John Smith's Grand National

It’s now 169 years since the first Grand National, now referred to as The John Smiths Grand National, during which time the race has grown massively in popularity. More than 600 million people across the world are expected to tune-in to follow the race on TV, while an estimated 150,000 people will descend on Aintree for the three-day race meeting.

33-1 outsider Silver Birch won last year’s John Smiths Grand National, proving it’s not just a race for the favourites and demonstrating why the world famous steeplechase never fails to capture the imagination of millions. This year’s event is likely to prove no exception as the horses and jockeys navigate Beacher’s Brook and The Chair in the race for first place.

In 2006 Scottish & Newcastle extended there current partnership with Aintree Racecourse to sponsor the John Smith’s Grand National until 2010. The original contract with John Smith's included the 2005, 2006 and 2007 meetings and this agreement has now been extended until 2010.

Also in 2006 tens of thousands of pubs, clubs, supermarkets and off-licences across the UK participated in John Smith’s Grand National marketing activity. About 17m cans of John Smith’s Extra Smooth and John Smith’s Original carried a promotion offering prizes including VIP trips to the race and over £1m worth of free bets.

In 2007 the Grand National sponsors John Smith's launched the John Smith's Peoples Race which gives 10 members of the public the chance to ride in a flat race at Aintree on Grand National day. There is £100,000 prize fund that will be allocated to the final chosen 10 rider’s nominated registered charities. The John Smith’s People’s Race requires all applicants to go through a number of stages before the final 10 riders are chosen.