This year's Grand National will take place on Saturday, April 5, when 40 runners and riders are set to take on almost two circuits of the course at Aintree.

Why is the Grand National so special?

The obstacles to be overcome are as famous as the race itself: Becher’s Brook, the Canal Turn, Valentine’s and the Chair are fences known around the globe.

So much more than a race, the elegance and excitement the crowd have come to symbolise the spectacle. Form is studied by some, others choose names on the strength of a familiar phrase. The drama unfolds in a competition fought over four miles, three furlongs and about 110 yards.

Across the Melling Road they run, nearly 10 minutes of breathtaking action in total, with the winner so often decided in the 465 yards between the last fence and the winning post.

The prize money on offer in 2014, when the event is sponsored by Crabbie’s for the first time, will top £1m for the first time. The crowd will roar, rise and celebrate, as they did last year when the race was won by 66-1 outsider Auroras Encore.

What is the history of the race?

The history of the Grand National can be traced back to the early 1800s, when the first official races were organised at Aintree, in Liverpool.

In February 1839, Lottery became the first winner of the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase, the race that would become known as the Grand National. Horses had to jump a stone wall, cross a stretch of ploughed land and finish over two hurdles.

The current course, which stages races over conventional fences and hurdles, opened in 1839. A difficult period for Aintree in the post-war years led to a sale to a property developer and concerns about the future of the Grand National. Bookmaker Ladbrokes stepped in to manage the Grand National until 1984, when Seagram Distillers became sponsors.

They provided the solid foundation on which Aintree’s revival was built. Today Aintree is owned and managed by Jockey Club Racecourses, one of 14 operated by The Jockey Club subsidiary.

Why is it now called the Crabbie's Grand National?

The Crabbie’s Grand National will boast a seven-figure prize fund for the first time. Crabbie’s is part of the Halewood International stable of drinks brands and their sponsorship renews the company’s longstanding relationship with Aintree and racing on a wider level.

Halewood International’s founder, the late John Halewood, owned the Ginger McCain-trained Amberleigh House, who won the 2004 Grand National.

As part of the deal Crabbie’s receives naming rights for the three races over the Grand National fences during the three-day meeting, which begins on Thursday, April 3, the Crabbie’s Fox Hunters’ Chase, the Crabbie’s Topham Chase and the Crabbie’s Grand National.

Day two of the festival is when Aintree sees the ladies take the stage. As well as the action on the racecourse, Ladies Day will include the search for the most stylish racegoer.

Who is the favourite?

The current 10/1 favourite with Betfred is Teaforthree, trained by Rebecca Curtis, who is based in Newport, Pembrokeshire.

Teaforthree finished an excellent third in the 2013 renewal of the National and warmed up in good style when eighth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Next up is Tidal Bay at 16/1, trained by Paul Nicholls, who bypassed Cheltenham and continues to head the weights on 11st 10lb. He will be attempting to become the first 13-year-old to succeed since Sergeant Murphy in 1923.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets are available for all three days including hospitality, two and three-day Grandstand badges.

The Grand National Ticket hotline is 0844 579 3001 for Hospitality tickets call 0151 522 2911.