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The Grand National
Hardback
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- Book Synopsis
- Every year the Grand National produces very different stories from jockeys and horses alike; uplifting scenes from a victor and heartbreak when a mere inch divides the loser from the winner at the end of nearly four-and-a-half miles and 30 challenging fences. The race has evolved over the years but there is one constant: luck, or the lack of it. How fitting, then, that in 1839 the first winner was named Lottery. Back then, huge crowds rode to Aintree by horseback, in carriages, carts or on foot. Hotels were so full that some slept four guests to a bed. Today the Grand National is probably the world's most famous horse race, with a global television audience of some 600 million in 140 countries. Anne Holland's richly informed book focuses on the race's various record-breakers, rather than being a purely chronological history. In this greatest of all steeplechases, many records have stood the test of time. It is still jockey George Stevens from the 19th century who has ridden the most winners - five. In 2019, Tiger Roll's second consecutive victory was the first time that the feat had been achieved since Red Rum in 1973-74, and before that, Reynoldstown in 1935-36. Throughout its vivid history, many people have been opposed to the Grand National, claiming it to be dangerous. During the 21st century the famous fences have been modified, the drop at Becher's Brook reduced, and the landing levelled. All this has led to a laudable reduction in injuries. The Grand National continues to provide men, women and diverse thoroughbred horses with a true test of skill, bravery and perseverance. Anne Holland's authoritative history celebrates one of the world's greatest sporting spectacles.
- About The Author
- Few racing writers are better equipped to pen this portrait of Best Mate than Anne Holland. Having owned, trained and ridden many winners in the amateur ranks, she understands intimately the heartbreaks, the hopes and the thrills found in this heroic sport.Anne Holland is author of numerous books on horseracing including Steeplechasing, A Celebration of 250 Years; Classic Horse Races; Grand National, The Official Celebration of 150 Years; Stride by Stride, The Illustrated Story of Horseracing; and Dawn Run, The Story of a Champion Racehorse and her Remarkable Owner.She lives blissfully in rural Ireland where she hunts as much as possible, enjoys going racing and breeds NH horses. Anne Holland is an established authority on both flat-racing and steeplechasing, and author of many acclaimed and authorised books on the subject.
- Product Details
-
- ISBN
- 9781474611985
- Format
- Hardback
- Publisher
- Weidenfeld & Nicolson, (24 October 2019)
- Number of Pages
- 320
- Weight
- 580 grams
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 236 x 162 x 34 mm
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