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Grand National

April 14th, 2012 at 06:03 am

Today is Grand National day in the UK.
The Grand National is probably the most famous horse race in the world. It is run over a distance of four and a half miles making is the longest British horse race, over the largest fences, with up to 40 horses which is more than any other horse race in Britain.
The race was first ran in 1839 when it was won by a horse called Lottery. Since that time probably hundreds of horses have been killed, though records do not exist as to the exact amount. There have been many calls for the race to be abolished, but the race still goes on.
Almost half the population of Britain have a bet on the grand national and betting money adds up to over 300 million.
The prize money is worth £975,000. The horse gets a pat on the back and some nice straw.

2 Responses to “Grand National”

  1. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1334418269

    Zowie! I just ran that through a currency converter for my own understanding. That is the equivalent of US $1,545,000! Sorry to hear of so many horses losing their lives. Awful to think of.

  2. Jerry Says:
    1335121473

    Soooo... this leads me to view the race as a bit like a "Hunger Games" for the equine set? Sounds exciting, and at least the winner has some insurance of some extra cash!
    Jerry

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