Aintree race track is one of the most well-known racecourses in the world and is situated on the A59 at Ormskirk Road, Aintree (Anglo-Saxon for one tree), in the northern suburbs of Liverpool, just 6 miles from the town centre. The race track occupies 250 acres and has two left-handed chasing circuits. The first, the Mildmay Course is rectangular and created in 1953. It is nearly one and a half miles in length, with sharp corners and chase fences. The English Grand National course isn’t as sharp as the Mildmay course but is much more hard which is why it is known as one of the hardest races in the united kingdom – one which all horse trainers would seek to gain entrance to. The
English Grand National course is far longer than the Mildmay at virtually two and a quarter miles, and is totally flat, with fences that have a decline on the landing side lesser than the take-off side.

William Lynn is the guy responsible for bringing horse racing to the town of Aintree. Lynn was the proprietor of the Waterloo Lodge, and started horse racing on the land which he rented from the Earl of Sefton. The main stand started being built in 1829 and after 5 months the first meeting for Flat races was held. They didn’t start hurdle steeple chase racing until 1836, when the original Liverpool Grand Steeplechase was held at Aintree on February 29th. This contest was recognised by some as being the earliest ever English Grand National and was won by The Duke, ridden by Captain Martin Becher. However, the more acknowledged Liverpool Grand Steeplechase of 1839 is identified as the original, and was won by Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. The battle of 1839 was a four miler, across country, and the rule was that no rider to open a gate or ride through a gateway, or more than 100 yards along any highway, trail or driftway.

The race track was given over to the MOD in 1915, and after the 1940 National it was again used by the military. Racing resumed in 1946 and in 1949 the race track was bought by Messrs Topham Ltd; who had rented the place for roughly a century; from the Earl of Sefton for 275,000. Mirabel Topham, an inventive soul, went on to create the Mildmay course and a automobile circuit which held the European Grand Prix and five English Grand Prix.

Bill Davies bought the race track in 1973 for 3 million and in 1975 Ladbrokes saved the English Grand National, which was in danger of vanishing, by running and administering it for seven years at a yearly payment of 250,000. In 1983 the race track was deemed secure when the Jockey Club bought it.

Aintree is now more suited for use with transportation links very much enhanced. In the beginning it could only be reached by rail, but now it is reached by car, coach or air. There is a six acre enclosed space for landing by copter or the John Lennon airport 20 minutes drive away, meaning guests to Aintree have a better experience.

[flickr]tag:horse pedigree,jockey(,2)[/flickr]Red Rum had a flat racing pedigree, making him more genetically suited to racing short, straight distances. However, Rummy’s true talent came out in steeplechases. His power, speed and jumping ability carried him to his first Grand National title in 1973.

The very next year, Red Rum returned to take his second title. He was the first horse to take consecutive firsts since Reynoldstown in 1935-1936. Red Rum’s spirit and grace had already begun to charm the leagues of Grand National fans.
In the following two years, Red Rum lost out on the title, coming in second both times. When he returned in 1977 to try again, he was largely regarded as past his prime. He was 12 years old and not expected to place highly.

He surprised sporting fans around the world when he came in a remarkable 25 lengths ahead of the nearest horse, taking his third Grand National win. To this day, Red Rum’s third win is known as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history.

Red Rum’s career included many wins other than his Grand National Victories. Most notably, he won the Scottish Grand National just three weeks after his 1973 Grand National win. To date, he is the only horse to have taken first in both races consecutively.

Red Rum was headed for the Grand National once again in 1978 but suffered a hairline fracture in one of his heels shortly before the race. He was retired soon after, but his public life and fame by no means diminished with the end of his career. Red Rum was a national celebrity by this time and traveled all over the country for various engagements. He often led pre-race parades at Aintree and was a popular guest at charity benefits and public events.

When Red Rum died on October 18, 1995, his remains were lovingly buried at the winning post at Aintree Racecourse. Ginger McCain, the trainer who led this remarkable horse to his life of victory, said that the burial place was perfect. He reported that he was comforted by the thought of all future winning horses racing over Red Rum on the way to their own victories.