Welcome to my “The Grand National World” blog. Hello I am Graeme and I am a Grand National fanatic. My blog is an extension to my Instagram page @ thegrandnationalworld.

The Grand National is an institution in my family and its my passion. Growing up just down the road from Aintree racecourse coupled with my love of horses it was the perfect match growing up. I love the National, the excitement and build up in the weeks running up to Aintree. The drama, emotions and major butterflys I get in my stomach as the fanfare for the Common man is belted out and the National Anthem. It takes me to a different universe when I think about it. It’s truly an incredible 10 minutes for me. I will have a double dose of butterflys in my stomach next year. That’s a sure bet.

It’s the greatest steeplechase on Earth. With being a local from Liverpool I was able to fall in love with the race from as young as I can remember. Perhaps my earliest memories are the Jockeys colours in the back of the Liverpool Echo Grand National edition paper in my Nans house. And when given the opportunity to select my pick for the big race came I always chose the one In Blue! West Tip in 1986 was my earliest memory as a 4 year old. My older sister used to remind me who won regularly because I’d forget the names. I’ve come along way since. As I got slightly older into 1987 with Maori Venture, 88 Rhyme n Reason and 89 Little Polveir although I struggled to pronounce Polveir as a kid and opted for the easy option of calling him Little Pullover 😂. I became more familiar with the race and started to memorise all the colours which I found made watching the race easier. And I’d read the write ups on the horses which was the start of a life time analysing Grand Nationals.

By 1990 it was time for me to go to Aintree with my Uncle. My Uncle was a regular at Aintree and has been to every Grand National meeting since 1973 when Red Rum won for the 1st time. However 1990 was not to be for me as my Mum thought I was still too little to go and be amongst the huge crowds. Shame as that day history was made. I watched it on the telly. 1991 my first visit to Aintree. I was in awe of the place. I had watched on the television for some years before and here I was an 8 year old boy about to witness one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles. I was very excited waiting to 3.20pm that day felt like a lifetime and within 10 minutes it was all over.

I spent a huge chunk of my adult life in the Military. Having served in both the Army & RAF. I always had to plan to make it back home in early April for the big race! To me getting to Aintree was very important and I had the attitude I must get there at all costs. I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I somehow managed to always get home to see the big race I dream of and love. Some unorthodox methods of travel have been used over the years but all good fun and happy memories. Enjoy and thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Regards,

Graeme

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