The first Grand National ?

I went to see Dad this morning, once the carer arrived I headed back home.

Most of my route is on motorway, but the first section is across country. I always pass this church, St Mary’s in the village of Harlington.

A blue plaque on the steeple tower wall claims that the first English Grand National took place here in 1830, from the steeple of this church to the obelisk at Wrest Park, Silsoe, a journey of just over 4.miles. A field of 16 horses saw Captain McDowell win on “The Wonder”, in something over 16 minutes.

The Grand National itself takes place today. I am sure the Aintree course (which dates it’s history back to the 1830’s) would dispute the claim that the first National race took place in Bedfordshire. And the first of these races actually took place not in England but in County Cork, Ireland in the mid 18th century, between the steeples of village churches. Thus the term “steeplechase”.

The winner of the Grand National today is an amateur, receiving no prize money. His day job is running a dental practice, so well done him.