Grand National lease in 1848. One century later, the Topham family bought the course outright. Later in the century the race was the setting of a thriller by the popular novelist Henry Hawley Smart. For three years during the First World War, while Aintree Racecourse was taken over by the War Office, an alternative race was run at Gatwick Racecourse, a disused course on land now occupied by Gatwick Airport. The first of these races, in 1916, was called the Racecourse Association Steeplechase, and in 1917 and 1918 the race was called the War National Steeplechase. The races at Gatwick are not
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