Racing Gallery

Aintree racecourse, Liverpool 20434_011

AINTREE RACECOURSE, Liverpool, Merseyside. Opened in 1829 for horse racing on the flat, steeplechasing was officially introduced in 1839, when the first Grand National was run at Aintree. Amongst National Hunt courses, fences such as The Chair, Canal Turn and Bechers Brook make Aintree amongst the most challenging. In the 1950s and 1960s, Aintree also hosted the British Grand Prix and the Aintree 200, a non-championship Formula 1 motor race. Alfonso de Portago is notable for competing in both the Grand National and Grand Prix at Aintree. There is a nine hole golf course within the circuit

© Historic England

Some Grand National

A number of jockeys who were expected to ride in the 1938 Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree "walking the plank" at the famous Becher's Brook. Those pictured are Frenchie Nicholson, Evan Williams, Anthony Mildmay, Captain R. Harding, J. Moloney, Mr. J. Gordon, Jack Fawcus, Gerry Wilson, J. Hamey and, bringing up the rear, Mr J. C. Bulteel, Clerk of the Course. The actual winner of the race was Battleship, ridden by Bruce Hobbs (not pictured!)

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10279717

The Derby 1923 by Cecil Aldin

Leaving the post at the start of the Derby of 1923, a race famously won by Papyrus, owned by Mr B. Irish and ridden by Steve Donoghue. Other horses in this picture are: Bold and Bad belonging to Lord Astor (2), Apron owned by Sir Abe Bailey (3), Pharos owned by Lord Derby (4), Papyrus is 7, My Lord owned by Mr J. Joel, Ellangowan owned by Lord Rosebery (12), Twelve Pointer owned by the Duke of Westminster (13), Hurry Off, also owned by the Duke of Westminster (14), Town Guard, Lord Woolavington (16), Safety First belonging to Mr J. White, Topboot owned by Mr Foxhall Keene and Conova (20) belonging to Mr H. C. Sutton. Date: 1926

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans