1997 Grand National 1997 Grand National The 1997 Grand National (known officially as the Martell Grand National and also informally as the Monday National) was the 150th official running of the Grand National steeplechase held at Aintree near Liverpool, Merseyside. The race was scheduled to be run on Saturday 5 April 1997, but was postponed by two days to Monday 7 April after a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bomb threat forced the evacuation of the course. The race was won in a time of nine minutes and 5.9 seconds and by a distance of 25 lengths by New Zealand-bred Lord Gyllene at
National Steeplechase Association to its various participants. The organization continues to this day with headquarters in Fair Hill, Maryland. The current president is Guy J. Torsilieri. (also Chairman of the Far Hills Race Meeting). One of the leading steeplechasers, William C. Lickle, has his silks and trophies in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga, NY. In terms of his prize winnings, $3,151,921, and a three time leading annual National Steeplechase Association owner in 1991, 1992, and 1997, William C. Lickle is the second leading National Steeplechase Association owner. National Steeplechase Association The National Steeplechase Association is the official