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’.

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

2011 AINTREE GOING IS: GOOD, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES

Selective watering overnight means the ground for the 2011 John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday remains good, good to soft in places.

Another dry, hot day is expected in Liverpool with temperatures forecast to hit 21C and Aintree clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch reacted by putting on between 2mm and 4mm to maintain the going on both the National and Mildmay courses.

Described as good by Tulloch on Saturday morning, he said: “We have watered overnight from 2mm up to 4mm on the course. We’ve not quite watered the whole of the Mildmay course and we’ve selectively watered the Grand National course to maintain the going.

JOCKEYS COMMENTS ON THE GROUND:

Robert Thornton said: “It’s lovely ground, on the slow side of good.”

Brian Harding said: “It’s lovely, though on the slow side of good.”

Denis O’Regan, said: “It’s good to soft and very tacky.”

Tom Scudamore  said: “It may be a little dead, though no cause for concern.”

Brian Hughes  said: “It’s on the slow side of good and lovely ground.”

Wayne Kavanagh said: “It’s nice ground, though a little on the slow side.”

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 five Grand National races.

YEAR

GOING

FINISHERS

RUNNERS