09/04/2022
Everything ready for the big national holiday?
Grand National day has arrived and the sun is shining on Aintree Racecourse as 50,000 spectators prepare to descend on the third day of the festival.
It’s the biggie, Grand National Day is here, and there will be a sold-out crowd to make sure it’s amazing.
If you’re coming, the gates open a bit earlier than on previous days – at 10am – so get there early and give yourself plenty of time to make the most of the atmosphere at the world’s biggest racing event.
Do not forget, merseyrail increased the train service between the city center and Aintree so they now run every 10 minutes and it’s definitely the least hassle way to and from the course.
The first race is at 1:45 p.m. and the last at 6:20 p.m., but it is the National itself at 5:15 p.m. that will have millions of spectators from around the world.
Rachael Blackmore, who made history as the first woman to claim victory last year, can she do the double on Minella Times?
Punters love it, and they really make their money behind the gray snow leopard which has a classic Aintree fairy tale story, but as anyone who has bet on the race in the past knows, the National is always anyone’s run.
And honestly, when you come back to town in your flip flops after an amazing day, you feel like everyone, including our town, was a big winner.
What time do the doors open?
Gates open at Aintree Racecourse today a little earlier, you can access the course from 10am.
How can I get there?
The big advice for racing fans taking part in this year’s Randox Grand National is to plan ahead, use public transport whenever possible, and allow plenty of time to ensure they can get to this year’s event. Merseyrail will run a 10-minute service with trains to and from Aintree to Liverpool city centre.
Should I take the train?
Merseyrail run regular services to and from Aintree station. On Saturday 9th April a 10 minute service will run between Aintree and Liverpool Central stations at the following times:
- From 10:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. approximately (before the races)
- From 5:35 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. approximately (after the races)
There will also be schedule changes for other merseyrail services to accommodate the increased number of services for racing enthusiasts.
Northern Rail also plans to operate additional services, passengers should check Northern’s website regularly for details.
What about bus services?
Services 300, 310 and 345 run regularly between Queen Square Bus Station and Aintree.
All buses will accept contactless and mobile payments.
Check bus operator websites and social media accounts for up-to-date timetable information.
Is it on TV?
A global audience of over 500 million people in over 140 countries watches the Grand National, which is why it is known as the world’s largest steeplechase. It is to be shown live on ITV and also on Racing TV, although there’s obviously nothing quite like the buzz of being there in person. And don’t forget to watch all your local coverage with The Guide Liverpool team, Gemma Cutting, Jay Hynd, Pete Price and Rach & Josh on our platforms @LeGuideLpool!
What about food and drink in Aintree?
There are plenty of food stalls in the festival area in Aintree, ranging from toast to burgers, pizza to roast pork. There are more bars than ever before, which means waiting times are a bit shorter than in previous years.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Aintree asks that you do not bring any food or drink onto the course – including alcohol and picnics – unless otherwise specified in the race day specific information.
Please contact the racecourse directly if you require further advice.
Is there live music?
Yes, head to the Aintree Pavilion for live music all day, you can also be entertained by DJs, saxophonists and more in the Red Rum Garden.
How can I rank best on the course?
The money can be used to place bets at the Tote and at all bookmakers on the course.
Please note that due to new laws prohibiting the use of credit to place a bet, not all onsite betting facilities will be able to accept Apple Pay.
Can you use cash during the course?
The racetrack continues to operate on a “cashless” basis, including concessions. However, the money can be used to place bets with all bookmakers on the course.
What does the School of Art in Aintree do?
There’s a whole new dining experience at the Randox Grand National Festival this year, as award-winning celebrity chef Paul Askew and his team of experts recreate the School of Art at Aintree Racecourse.
All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the Parade Ring as you are served a six-course tasting menu throughout the afternoon, complemented by a theft of fine wines. On arrival you will be greeted with a glass of Charles Heidsieck & ‘Les Fruits De Mer’, with five successive delicious courses served between each course, all accompanied by a selection of fine wines chosen by Paul’s team of sommeliers. Your culinary experience will end with a unique champagne tea.
Are tickets still available for purchase?
For the Great National Day, there are only tickets left for the Quai, all the other enclosures are now sold out.
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