The Grand National is the premier horse race over fences in the United Kingdom. The current race is run over two laps over the Aintree course, covering four and half miles in which the horses jump 30 fences. The first official races at Aintree were organized by the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn in 1829. Lynn leased the land from Lord Sefton, laid out a course, built a grandstand and staged the first Flat fixture on July 7, 1829. The first Grand National was held on Tuesday February 26, 1839, Lottery became the first winner. In those days the field had to jump a stone wall (now the water jump), cross a stretch of plough land and finish over two hurdles. This historic painting by Joan MacIntyre depicted the 1952 Grand National in which the eventual winner was Teal a 10 year-old bay gelding ridden by Arthur Thompson. Make special note of the front runner in the painting, the jockey is Dick Francis! Available as a giclee on paper or canvas, limited editions of 150. Signed and numbered by the artist. Artist Biography