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  • The Grand National

  • A Celebration of the World's Most Famous Horse Race
  • By: Anne Holland
  • Narrated by: David Thorpe
  • Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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The Grand National

By: Anne Holland
Narrated by: David Thorpe
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Summary

Every year the Grand National produces very different stories from jockeys and horses alike; uplifting scenes from a victor and heartbreak when a mere inch divides the loser from the winner at the end of nearly four-and-a-half miles and 30 challenging fences. The race has evolved over the years, but there is one constant: luck, or the lack of it. How fitting, then, that in 1839, the first winner was named Lottery. Back then, huge crowds rode to Aintree by horseback, in carriages, carts or on foot. Hotels were so full that some slept four guests to a bed. Today the Grand National is probably the world's most famous horse race, with a global television audience of some 600 million in 140 countries.

Anne Holland's richly informed book focuses on the race's various record breakers, rather than being a purely chronological history. In this greatest of all steeplechases, many records have stood the test of time. It is still jockey George Stevens from the 19th century who has ridden the most winners - five. In 2019, Tiger Roll's second consecutive victory was the first time that the feat had been achieved since Red Rum in 1973-74, and before that, Reynoldstown in 1935-36. Throughout its vivid history, many people have been opposed to the Grand National, claiming it to be dangerous. During the 21st century, the famous fences have been modified, the drop at Becher's Brook reduced and the landing levelled. All this has led to a laudable reduction in injuries.

The Grand National continues to provide men, women and diverse thoroughbred horses with a true test of skill, bravery and perseverance. Anne Holland's authoritative history celebrates one of the world's greatest sporting spectacles.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Anne Holland (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very enjoyable feast of horse racing

From the start to the finish it was a good listen .
The narration was listenable and told in such a way it made you want to carry on until the end .
Horse racing enthusiasts will love it .

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A fascinating insight with even better narration

Absolutely loved it. I like horse racing but wouldn't call myself a devotee, and it was so refreshing to read a book about the history of the great race that explains it in a simple, jargon free way.

what I liked about the books layout is that it is done by theme, such as Grey horses, foreign horses, the outsider winners, female jockeys and the quirks of the race in the 19th century. The author takes you on a journey that makes you understand why the race is so special.

Finally this listen really stood out to me because of the narration. I have listened to 50+ books with audible and can say that this narration to this is the best I have encountered. An absolute credit to the book and makes the content a joy to listen to.

a must read for anyone with any sort of interest in the race or the sport

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