THIS unique chronicle captures the essence of the Irish Grand National, telling the story of one of Ireland’s greatest sporting traditions since 1870, when it was set up by the Ward Union Hunt. The feature-length documentary is packed with some never seen before archive footage and images, and relates the fascinating history of this historic race.

It’s contextualised with relevant transformative events in Irish history including the 1916 Rising, when a number of the British Army and police were in attendance at Fairyhouse. Known as the ‘people’s race’, its strong emotional stories will capture the hearts of all viewers, not just the horseracing fans.

Revealing and intimate accounts come from those most associated with this iconic race, including members of racing families, such as Carberry, Dreaper, Hughes, Moore, Mullins, Taaffe, Walsh and Woods.

Other contributors, including David Elsworth, Ann Ferris, Mouse Morris, Jenny Pitman and Richard Dunwoody, relay their own special intriguing stories. Expert insight comes from Dessie Scahill, Guy Williams, Noel O’ Brien, Robert Hall and Ted Walsh.

It features many outstanding steeplechasers as well as those who have taken their place in sports folklore such as Arkle, Desert Orchid and Brown Lad among others.

Part of the allure of the race is that you don’t have to be a celebrity racehorse to win it and horses including 50-1 shot Liberty Counsel and Lion Na Bearnai priced at 33-1 have proved this.

The programme also explores the world’s first recorded steeplechase when two gentlemen challenged each other to a race in 1752 (for a hogshead of wine), between the Church Steeples of Buttevant and Doneraile, in North Cork, hence the name steeplechasing.

Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.