Grand National Going

The ‘Going’ is the term used to describe the condition of the ground at any racecourse on a race day. The Going (course conditions) are officially described as: ‘Firm’ ‘Good’ ‘Good to Soft’ ‘Good to Firm’ ‘Soft’ or ‘Heavy’.

2012 AINTREE GOING WAS: GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES

In the Aintree Grand National the worst conditions for the horses are ‘Firm’ or ‘Heavy’ going.

HOW THE GOING AFFECTS THE RACE

On the day of the Grand National the ‘Going’ can play a massive part in the outcome of the race. Certain horses prefer different types of ground, firm conditions suit those faster horses in the race and soft or heavy ground suits horses with bags of stamina.

The Going not only affects the speed of the runners but also the jumping. Firm ground can lead to a cavalry charge up to the first fence with the risk of fallers greatly increased. Heavy ground can make the race even more treacherous than normal.

On 28 occasions the National has been run on ‘Heavy’ ground, only an average of 8 horses finished the course! If the going is heavy you are more likely to see a long shot winner than you are on ‘good’ or ‘soft’ ground. Ben Nevis the 40-1 shot won on heavy ground in 1980 and in 2001 Red Marauder romped home at 33-1 on similar going.

Below you can view the going for the last six Grand National races.

YEAR

GOING

FINISHERS

RUNNERS