Facts and figures for the $50,000 Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton Park, Christchurch, tomorrow:-
The oldest of New Zealand's major jumping races. It was first run in 1875 at Willowbridge, near Waimate, and was held at various venues until 1888 when it was staged exclusively by the Canterbury Jockey Club.
Ken Browne is the most successful rider. He has ridden the winner four times with Regal Mink (1978), Charlestown (1981) and Crown Star (1985 and 1986). He does not have a ride on Saturday.
Eight other jockeys have each ridden three winners.
The highest winning weight is 80.5kg in 1886. The highest since the introduction of metrics in 1973 is 65kg which was carried by Deecee Seven in 1998.
The fastest winning time is six minutes 30 seconds by Game Call for the imperial distance of 3-1/2 miles (5632m).
The fastest time for the metric distance of 5600m is 6min 33.92secs by Deecee Seven in 1998.
The distance was originally four miles (6437m). It was reduced to 3-1/2 miles (5632m) in 1891 and rounded off to the metric distance of 5600m in 1973.
Just three mares have won in 125 runnings. They were Nabador (1909), Aurora Borealis (1930) and Just Jojo (1996).
There has been one three-time winner. The Agent won in 1879, 1880 and 1884.
There have been 10 two-time winners. In the last 50 years they are Dusky Prince (60-61), Robert Earl (69-71), Crown Star (85-86) and Deecee Seven (97-98).
Twelve is the oldest winning age of those whose ages are known. There have been three in this category - Paritutu (1911), Cogitation (1957) and Robert Earl (1971).
Three women have ridden winners. They are Debbie Henderson on Noble Express in 1994, Leanne Elliot on Just Red (1995) and Megan Prendergast on Black Rhythm (1999).
There are 10 different fences which are jumped a total of 21 times.
The highest fence is Cutts' Brush, situated at the 1900m mark, which is 1.52m tall.
The smallest fence is Carriage Paddock, half-way down the straight, standing at 1.35m.
