1836 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase 1836 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase The 1836 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase was the first of three unofficial annual precursors of a steeplechase which later became known as the Grand National. The steeplechase was held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England on 29 February 1836 and attracted a field of ten runners. The winning horse was The Duke, ridden by Captain Martin Becher in the violet with white sleeves and cap colours of Mr Sirdefield, the landlord of the "George Inn" in Great Crosby and was trained privately. The race was won in a time of 20 minutes 10 seconds, over twice the
1845 Grand National with the horse and after their victory they returned home the same way with the Healing church bells sounded in their honour upon their arrival. Loft was one of nine riders making their debut in the race while Tom Olliver was taking a record seventh ride in the race. Clansman's fatal fall at the Canal Turn was the second equine fatality in the history of the race and the first for six years. 1845 Grand National The 1845 Grand Liverpool Steeplechase was the seventh annual running of a Handicap Steeple-chase, later to become known as the Grand National Steeplechase, a