From Wikipedia Encyclopedia

The Course

The course is home to the world-renowned Grand National steeplechase. It is regarded as one of the most difficult of all courses to successfully complete, with 30 steeplechase fences including The Chair, Canal Turn and Becher's Brook; these being so infamous that even the names of these fences strike fear into even the most professional of jockeys.

The Grand National

The Grand National is run over four and a half miles, often on soft ground, which makes the race all the more demanding on stamina and jumping. The race is the most demanding steeplechase in the world. There are usually 40 horses taking part in the race but fewer than 10 may in fact complete the course. In one year, 69 horses started and only one finshed the course. The record for the most victories in the Grand National is held by Red Rum, who won three times in the 1970s.

On March 25, 1950, David "Bobber" Thomas of Melbourne became the first Australian to ride in the race. He rode an Irish horse named Stockman, however Stockman fell and did not recover at the 13th fence. Thomas was not injured.