The Grand National is the showpiece event of the three day meeting at Aintree this week, with the prize for the racing calendar's most renowned steeplechase highly coveted among all involved with racing.
It is also one of the biggest days for betting all year, with many allocating one day a year to 'have a flutter' on the most recognisable horse race in Britain with its huge Norway spruce fences being negotiated by some of the most impressive horses in the world.
The appeal is such that up to 70,000 will gather on Merseyside for Grand National Day, which also sees six other races taking place around the famous course. These begin with the Mildmay Novices' Chase at 13:45, followed by the Village Hotels Handicap Hurdle at 14:25.
