National Hunt History
National Hunt racing is derived from traditional hunts, which emphasised both speed and the ability to clear obstacles.
The first hunt races, or “pounding races”, involved long cross-country courses with a variety of obstacles. The first recorded races of this kind date back to Ireland in 1752. Participants reputedly raced the distance between the church steeples of two neighbouring towns, giving rise to the popular term “steeplechase”.
Two popular formats of National Hunt racing exist at present. Chase races take place over distances between 2 and 4½ miles, with fences or hurdles at a minimum height of 4½ feet. Hurdling races are run over distances between 2 and 3½ miles, and include hurdles at a minimum height of 3½ feet.
To this day, Irish trainers and horses dominate the sport. However, the popularity of National Hunt races has grown throughout the United Kingdom and with Hunt racing in England has an equal footing to flat racing. France has also contributed a number winners to the National Hunt competitions.
The most prestigious race in the English National Hunt calendar is the Grand National held in Aintree, which is regarded by many as the Olympics of horse racing. Other major races include the Irish Grand National, the Welsh Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
