who is the favourite for the 2021 Grand National?: The favourite for the 2021 Grand National is Burrows Saint, who is currently the 3/1 favourite.
- What is the prize fund for the 2021 Grand National?: The winner of the 2021 Grand National will receive a prize fund of £1 million.