Everything you need to know about the Grand National

Good news, horse racing fans! While you may still be feeling the blues of Cheltenham being over for another year, it’s only a week until this year’s Grand National festival gets underway.

Cheltenham may be the Christmas of horse racing but the Grand National is arguably the biggest race in the world. It’s the headline event of the iconic three-day event at Aintree, which takes place from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th April this year.

All eyes will be on the main event, which sets off at 4pm on the Saturday. Around 150,000 spectators will flock to Liverpool to watch the race, while a further 600 million across the globe are expected to tune in and enjoy it on TV.

It was first run way back in 1839 and covers an official distance of around four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs. Some of the greatest racehorses on the planet will compete over 30 fences as they battle for a £1 million prize fund.

Red Rum still holds the record for the most Grand National wins with three, having stormed to victory in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Last year’s race was won by I Am Maximus, with Paul Townend riding Willie Mullins’ first Grand National winner since Hedgehunter in 2005.

Who are this year’s favourites?

There are currently 34 horses set to start this year’s Grand National – but there can only be one winner. I Am Maximus was the favourite last year and he repaid the punters’ faith in him by storming to glory.

And while he’s looking to emulate Red Rum and Tiger Roll by securing back-to-back wins this year, it may be beyond him following disappointing showings in his two runs since last year’s triumph.

Intense Raffles is the market leader one week out after winning the Irish Grand National last year. He’s regularly impressed at Fairyhouse, including a second place finish in the Bobbyjo Chase, and he’ll be looking to replicate that form at Aintree.

Elsewhere, Iroko is expected to challenge following a good showing in last year’s Mildmay Chase, where only Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin beat him. Stumptown could be a contender, while Willie Mullins’ Minella Cocooner has an outside chance after finishing third in the Irish Grand National.

Grand National race schedule

Opening Day – Thursday 3rd April

1:45pm – The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase
3:30pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race
4:05pm – The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase
5:15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Ladies Day – Friday 4th April

1:45pm – The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle Race
3:30pm – The My Pension Expert Melling Steeple Chase
4:05pm – The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer Uk Topham Handicap Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race
5:15pm – The Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle Race

Grand National Day – Saturday 5th April

1:20pm – The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Race
1:55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race
2:30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
3:05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race
4pm – The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
5pm – The Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase
5:35pm – The Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.Uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Grand National Hospitality

As ever, you can enjoy the Grand National in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages. We’re offering two different options this year, each with unrivalled views of the action, delicious food and complimentary drinks.

The Sunloch Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, as well as a four-course lunch, a wide range of drink options, a private balcony and plenty more. Meanwhile, our Horse & Groom pub option provides guests with a three-course lunch, afternoon snacks, a complimentary bar and a Jockey Club tipster to help you pick some winners.

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Grand National dress code

The Grand National is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress, although the dress code isn’t hugely strict. Aintree racecourse encourages smart casual wear, with no offensive fancy dress or sports team colours or kits allowed.

How to get there

For those driving, you can reach Aintree recourse via the A59, which is just a mile from the M57 and M58. From the A59 to Liverpool, follow the yellow signs to the car parks – spaces can be booked in advance online.

The closest train station is Aintree, which is opposite the racecourse. It’s just seven minutes from Liverpool Central, with frequent Merseyrail services.

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