New Delhi: Indian sports lovers will be treated to one of the most enthralling and iconic horse racing events in the world this April. The Grand National, the most popular and prestigious horse jumps race on the calendar will be broadcast by DSPORT, a premium sports TV channel by Discovery Communications exclusively for Indian viewers. The enormity of the challenges and uncertainty as it unfolds on the Aintree Racecourse will be telecast live on the night of 14th April 2018 at 9:45 pm in India.
The Grand National has a legacy which dates back to 1839, when it was inaugurated, and since then victory in the Grand National has been an ultimate pedestal and ambition for owners, trainers and jockeys. It is one of the biggest tests for a racehorse and rider who have to complete two circuits of the iconic Grand National course – with 30 fences to be jumped as four miles, two furlongs and about 74 yards are covered. Like each year, prize money of £1 million is on offer for those who compete in the 171st running of the Grand National at Aintree in 2018.
The final field of 40 runners will be selected 48 hours prior to the main race and the weights for the handicap will be assigned by the British Horse Racing Authority Head of Handicapping. Under the handicap system, the better horses will carry more weight, while the ones on the back of the grid will carry the least weight. These weights will be determined by the Official Rating of each horse. The maximum for this year’s National is 11st10lbs and the minimum is 10st.
With some of the greatest horse racing names like Red Rum, Salamander, Early Mist in its ‘Roll of Honour’, the Grand National is the biggest and the most awaited derby on the calendar. DSPORT brings a chance for the Indian viewers and enthusiasts to witness the grandeur of the Aintree Race Course.
