Open Ditch, Height: 5ft, Width: 10ft
The third fence in the penultimate straight is the second open ditch on the Grand National circuit, and it really does take a mammoth jump to clear it – adding the width of the obstacle with the ditch means a total clearance of a huge 10ft!
The ditch for this fence is on the take-off side, although there is a marked drop on the landing side too, so jockeys need to keep their wits about them here – especially on the second circuit, where legs are getting tired but the finishing line is in sight.
Standing a considerable 5ft high, the eleventh fence on the first circuit and 27th overall on the second is often known as Booth – so-called after another famous Aintree fence builder, John Booth.
Famous Fallers at Booth
One of the most famous fallers at the eleventh and 27th fence is also one of the most legendary horses in National Hunt racing history!
Golden Miller became the first horse ever to win the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, achieving the incredible feat during the 1934 season.
A year later he returned to Aintree….but this time Golden Miller refused to jump this fence, and became its most considerable scalp to date.
Henry de Bromhead won the 2021 National courtesy of Rachael Blackmore and Minella Times, and punters backing his 40/1 shot Chris’s Dreams had genuine place chances….until he unseated Darragh O’Keefe at the 27th.
And in 2019, Paul Townend was in touch with Tiger Roll aboard Pleasant Company, who led the Grand National for a decent portion of the race. However, this fence would prove one obstacle too many on the second circuit, and the horse would unseat Townend and end his hopes of a win in the Aintree showpiece.