Four of the hardest Grand National jumps and their history

The runners and riders have to jump 30 fences around two circuits of Aintree’s Grand National course, with each one having its own challenge. But which horses will take to the unique spruce-covered obstacles that are the Grand National fences?

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The Grand National remains the ultimate test for National Hunt horses, with runners requiring plenty of ability, as well as stamina to see out the 4m2½f trip.

With a selection of Grand National fences named after legendary events that have happened throughout the years, here are four to note around the course.

Becher’s Brook

As the sixth and 22nd obstacle encountered on the way around, Becher’s Brook looks innocuous from the take-off side, but with the steep landing, jockeys must steer their mounts left-handed straight after.

Becher’s is a 4ft 10in jump on the approach side, but the landing side is 10 inches lower making jockeys state that this fence is like “jumping off the edge of the world”.

The fence got its name from an event in the first official Grand National back in 1839 when Captain Martin Becher hid in the brook to take cover from the rest of the runners after falling from his mount.

Foinavon

Foinavon won the 1967 Grand National sneaking around a pile-up at this fence before going clear to win at 100/1. Despite that, it took until 1984 for the fence to be renamed in his honour.

Although it caused plenty of problems during the 1967 renewal, it’s actually one of the smaller fences that the runners and riders have to negotiate on their way around. It’s jumped twice in the Grand National as fence seven and 23.

The Canal Turn

The Canal Turn is one of the more renowned fences jumped during the Grand National, most notably due to the near 90-degree left-handed turn on the landing side.

It’s a test of bravery from both horse and jockey to see if they can cut some of the corner without being forced out too wide. However, it can see jockeys unseat after becoming unbalanced, while some horses have been known to refuse at this fence that runs next to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

With where it’s located on the course, it’s jumped twice in the race as fence eight and 24. Who’ll dare to take the inside line in this year’s Grand National?

The Chair

Jumped only once in the Grand National and marks the 15th fence – the halfway point of the jumping – The Chair is the tallest fence (5ft 3in) on the course, while it’s also one of the narrowest.

Not only do horse and jockey deal with the fence, there’s also a 6ft open ditch on the take-off side. And if that’s not enough, the ground on the landing side is higher, meaning it can catch a few out.

Spectators at Aintree get a great view of The Chair with its position in front of the grandstand. And by this point in the race, the runners are usually in a good rhythm to navigate the fence safely.