1996 Grand National was also a stewards enquiry into third place but the result was also allowed to stand. Once the enquiry was complete, Mick Fitzgerald made the infamous comment in a post-race interview: "I've not enjoyed 12 minutes for as long in a long time. I think sex is an anti-climax after that!" 1996 Grand National The 1996 Grand National (known as the Martell Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 149th official renewal of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase that took place at Aintree on 30 March 1996. The race was won in a time of nine minutes and 0.8 seconds
Steeplechase (horse racing) course with high timber fences is often referred to as the "crown jewel of steeplechasing." Tennessee State Historian Walter T. Durham's book "Grasslands" relates the history of the Southern Grasslands Hunt and Racing Foundation, a group that organized the first international steeplechase held on U.S. soil 80 years ago at Grassland Downs, a course located in Gallatin, TN between 1929 and 1932. In addition to holding an inaugural race in 1930, two international steeplechases were held at Grasslands in 1930 and 1931. The winners were awarded a gold trophy designed by King Alfonso XIII of Spain. The Iroquois Steeplechase event