The Grand National line-up 2016 - What's it all about?

The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. First run in 1839, it is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles 3 1⁄2 furlongs (7.141 km) with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps. It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2015.

The course over which the race is run features much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks. Many of these, particularly Beecher's Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn, have become famous in their own right and, combined with the distance of the event, create what has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider".

The Grand National has been broadcast live on free-to-air terrestrial television in the United Kingdom since 1960. From then until 2012 it was broadcast by the BBC. Since 2013, it has been shown by Channel 4, which holds the UK broadcasting rights until 2016. An estimated 500 to 600 million people watch the Grand National in over 140 countries. It has also been broadcast on radio since 1927; BBC Radio held the exclusive radio rights until 2013, however, Talksport also now holds radio commentary rights. The race is popular amongst many people who do not normally watch or bet on horse racing at other times of the year.

The last Grand National in 2015, was won by Many Clouds, ridden by jockey Leighton Aspell for trainer Oliver Sherwood and owner Trevor Hemmings.

Its estimated that a quarter of the UK adult population will bet on the Crabbie’s sponsored Grand National in 2016. Most people will have a small each-way bet on a horse they fancy for no other reason then they like the name. Of course there’s nothing wrong with picking a horse for that reason, as pre-race favorites have a dire record in the race.

The Grand National is famed for its unpredictable nature and rightly so, in the past century five 100/1 shots have triumphed over the famous fences. However, the Grand National is far less of a lottery than many people believe. Trends and statistics have emerged over the last 20 years which can help you identify those runners who have the potential to run a big race. Whether you decide to follow the trends and stats or choose your horse based on its name, silk colour or jockey riding.

As millions will tune in to watch the drama of the 2016 Grand National unfold on the 9th of April at 5:15pm, there will also be a 70,000 strong crowd at Aintree racecourse to cheer on the horses from the first fence to the final furlong.

The Grand National was founded by William Lynn, a syndicate head and proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel, on land he leased in Aintree from William Molyneux, 2nd Earl of Sefton. Lynn set out a course, built a grandstand, and Lord Sefton laid the foundation stone on 7 February 1829.

Red Rum became, and remains, the only horse to have won the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974, and 1977.

The Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and jockey. The race comprises two full circuits of a unique 2¼ mile (3,600 metres) course, where challengers will face 30 of the most testing fences in the world of jump racing.

Each of the 16 fences on the course are jumped twice, with the exception of The Chair and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first circuit only.

When is it? This year, the Grand National meeting will be held over three days from Thursday April 7, culminating with the marquee Grand National race on Saturday, April 9 at 5.15pm.

The start time has been pushed back for the 2016 event due to organisers keen to have more punters watching after other sporting games in the day, such as football, have finished.

Ladies' day is was Friday, April 8.

How big is the course? Four miles and three and a half furlongs, with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.

What TV channel is it on? Channel 4 with Clare Balding. Live radio coverage can also be found on BBC Radio Five Live.

Formby Bubble tips:

Boston Bob - 33/1

Goonyella - 20/1

Many Clouds - 12/1

Good Luck everyone and send us your photos from the day. Email: info@formbybubble.com

Here is the full line-up of horses.

The sad side of the race is that sometimes, horses die in the event. This year four horses have died already.

On Thursday, Clonbanan Lad and Marasonnien died after being pulled up by their jockeys in the Fox Hunters' Chase — also run on the Grand National course — and later collapsing. Neither of those horses was injured by a fall, the BHA said.

Two further horses died at the Aintree Festival following falls in a race run over the fences used for the grueling Grand National Steeplechase, taking the total for the week to four deaths.

Gullinbursti and Minella Reception died because of injuries sustained in falls in the Topham Chase on Friday, the British Horse racing Authority said.

Merseyside Police advice to racegoers to make sure they have an enjoyable time at Aintree can be found by CLICKING HERE