THE SWEDISH GRAND NATIONAL
17th of June 2012

The Swedish Grand National at Strömsholm Racecourse near Strömsholm Royal Castle has become an Associate Member of the Crystal Cup for 2012.  Members of the Crystal Cup committee will visit Strömsholm Racecourse in June to observe and advise on the suitability of the racecourse to become a full member in 2013.  Competitors taking part in the Swedish Grand National in 2012 will not score points in the Crystal Cup series.

The origin of the Swedish Grand National, run in the beautiful grounds of Österängen, first surfaced as a general wish of the race-committee and board of directors of the Amateur Riders Club to do something special and unique at the once-a-year-only race meeting.

In 1970 letter was written and sent to the owner of Aintree Race Course, Mrs Mirabel Topham, to outline the plans and to ask permission to use the name: ‘The Swedish Grand National’.  Mrs Topham granted her permission and sent the committee the gift of an imposing Challenge Cup, weighing 7,2 kilos,  with an engraving of Captain Becher having fallen in”Becher’s Brook” at Aintree.

The first running of the Swedish Grand National in 1971 was won by an English horse called Officer Kelly, ridden by John Cook who won the 1971 running of the Grand National at Aintree aboard Specify.

The Swedish Grand National, Sunday June 17th, is run over two miles, six furlongs and 110 yards and has a total prize fund of approximately €33,000.   The Swedish Champion Hurdle is run on the same day over a distance of two miles, two furlongs and 110 yards with a total prize fund of approximately €22,000.

Please click here for the race conditions for the Swedish Grand National and Swedish Champion Hurdle