The Grand National

The Grand National

The Randox Grand National. It’s more than just the world’s greatest steeplechase. This is horse racing with a difference. A national institution with a global audience. An event of grand proportions and nothing is done by halves. It’s unmissable sport and entertainment guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Aintree Racecourse

Famous as “The home of the Grand National” and the stomping ground of one of the most famous racehorses of all time – Red Rum –  Aintree is one of the most iconic racecourses anywhere in the world, with its splendour and reputation reigning far past its North-West postcode and gaining it fame on a global scale. Situated in Merseyside it attracts visitors from all over the country to its race meetings but it always stays true to its roots: with more locals visiting the course than anyone else. It is a racecourse that a great city is rightly proud of.

It is part of The Jockey Club’s elite portfolio of fourteen British racecourses, and whilst known for its enormous sense of fun and occasion, it is also considered amongst the greenest and most sustainable of British race tracks. Its natural picturesque countryside environment allows the Jockey Club to invest in environmental initiatives and trial various sustainability projects before they’re rolled out across other racecourses. However, Aintree will always be known for the Grand National, Red Rum, and perhaps the unusual and daring outfit choices for Ladies’ Day. Aintree racecourse capacity stands at 75,000.

Aintree History

Aintree races started life back in 1829, when local hotelier William Lynn had the idea of bringing racing to the area – with the benefit of course, of attracting new clientele to his hotel at the same time. He entered into talks with local landowner William Molyneux and a grandstand was constructed in July 1829 for a race. The course flourished and within the space of just a few years had attracted upward of 40,000 race-goers! By 1835, the racecourse was adapted to include jump racing as well as flat, and in 1836 the first-ever ‘Grand Liverpool Steeplechase’ took place. Whilst not listed formally in the history books, this is believed to be the first Grand National event.

Aintree Racecourse Tickets

Aintree racecourse tickets are always very popular for all of their meetings. You’ll find great offers, deals and early birds to all of their events throughout the year and we always recommend booking in advance so you get to enjoy the day out and can plan ahead. As racing at Aintree is so popular the events sell out, so it is best to book early and in advance to avoid disappointment. If you are looking for the best deals on Aintree Racecourse Tickets follow the official link here.

The Grand National

The Grand National is the most popular horse race in the world. People from all over the world like to place bets on this Aintree steeplechase and watch the forty runners and riders encounter a series of obstacles before the long run home. The 2022 Grand National will be held at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, April 9th at 5.15pm. Sponsored by Randox Health, it is a UK handicap steeplechase over 4 miles 514 yards with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps. The prize fund for the Grand National is £1,000,000 which makes it the most valuable jump race in Europe. 600 million people will watch the race in over 140 countries with more than 70,000 in attendance at Aintree on the day. 40 horses and their jockeys will line-up in what is the ultimate test in British horse racing. The Grand National course has much larger fences than normal. The Chair, Valentine’s Brook, Foinavon, Becher’s Brook and the Canal Turn are just some of the famous fences that runners and rider need to navigate in the race.

The Grand National normally televised on ITV1, while betting customers are able to access live streaming of the race through their online bookmaker. The Grand National runners and riders are available at this Grand National site, along with Grand National odds so that you can choose the horses that you think will win the big race. Punters have different ways of trying to pick the Grand National winner. Some customers back the horse that they get in the Grand National sweepstake, while others go for a horse with a name that they like. Alternatively, many Grand National bets are placed on horses ridden by popular jockeys, while some punters like to enjoy Grand National betting on horses that have previously run well in the Grand National.

When it comes to backing the Grand National winner, we recommend that you look at the form of each horse in the race. It also pays to look at the Grand National weights considering that the Grand National is a handicap race which means that runners are carrying different amounts of weight.

The Grand National Meeting

The undisputed main event at Aintree is the Grand National. One of the most famous races in the world, the Grand National takes place annually, usually in April. It forms part of a three-day festival – known as the Grand National Meeting. Other big races during the Grand National festival include:

• The Aintree Hurdle – a grade one hurdle ran over 2miles and 4 furlongs on the Mildmay course, it is one of the premium hurdle races in the UK and Ireland with eleven flights of hurdles to be jumped. Won by greats such as Istabraq and Annie Power in recent years.
• The Melling Chase – another grade one over 2miles and 4 furlongs over the Mildmay course, this is one of the most prestigious races in the chasing calendar. Won by some great horses, such as the brilliant and tough Viking Flagship, Altoir and Moscow Flyer.
• The Fox Hunters Chase – ran over the Grand National course, but over a shorter distance of 2mile 5 furlongs, it is open to amateur riders.

The Grand National Race

The Grand National is considered the most famous race and most difficult course in the world to complete and includes 16 steeplechase fences to jump, many of which are now household names, such as the Chair, Foinavon, Canal Turn, Valentine’s and Becher’s Brook. All fences other than the water jump are covered in spruce, which is unique to this course. It’s run across approximately 4 miles and 2½ furlongs. The race is a staple in the British sports calendar and is broadcast live on free-to-air television annually, as well as around the globe, with an estimated viewership of up to 500,000,000.

The prize fund for winning the Grand National has exceeded £1,000,000 and continues to grow. Tickets for the world-famous Grand National are exceedingly hard to get hold of, but the whole of Aintree and the city hosts events over the three days, so those visiting will never be short of something to do; even if they don’t quite make it to the big race itself.