The Grand National
Ormskirk Rd Liverpool Merseyside L9 5AS
As home to one of the world’s most famous horseracing events, Aintree is instantly recognizable around the world. With its spruce-covered fences, impressive grandstands and bustling crowds, it hosts the Grand National, one of the highlights of the British sporting year, and an exciting social event in its own right. As an all-round event, it is almost without comparison. Aintree has hosted the Grand National since 1839, a two century-long history that includes many of horse racing’s most memorable moments and most legendary figures, including the record-breaking three time winner of the Grand National, Red Rum. The three-day festival begins on Thursday April 3, but the real (non-racing) highlight is the Friday – the designated Ladies’ Day of the festival, when flamboyant dresses and headwear come out and fashion is the main focus, with a handful of ‘best-dressed’ awards handed out to a few lucky winners. Spectators have a choice of entry packages, ranging from a simple admission to the main viewing area right through to a day of champagne and fine dining in the Cloister restaurant, or a VIP experience in the Amberleigh House private box section.
