Definition
The 1949 Grand National was the 103rd renewal of the Grand National steeplechase, a handicap horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It took place on Saturday, 26 March 1949.
Overview
The race is a premier event in the British National Hunt calendar, attracting a large field of horses competing over a distance of approximately 4 miles 514 yards (about 7 km) and negotiating thirty-two formidable fences. The 1949 edition followed the post‑World War II resumption of the race, which had been suspended from 1941 to 1945. Attendance figures for the 1949 meeting were reported in contemporary press to be in the hundreds of thousands, reflecting the event’s status as a major public holiday attraction.
Etymology / Origin
The term “Grand National” originated in the 19th century, referring to the national significance of the steeplechase held at Aintree. The addition of the year “1949” simply designates the specific annual running of the race that occurred in that calendar year.
Characteristics
- Date and Venue: 26 March 1949, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England.
- Course Length: Approximately 4 mi 514 yd (7.2 km).
- Obstacles: Thirty‑two fences, including the famous Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn, and The Chair.
- Field Size: The exact number of starters is recorded in race archives; contemporary reports indicate a field of around 30 horses.
- Conditions: Weather and ground conditions on the day were described as “good to soft,” affecting the pace and difficulty of the race.
- Outcome: The winner, jockey, trainer, and owning connections for the 1949 race are documented in the official Aintree archives; however, precise details are not confirmed in this summary. Accurate information about the winning horse and associated personnel is not confirmed herein.
Related Topics
- Grand National (general) – the overall history, rules, and cultural impact of the race.
- Aintree Racecourse – the permanent venue for the Grand National and other National Hunt events.
- Steeplechase (horse racing) – the discipline of horse racing involving jumping over obstacles.
- Post‑World War II British sport – the revival of major sporting events in the United Kingdom after 1945.
- Notable Grand National winners – a list of horses and jockeys who have achieved victory in the race’s history.
Note: Specific details such as the name of the winning horse, jockey, trainer, and exact number of finishers for the 1949 Grand National are recorded in dedicated race archives. Accurate information is not confirmed in this entry.