THE FIRST GRAND NATIONAL. 



LOTTERY. 



1839- 



At the commencement of the year 1839 a syndicate 

 of sportsmen, who had lately taken over the lease 

 of the Grand .Stand and Race-course at Aintree, 

 where the Liverpool Races have been held from 

 time immemorial, desirous of starting their new 

 undertaking in a becoming- manner, went forthwith 

 into committee upon the subject, with the result that 

 they determined to astonish the sporting world in 

 general, and their fellow townsmen in particular, 

 with what the linen drapers are pleased to call "a 

 novelty in spring goods," in the shape of a steeple- 

 chase, the title and conditions of which were as 

 follows : — 



"The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase.— A sweepstakes 

 of 20 sovs. each, 5 forfeit, with 100 added ; 12 st. each, gentlemen 

 riders ; 4 miles across the country ; the second to save his stake, 

 and the winner to pay 10 sovs. towards expenses ; no rider to 

 open a gate or ride through a gateway, or more than 100 yards 

 along any road, footpath, or driftway." 



Steeplechasing was exceedingly popular just then, 

 and such brilliant performers as The Nun, Pioneer, 



