Ally Sloper’, ridden by Jack Anthony, wins the Grand National at Aintree, 1915
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Horses jump an open ditch during the Grand National at Aintree in 1912
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Mrs Kershaw leading in ‘Music Hall’, the winner of the Grand National at Aintree, ridden by Bilbie Rees in 1922
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Jockey R Thrale lying on the racecourse after a fall from racehorse Ardoon’s Pride during the Grand National at Aintree in 1929
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Golden Miller, ridden by Gerry Wilson being led in by owner Dorothy Paget after winning the Grand National at Aintree in 1934
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The first wartime Grand National at Aintree had the first telephone system of its kind to relay results in 1940
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Horses jumping Becher’s Brook in the 1936 Grand National held at Aintree in Liverpool
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Grand National winner ‘Caughoo’, ridden by Eddie Dempsey, is led towards the winners’ enclosure after the race at Aintree in 1947
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At the water jump in the Grand National at Aintree in 1954
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Mr Bigg and his wife, owners of the Grand National winner Oxo, lead the horse to the paddock after its victory at Aintree in 1959
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‘Nicolaus Silver’ winning the 1961 Grand National at Aintree ridden by Bobby Beasley
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Grand National winner Well To Do leaves other horses floundering at the Chair jump on the first circuit at Aintree in 1972, later going on to win the race
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Red Rum wins the Grand National race at Aintree in 1977 for the third time with jockey Tommy Stack up
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W. Smith on The Champ jumps a fence during the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1980
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A view from Beechers Brook of the field jumping during the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1983
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Jimmy Frost (centre) on Little Polveir jumps a fence and leads the field during the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1989
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Jockey in red silk shirt (centre ) falls off Ashley House #2 after jumping The Chair during the Grand National in 1984
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Jimmy Frost on Little Polveir leads the field in the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1989
A general view of the field approaching a fence during the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1991
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Party Politics ridden by Carl llewellyn winning the 1992 Martell Grand National at Aintree
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Richard Dunwoody on Minnehoma winning in 1994
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The field races in front of the stands during the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in 1996
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Flowers adorn the grave of Red Rum in 1996 near the finishing post at the Home of the Grand National at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool England. Red Rum won the National three times
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Bookmakers at work before the IRA bomb scare which postponed The Grand National in 1997
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A sign instructs the public on the evacuation procedure in 1997 due to the IRA bomb scare which postponed The Grand National to April 7th at the Aintree
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Crowds file on to the Aintree course due to the IRA bomb scare which postponed The Grand National
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Peter O’sullevan stands proud next to a bust of himself hounering his 50 years in horse racing broadcasting, before the re-scheduled Grand National at Aintree in 1997
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Lord Gyllene (right) ridden by Tony Dobbin in the lead during the re-scheduled Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in 1997. The original race was postponed due to a terrorist threat
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Papillon (13) partnered by Ruby Walsh on his way to victory in the Martell Grand National at Aintree in 2000
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Tom Doyle of Ireland parts company with his mount Esprit de Cotte at the 11th fence during The Martell Grand National at Aintree in 2001
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Jockey Jim Culloty aboard Bindaree (C, Green and White) jumps the chair on his way to winning the Grand National Steeplechase 06 April 2002, at Aintree racecourse
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Monty’s Pass ridden Barry Geraghty (Emerald green, red stars with white sleeves) clears the 17th fence on their way to victory in the The Martell Cognac Grand National held on April 5, 2003 at Aintree
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Amid strict security racegoers arrive for the second day of The Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting held on April 4, 2003 at the Aintree
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Richard Johnson flys off his horse What’s up Boys as horses pile up after falling at Becher’s Brook during the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 3, 2004 in Aintree
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A fence atendant rebuids The Chair fence prior to the running of tomorrow’s John Smiths Grand National due to be run at Aintree on April 7, 2006, in Aintree
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Bobby Power on Silver Birch celebrates after winning the Grand National Steplechase at the Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, north-west England, 14 April 2007
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Runners and riders take the Canal Turn during the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 5,2008 in Liverpoo
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Liam Treadwell (F) riding French horse Mon Mome runs to win during the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, north-west England on April 4, 2009. Rank outsider Mon Mome won the Grand National to become, at 100/1, the joint longest priced winner of the steeplechase along with 1967 winner Foinavon. Mon Mome cruised home to give 23-year-old jockey Liam Treadwell a dream first ride in the race and make trainer Venetia Williams only the second woman to train the winner
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Don’t Push It ridden by A.P McCoy (6) clears the last fence alongside Black Apalachi ridden by Denis O’Regan (4) on their way to victory in The John Smith’s Grand National Steeple Chase at Aintree Racecourse in 2010
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Made In Taipan ridden by Robbie Power clears the last fence during The John Smith’s Melling Steeple Chase during Ladies’ Day at Aintree Racecourse on April 8, 2011 in Liverpool
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Daryl Jacob riding Neptune Collonges (grey horse) on their way to winning The John Smith’s Grand National from Sunnyhillboy and Richie McLernon (R) at Aintree racecourse on April 14, 2012 in Liverpool
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Mumbles Head ridden by Jamie Moore (L) and Roberto Goldback ridden by Barry Geraghty refuse the last fence during the John Smiths Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 6, 2013 in Liverpool,
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Pineau De Re ridden by Leighton Aspell clears the last fence on their way to victory in the Crabbie’s Grand National Steeple Chase at Aintree Racecourse on April 5, 2014 in Liverpool
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Many Clouds ridden by Leighton Aspell wins the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree
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David Mullins riding Rule The World celebrates winning the Crabbie’s Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse on April 9, 2016 in Liverpool
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One For Arthur ridden by Derek Fox (22) clears the Water Jump on their way to victory in the 2017 Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 8, 2017
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Derek Fox celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the 2017 Randox Health Grand National on One For Arthur at Aintree Racecourse on April 8, 2017
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The Last Samuri ridden by David Bass jumps the Canal Turn during the 2018 Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 14, 2018
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Davy Russell celebrates after riding Tiger Roll to victory during the 2018 Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 14, 2018
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he biggest race of the year is due to take place this weekend, with the Grand National taking place at 5.15pm on Saturday April 6.
