Aintree Hospitality

The most famous horse race in the world - The Grand National is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool.  First run in 1839, it is a handicap steeplechase over 4 miles 514 yards with up to 40 horses over 30 huge fences in what is the biggest test of jumping and stamina on the calendar.  It is the most valuable jump race in Europe, with a prize fund of £1 million and watched by 600 million people around the world

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.

There are 2 fantastic days racing in the run up to the big race.  The Grand Opening Day features the Grade One Betfred Bowl and Aintree Doom Bar Hurdle.  Friday is Ladies Day and it is rumoured that the whole of Liverpool comes to a standstill on this day, with the big race being the Grade One Topham Chase over the Grand National fences.