How to Plan a Day’s Horse Racing at the Aintree Grand National

The Grand National at Aintree is one of the great events on the British sporting calendar. Hundreds of millions watch it on TV around the world – but nothing can beat the experience of actually being there. The entire event takes place over a Spring weekend – usually in early April – but it is the Saturday race which captures the public imagination.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit the Aintree Grand National website (see Resources). Request a free copy of their brochure for the forthcoming event. Just pop an email containing your name and address to [e-mail].
2. Decide whether you want to avail yourself of any of the hospitality options on offer. Aintree caters to the elite so lavish treatment is available at a price. Click the “Entertaining and Hospitality” link on the Aintree Grand National website to learn more.
3. Review the range of ticket options available. To do this, click on the “Admission Badges and Tickets” link on the Aintree Grand National website. Apart from price, the major differences between them are:
   
   • Their view over the racetrack
   • Covered or not covered
   • Access to bar and restaurant facilities
   • Access to the parade ground and Winner’s paddock
   
   Note that children receive a discount only on admission price in the Tattersalls enclosure.
4. Buy tickets early. Tickets for the following year’s event go on sale from the beginningt of August. You can buy them from Aintree itself, by calling 0151 522 2929, or through the Aintree website (See Resources).
5. Arrange accommodation for your trip. The amount of accommodation available within Aintree itself is limited. Most visitors choose to stay in Liverpool instead. Use the Visit Liverpool website to get some suggestions.
6. Visit the Met Office website to see what kind of weather is expected at the event (see Resources). Remember that many enclosures at the Aintree Grand National have no cover. So be sure and dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• With the course stretching for over four and a half miles, you will have a close-up view of the horses and riders for only part of the race. Don’t worry, though. In many enclosures, television coverage of the race is beamed onto a large screen so you needn’t miss a thing.