Aintree Racecourse is known to millions worldwide as the home of the Randox Health Grand National – The World’s Greatest Steeplechase.
In early April each year, the world and its media descend upon Aintree Racecourse for three of the biggest days in the British sporting and social calendar.
The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. First run in 1839 (won by a horse called Lottery) it is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles 514 yards (6.907 km) with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps. It is the most valuable jump race in Europe and is an event that is prominent in British culture.
The course over which the race is run features much larger fences than those found on conventional National Hunt tracks. Many of these, 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”.
No matter whether you’re a seasoned racing fan who travels the country following your favourite horses, or someone who tunes in on TV just once a year, the Grand National is the race the world stops to watch.
Sweepstakes are run in offices up and down the UK, the runners and riders are scoured for favourite colours or names, and families put life on pause to watch the race unfold at 5.15pm.
There have been some notable winners over the last few years, but the horse who is most famous at Aintree is, of course, Red Rum. No horse has a better record in the Grand National, winning it three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and finishing second on his other two appearances in 1975 and 1976.
The most recent legendary horse is Tiger Roll, who won the Grand National twice in 2018 & 2019. On 4th April 2020 Tiger Roll was due to attempt to become the first equine superstar to win three years running – only to be robbed of the opportunity by coronavirus and a nationwide lockdown.
Last year Rachael Blackmore made history by becoming the first female jockey to triumph in the Aintree race. This year she will be reunited with defending champion Minella Times in Saturday's Grand National, but we will have to wait to see if she can make it two in a row.
Who will win this year? To be honest, I have no idea. The best advice is to pick a name you like, cross your fingers and hope for the best. The Grand National is completely unscripted and totally captivating, steeped in a history of unpredictable winners and fabulous stories. The next chapter is ready to be written.
Do you want to attend the Grand National?
Whilst the books are closed for the Grand National Festival 2022, our waiting list for next year’s Grand National is already open.
Please click here to make an enquiry, and you will be contacted once packages go on sale for next year.
If you are already going this year, we look forward to seeing you!