Aintree Racecourse, founded by William Lynn in 1829, is home to the Grand National Steeplechase. Factually, the first steeplechase event held at the racecourse occurred in 1836, however, many believe the 1839 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase to be the true inception of the Aintree Grand National.
Aintree 1839 - The Steeplechase Course
The steeplechase course of 1839 was four miles over open farmland of grass and deep plough. The starting point was close to the current day Melling Road and, from there, the route headed into the countryside and on to the first set of obstacles, several small banks with deep ditches.
After the banks came a wooden fence of 3 feet 6 inches, set a yard in front of a brook of 8 feet wide, known then as the 'first brook'. The course headed on towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, taking a severe left-hand bend, on which a hedge was situated at the sharpest point.
Traveling along-side the canal, the next obstacle consisted of a bank with a 3 foot timber fence to the rear, concealing a harsh drop into another dammed brook, known then as the 'second brook'. The course then headed back towards the grandstand, presenting a plain fence with a raised landing, known today as 'the chair'.
On the straight, the last obstacle was a stone wall of nearly 5 feet in height, situated in front of the grandstand, close to where the water-jump of today is sited. With the first circuit complete, a second circuit was required, bypassing 'the chair' and the stone wall, but jumping two sheep hurdles before final run in.
The Days Before the Event
In the days leading up to the race, the City's trade flourished. Thousands of people flocked to Liverpool. Consumables, clothes and newspapers were bought and sold in abundance; hotels for miles around were booked up, parties were held in country estates and hostelries slept four guests to one bed. Talk of the imminent contest filled every home, bar and business, creating an electric atmosphere of anticipation.
The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase
Feb. 26, 1839, the day was bright with a chilly wind. Liverpool was buzzing with excitement. Upper-class carriages, ponies, canal boats and the new railway service were used to transport the public to Aintree Racecourse.
The going was heavy and the betting for the day seemed fixed on four horses, Lottery, Daxon, Rust and The Nun. Just after three o'clock, seventeen runners lined up for the start of the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase. Lord Sefton lowered the flag, a great cheer filled the air and, they were off!
Captain Martin Becher riding Conrad and Mr T. Ferguson riding Daxon were quickly away, taking a solid lead over the rest of the field. Daxon led at the first brook, but hit the top of the rail, only just but managing to scramble over it. Conrad made the same mistake but was not so lucky and Captain Becher was flung out of the saddle, landing in the brook beyond. It is this fence that is now known as 'Becher's Brook'.
As Becher scrambled for safety, the rest of the field fast approached. All were over safely, except for Rust and his rider Mr William McDonough, who joined Becher in the brook. Both riders remounted, but Becher was once more to fall, this time at the second brook. Rust was forced to stop by undesirables with interests in financial gain.
At the stone wall, Barkston refused, but jumped it on a second attempt, Charity fell and was remounted, while Lottery, Paulina and The Nun cleared the obstacle to head on for the second time. Lottery and his rider Jem Mason now led the way. Charity fell early in the second circuit, The Nun faded after falling and being remounted, and Daxon and Barkston fell at the second brook. Tragedy struck at the second brook when Dictator crumpled on landing, bursting a blood vessel and dying instantly.
Turning into the straight, Lottery had the race in hand, clearing the last hurdle in fine style to come home the three length winner. Tom Olliver riding Seventy-Four finished second, with Paulina returning in third-place.
Aintree Grand Steeplechase - An Overview
Despite the equine fatality, the 1839 event was a huge success and the future of steeplechasing at Aintree was sealed. Nearly every year since, a grand steeplechase event has taken place at the course. Whether the 1839 running was the start of the Grand National resides in personal preference. But, for nearly 200 years the Aintree Grand Steeplechase has made men and broken hearts, in equal measures; yet, it remains as the most popular annual sporting event of today.
Sources:
- Reg Green, The History of the Grand National, Hodder & Stoughton, 1993.
- Anne Holland, Steeplechasing - A Celebration of 250 Years, Time Warner Books, 2004.
- Bill Mooney & George Ennor, The Complete Encyclopedia of Horse Racing, Carlton Books Ltd, 2007.
Patricia Dodd - Specialising in Equine and Horse Racing subjects, Patricia Dodd brings over 20 years of equine knowledge to her readers.
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