Since its inception in 1839, the Grand National has been one of Britain’s most watched horse races, with around half a billion people around the world tuning in each year. More than £250 million is expected to be staked on the meet in 2019.
Last year’s winner Tiger Roll is the bookies’ favourite this time around, having also won brilliantly at the recent Cheltenham Festival.
Victory for Tiger Roll would mark a third Grand National win for trainer Gordon Elliot, who first had success in the famous race with Silver Birch back in 2007. The likes of Anibale Fly, Rathvinden, Lake View Lad and Vintage Clouds are also well-fancied.
Unsurprisingly, plenty of places across the capital will be showing the race and your best bet is simply to ring your local and ask. Still, the spots below are special for their ties to the sport, and because you’re all but guaranteed they’ll be packed to the rafters with cheering fans having unbridled fun.
Airing the National has quickly become a tradition for this upmarket spot, which is also Mayfair’s oldest pub. The venue will be showing all the races throughout the day both downstairs in the pub and and upstairs at its cocktail bar, The Running Horse Club (once known as The Whip). The pub will be hosting racing fans throughout the day, with a Grand National set menu available from the kitchen and a great selection of themed cocktails on the bar — try the Running Horse Bloody Mary.
50 Davies Street, W1K 5JE, therunninghorsemayfair.co.uk
This West End institution is well known for two of its most famous patrons, Peter O’Toole and Spectator columnist Jeffrey Bernard, who both often watched races religiously in this well-loved Soho pub. It’s not the biggest place but it’s hard to beat for atmosphere. The race will be on the screen, but don’t worry if you don’t win – the drinks are reasonable and you can lift your spirits with a sing-along at the piano. This beautifully battered but straightforward old boozer also serves a full compliment of vegan and vegetarian options. With the pub’s landlord Alastair Choat looking likely to be gone by June this year, it’s your last chance to drink in the Coach as it currently is.
l29 Greek Street, W1D 5DH, 020 7437 5920, coachsoho.co.uk
This Irish run spot is a proper racing pub: it’s not especially flashy, but just a good, honest place where you’ll find the real enthusiasts sipping on a pint. Food is the comforting kind, champagne is cheap (so if you’ve backed a winner, you needn’t splash out too much) and the staff are welcoming. Even when the racing isn’t on, you’ll find yourself coming back.
26 Sale Place, W2 1PU, 020 7402 4368
A thoroughbred racing pub – its owners run horses, and the place is linked to Channel 4 Racing presenter Emma Spencer – this privately owned pub-brasserie even has its own racing club. It’s bound to get busy, but there’ll still be room at the bar for punters to catch the action. There’ll be plenty of screens and be sure to keep an ear out for tips: plenty of horse-owners and insiders drink here.
70 Sydney Street, SW3 6NJ, sydneyarmschelsea.com
Expect to be pressed up side by side with all the other screaming punters in this cosy Chelsea pub that will be screening the Aintree action on its screens. Go for cask ales (there are always a few on tap), lively atmosphere and good solid pub grub. Get down early for a seat.
6 Camera Place, SW10 0BH, foodandfuel.co.uk
One of the swankiest sports bars in town, this Victoria sporting behemoth boasts 19 screens for watching every jump and two bars for soothing your nerves. The venue is running a sweepstake this year. The first 50 guests can head to the bar’s in-house “bookie” to place a bet on the winning horse having either an odd or an even number. Those who guess correctly will be entitled to a free pint from the bar.
170 Victoria St, Westminster, SW1E 5LB, greenwoodlondon.com
This Dalston craft beer pub will be throwing a huge party for the special sporting occasion. They’ll be screening the race on a large projector, as well as running a £2-to-enter sweepstake. Come dressed to impress as they’ll be offering a bottle of prosecco to the racing fan who comes attired in the best hat. The party continues after the race with a DJ playing hip-hop, soul and rock’n’roll into the wee hours.
99 Dalston Lane, Kingsland, E8 1NH, 3compasses.com
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