There’s no other horse racing event in the UK that sets alight the passions of sports fans than the Grand National. Since 1839 this 4 mile, 3 1/2 furlong race has enthralled spectators at Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse, thanks to the truly testing, physically demanding succession of thirty fences, all designed to completely test the mettle of both horse and rider.
Although indeed the titular race is the most anticipated event at the course, it takes place on just one day of a magnificent three day event – the Aintree Festival – one that is packed will all manner of racing and entertainment delights!
Grand Opening Day
Taking place on Thursday 9th April, Grand Opening Day is always a splendid kick-off for the National, with all manner of entertainments including live music occurring alongside the excellent racing action.
There are seven great races taking place on the 9th, four of which are Grade 1-listed; the Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices’ Hurdle, the Betfred Bowl, Doombar Aintree Hurdle and Crabbie’s Fox Hunters Chase.
If you’re not too clued up on the ins and outs of wagering but want to make a good choice for the Grand National itself log on to Coral’s horse racing app via your smart phone and get to grips with the odds, deals and picks on Grand Opening Day.
It’s the best resource for fans and will totally ensure you’re a winner come Saturday!
Ladies’ Day
On Friday Ladies Day comes to the Aintree Festival, and even if you’re not a lover of enormous, feather-laden hats and gooey gowns, there’s a heap of racing action one can sink their teeth in to!
The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle, Melling Chase and Aintree Top Novices’ Hurdle are all set to enthral spectators, and the Best Dressed award is another competition that’s likely to get pulses racing!
Grand National Day
Finally on Saturday the most celebrated day of racing that’s part of the UK’s racing calendar kicks off with a bang; Grand National Day. Each year more than 600 million spectators tune in their televisions to watch the forty horses and jockeys taking place in the Grand National, all of which are competing for a record breaking £1,000,000 prize, one of the largest racing prizes in the world!
What’s more, there’s six more races being ran on Saturday; the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, Novices’ Chase, Liverpool Hurdle, TV Handicap Race, Handicap Hurdle and Mares Open Flat Race – all the racing action one could possible hope for!
