THIS week is one of the biggest in British horse racing. 

On Saturday, April 13, the annual Grand National race will be held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. 

Thousands of people will gather at the course hoping to catch a glimpse of the action. 

Bookies across the country will make millions as people flock to them hoping it's their lucky year and their chance and bet on the winning horse. 

The horse racing itself starts on Thursday, April 11, with the big race taking place on Saturday, April 13. 

The race is described as a national hunt horse race. First run in 1839, it is a handicap steeplechase over an official distance of about 4 miles and 2 and a half furlongs with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.

It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million in 2017.

The Grand National is a prominent part of British culture and attracts people from all walks of life who may not usually be interested in horse racing. 

The course over which the race is run features much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks.

Many of these fences, particularly Becher's Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn have become famous in their own right and, combined with the distance of the event, create what has been called "the ultimate test of horse and rider".

For those who cannot make it to Aintree on the day, the local pub is the best bet for catching all of the action. 

Here at Newsquest, we've created a list of the best pubs across Cumberland to watch the Grand National this year. 

Let us know if your favourite watering hole made the list. 

In Whitehaven, good places to visit to watch The Grand National include The Puncheon and The Anchor Vaults. 

In Carlisle, the neighbouring pubs of The Caledonian and The Griffin are good places to watch the big race. 

And in Workington, a good place to catch the racing would be The Well.