Q What happened to the horses in this year's Grand National

A.� Red Marauder won the race in appalling conditions a horse named Smarty came second. They were the only ones to finish the race without their jockeys having to remount. Some racing experts later said it was a miracle the field of 40 horses survived the quagmire on the course, caused by torrential race.

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Q.� How long is the course and where is it

A.� The horses race over 30 fences over two circuits of the two-and-a-quarter mile race course at Aintree in Liverpool.

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Q.� How many horses have died during the race

A.� Some 32 horses have died in the Grand National since 1945.

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Q. Is it cruel

A.� It certainly has its fair share of critics. The Animal Liberation Army and various other animal welfare organisations routinely bombard racegoers with literature and propaganda about the race at the meeting. Campaigners against horse racing say very few horses become famous and live 'glamourous' lives. They say the vast majority face crippling injuries and premature deaths.�

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Q.��And do the horses actually enjoy the racing

A.� Race horses are genetically bred for racing. Animal welfare organisations claim this is wrong, and they say, race horses have to carry 1,000 pounds of weight, yet have slimmer ankles than most women. The horse racing industry claims that the horses do enjoy the run, however.

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Q.� Which was the most famous horse to win the National

A.� Over 25 years ago Red Rum recorded the first of three victories in the Grand National - a feat which placed him in the history books forever. He still remains the only horse to have won the race three times. He died in 1995 and is buried near the winning post at Aintree.

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By Katharine MacColl