The Grand National at Aintree

TheSpyder · #1 03-31-2008, 02:58 PM

I know this is the wrong spot but wanted people to realize what this race is. It is this Saturday and in comprised of 40 horses going over 30 jumps and it is the premere jump race of the year.

It is absolutely unbelieveable to watch. Truely a great race. When I lived in England Red Rum won the race two years in a row. I think it lasts for over 4-5 minutes.

Unreal.

Spyder

ArlJim78 · #2 03-31-2008, 03:08 PM

40 may start the race, but 40 don't finish. there are many "fallers".

Getaway · #3 03-31-2008, 03:10 PM

Goin to the race for the first time. Can't wait to walk the course. I will report on what I see, when I get back.

TheSpyder · #4 03-31-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaway

Goin to the race for the first time. Can't wait to walk the course. I will report on what I see, when I get back.

Very nice.

my miss storm cat · #5 03-31-2008, 03:40 PM

I can't watch it.

I follow some of the horses but I hold my breath and so I just skip it completely and wait for the reports after the fact.

The fallers..... it's just not for me but to anyone going or watching hope you enjoy it.

Here are the 99 left in at the 5 Day stage.....

http://guardian.sportinglife.com/GU_...254835,00.html

Good luck to Hedgehunter, Simon and L'Ami.....

prudery · #6 03-31-2008, 04:09 PM

If the race lasted somewhat over 4-5 minutes, nothing in this country could stay with these horses in a G1---it is closer to 8-10 minutes covering 4 miles or so and hellishly configured jumps and turns ... A fascinating lore behind this event, and it is very impressive ... That is the good news ...
MMSC has very good reasons for not wanting to watch ... A cavalry charge of more horses than we are used to seeing headed for those monstrous obstacles is daunting enough, but it is a rare thing that there are no falls, injuries, or fatalities ....
The first time I watched this race, the favorite--a fine, stout accomplished animal---wiped out at the first fence and received a broken back ...
While we are sadly used to seeing breakdowns, this race seems to court them for obvious reasons ...
It is a thing of beauty to see a good one jump the jumps and stay the course, but it is also a race of what can be viewed as a near demolition derby ...

my miss storm cat · #7 04-04-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Good luck to Hedgehunter, Simon and L'Ami.....

My pick is Simon.

TheSpyder · #8 03-31-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

40 may start the race, but 40 don't finish. there are many "fallers".

True, maybe 6 -13 finish, but your don't hear about many injuries. Some of the jumps are HUGE!

Spyder

Unstable · #9 04-03-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

I know this is the wrong spot but wanted people to realize what this race is. It is this Saturday and in comprised of 40 horses going over 30 jumps and it is the premere jump race of the year.

It is absolutely unbelieveable to watch. Truely a great race. When I lived in England Red Rum won the race two years in a row. I think it lasts for over 4-5 minutes.

Unreal.

Spyder

Scott,

I had no idea you were interested in the 'Chases. I've been amazed anytime I've been able to watch the Grand National (it is not frequently broadcast in the U.S.).

Nobody wants to see the horses fall. (I'm usually exhausted after watching the race, because I think I've tried to will each horse over each fence.) I find it truly amazing when some who have fallen get up and continue the race riderless.

Pedigree Ann · #10 04-04-2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unstable

Scott,

Nobody wants to see the horses fall. (I'm usually exhausted after watching the race, because I think I've tried to will each horse over each fence.) I find it truly amazing when some who have fallen get up and continue the race riderless.

Some of those that lose riders just want to gallop along with the herd and cannily run around the fences so they can keep up without the effort. But the ones I love to see are the ones that actually run intelligent races, jump all the fences, and finish in front at the wire. Horses who know what their job is and are willing to do it - gives me a counterargument for those who claim that horses compete only because humans whip them, too.

Unstable · #11 04-04-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Some of those that lose riders just want to gallop along with the herd and cannily run around the fences so they can keep up without the effort. But the ones I love to see are the ones that actually run intelligent races, jump all the fences, and finish in front at the wire. Horses who know what their job is and are willing to do it - gives me a counterargument for those who claim that horses compete only because humans whip them, too.

My thoughts exactly.

Pedigree Ann · #12 04-05-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Some of those that lose riders just want to gallop along with the herd and cannily run around the fences so they can keep up without the effort. But the ones I love to see are the ones that actually run intelligent races, jump all the fences, and finish in front at the wire. Horses who know what their job is and are willing to do it - gives me a counterargument for those who claim that horses compete only because humans whip them, too.

Saw another one in the first race today, a listed handicap hurdle. Poquelin, one of the fancied runners, dumped top jock Ruby Walsh along with his bridle early on, hugged the rail in mid-pack, made his move on the final turn, and took the lead off the final hurdle, holding the official winner off by a length all the way to the wire. He was even banged into the inner rail at one point, but that didn't bother him at all; he had a race to win!

Cajungator26 · #13 04-05-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Saw another one in the first race today, a listed handicap hurdle. Poquelin, one of the fancied runners, dumped top jock Ruby Walsh along with his bridle early on, hugged the rail in mid-pack, made his move on the final turn, and took the lead off the final hurdle, holding the official winner off by a length all the way to the wire. He was even banged into the inner rail at one point, but that didn't bother him at all; he had a race to win!

LOL

Too bad he dumped his jock!

TheSpyder · #14 04-05-2008, 07:13 AM

Jonathon,

I'm half English and use to go there a lot growing up as well as going to school there after college. I love the jumpers and this race in particular. To be in England today is like a major holiday and this race is the talk of the entire Country..everyone has one picked out. How we get people over on this side of the pond to like racing that much?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unstable

Scott,

I had no idea you were interested in the 'Chases. I've been amazed anytime I've been able to watch the Grand National (it is not frequently broadcast in the U.S.).

Nobody wants to see the horses fall. (I'm usually exhausted after watching the race, because I think I've tried to will each horse over each fence.) I find it truly amazing when some who have fallen get up and continue the race riderless.

Pedigree Ann · #15 04-04-2008, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

IIt is absolutely unbelieveable to watch. Truely a great race. When I lived in England Red Rum won the race two years in a row. I think it lasts for over 4-5 minutes.

Unreal.

Spyder

Rummy did better than just win it twice in a row. In five years, he won the National twice, ran second twice, then won it again at the age of 12. The greatest National horse ever, he didn't show his best in shorter races with easier fences. Yet he broke his maiden on the flat in April as a 2yo, at the now defunct Aintree flat meet in National week.

TheSpyder · #16 04-05-2008, 07:13 AM

Stand corrected...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Rummy did better than just win it twice in a row. In five years, he won the National twice, ran second twice, then won it again at the age of 12. The greatest National horse ever, he didn't show his best in shorter races with easier fences. Yet he broke his maiden on the flat in April as a 2yo, at the now defunct Aintree flat meet in National week.