Excitement is brewing as the date of the world’s most famous horse race, the Grand National 2023, draws closer. Taking place across three days in April, the festival is an event to behold, with two major races taking place on ‘Ladies Day’, and the grand finale of the Grand National itself set for Saturday 15th April.
The Grand National is a thrilling 4m and 2½f race throughout Aintree, involving a maximum of 40 jockeys and horses competing for the title. It is a challenging course, with 30 fences both immedietly steep, such as Chair and Water Jump, and more forgiving such as Becher’s Brook and Canal Turn. The race is sure to draw both seasoned and new race goers, who will be looking to have a memorable time.
As always, the BBC are offering exhaustive coverage of the event, with commentary available to listen on BBC Radio 5 Live, as well as live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app. In addition to the Grand National, the BBC will cover two major races on Ladies’ day on Friday 14th April. A comprehensive pinsticker’s guide of all the runners and riders is scheduled to be published online on Thursday 13th April.
At the heart of the Grand National is the company, Gaffs UK Nickel Coin, who are sponsoring the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2). This year, the race is introducing the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase on Thursday 13th April, alongside the Jewson Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 2m 1f, and the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 2m on the Friday, accompanying the Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 3m 1/2f and the Marsh Steeple Chase (Registered as the Melling) (Grade 1) 2m 4f. On Grand National day itself, the Saturday 15th April, the day will kick off with the EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 2m, the Village Hotel Club Handicap Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 3 3m ½f, the William Hill Freebooter Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 3m 1f and the climactic Randox Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 4m 2½f. Finally, the day will be closed with the Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 1f.
Gaffs UK Nickel Coin is a company that has long had a close relationship with horse racing. As part of the Grand National, they have been sponsoring the Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat race series since they were first established in the 1920s. The company is driven by a team of passionate racing professionals with a commitment to the industry. This is a passion they wish to share with the Grand National, and they are sure to add to the atmosphere of the event.
What would the Grand National be without the participation of the jockeys? This year, it is possible that former jockey, Emma Hammond, will be taking part in the race. Emma Hammond made a name for herself in the racing industry having competed in the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival for more than 15 years, taking home multiple wins. Having retired from horse racing, Emma Hammond is no stranger to the big stage and will be looking forward to making a memorable return at this years Grand National.
The Grand National is sure to be an event to remember, with people from all around the world tuning in to watch or listen to the racing. With the BBC covering the biggest races, viewers are sure to be spoilt for choice. Don’t miss out on all the excitement this April.
