There had been a similar race for several years prior to this, but its status as an official Grand National was revoked some time between 1862 and 1873.
For three years during World War I, the Grand National could not be run at Aintree, and so a substitute event was held at another racecourse, Gatwick.
The course was modified to make it similar to Aintree, and the races were contested over the same distance, with one fence fewer to be jumped.
The 1916 running was titled the Racecourse Association Steeplechase and for the next two years it was known as the War National.
a The 1843 winner Vanguard was trained at Lord Chesterfield's private stables at Bretby Hall.