The Grand National takes place today at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool as is customary for the world’s greatest steeplechase.
The race is the highlight of the annual three-day horse-racing meeting, which normally hosts thousands of spectators – though this year’s edition of the event has been held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year’s Grand National was cancelled, also owing to the effects of Covid-19, with a virtual version of the race taking place instead.
Last year’s CGI horses will be replaced by the real thing here, with Bristol De Mai heading a maximum field of 40 but the strongly-fancied Secret Reprieve only a second reserve at this stage. Ante-post favourite Cloth Cap will aim to give Trever Hemmings a record fourth win in the race following the successes of Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds – and his trainer Jonjo O’Neill is chasing his second National, having won with Don’t Push It.
Rachael Blackmore, Tabitha Worsley and Bryony Frost will all seek to become the first female winner of the race, with Blackmore aiming to top an incredible year on Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Times.
Follow live updates from the 2021 Grand National below:
