Aintree Racecourse is home to the Grand National, the most famous steeplechase in the world and arguably the most recognizable horse race on the planet. Located in the Fazakerley area of Liverpool, this 75,000-capacity venue hosts the three-day Grand National Festival every April, culminating in the four-mile race over 30 fences that captivates a global audience of 600 million.
The Grand National Course
Aintree’s National course is unique in racing. The 30 fences include obstacles that are known by name to fans who have never set foot on a racecourse. Becher’s Brook, named after Captain Martin Becher who fell into the brook in the first running in 1839, features a notorious drop on the landing side that tests every horse’s jumping technique. The Chair is the tallest fence on the course at five feet two inches, with a six-foot ditch on the takeoff side. The Canal Turn requires horses to make a sharp left-handed turn immediately after jumping, testing agility as well as courage. The Melling Road, where the course crosses a public road (closed for the race), adds to the unique character. The total distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs makes it one of the longest flat-race or jump-race courses in the world.
History Written in Hooves
The Grand National was first run in 1839, and its history is woven into the fabric of British culture. Red Rum’s three victories (1973, 1974, 1977) made him a national hero whose fame extended far beyond racing. His duel with Crisp in the 1973 National, when he overhauled a horse that had led by 30 lengths on the run-in, is the most replayed finish in the sport’s history. Aldaniti’s 1981 victory, ridden by Bob Champion who had beaten cancer, became the subject of a feature film. In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the race, riding Minella Times into history.
The Festival Experience
The Aintree Festival runs over three days, with the Grand National on the Saturday. Liverpool embraces the occasion completely. The city’s restaurants, bars, and hotels fill with racegoers, and Ladies Day on the Friday is one of the biggest social occasions in the North of England. On Grand National Day itself, the atmosphere builds through the afternoon until the moment 40 runners line up for the race. The noise as they jump the first fence, with the entire nation watching on television, is extraordinary. Offices hold sweepstakes, pubs turn up the volume, and for a few minutes on a Saturday afternoon in April, the whole of Britain is united in watching horses jump fences.
Location and Timezone
Aintree Racecourse is located on Ormskirk Road in Liverpool, in the GMT/BST timezone (UTC+0, UTC+1 during summer). Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and Lime Street station provide easy access.
For the current time in Liverpool, check Liverpool time. For more on UK time, see United Kingdom time.