The Grand National is this Saturday, April 8, 2006. If you live in the USA, check Fox News' horses home page to find out when it will air in your area. There is also an article about the event written by BellaOnline English Culture Editor, Karyn Johnson here.
This breathtaking National Hunt race is 4.5 miles long, with harrowing jumps over fences so notoriously difficult that they even have their own names. Visit Aintree Racecourse’s interesting Grand National page to discover more about the meet.
You can also view BBC’s interactive guide to the Grand National course which gives you an understanding why this famous race is so grueling for horse and rider alike.
This year marks the first time a brother and sister will compete in the race. Nina Carberry will be riding Forest Gunner, and her brother, Paul Carberry, will be aboard Sir OJ.
Irish horses will be making a big show with possibly ten Irish-bred or trained horses entering the steeplechase. The winner of last year’s Grand National, Hedgehunter, was an Irish-trained horse. Hedgehunter will be trying for a second win this year, and is confirmed as an entry in the 40 horse field.
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