National treasure

ONE of the world’s great sporting events, the Grand National, takes place today and thousands of people across the country who have never set foot in a bookies will be clutching their runner, picked at random out of the paper or drawn in the office sweepstake.

The race is a national institution, one of only a handful of sporting fixtures anywhere that can draw massive crowds far beyond the normal fan base.

At 4.15pm, seasoned race fans will sit alongside those who have picked a horse out of a hat – or even had a bet based purely on the name – and both will cheer their steed home with great excitement.

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The gruelling race – over more than four miles and 30 high fences – is expected to draw a television audience of more than half a billion viewers worldwide and is the most valuable National Hunt event in Britain, offering a total prize fund of £950,000.

This year it is expected to be a sell out for the first time in decades, with 73,000 fans packing Aintree Racecourse.

The event has its critics. In recent years, it has been marred by images of excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour.

There are also those who claim it should be banned, due to the danger to the horses and or because it glamorises gambling.

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But the National is not about the seasoned gamblers, who have studiously studied the form of each horse, it is about the outsider coming from no where to streak to victory. It is about the once a year punter winning just because a horse shares the colours as their football team.

Only 11 favourites have won in more than a century – none has done so in six years – and two years ago Mon Mome raced home at odds of 100-1.

When 40 thoroughbreds line up this afternoon, the riders will believe they all have a chance, and whatever the result, millions across the country will celebrate the occasion.

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