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Aintree racecourse was the brainchild of William Lynn, the owner of the Waterloo Hotel during the first half of the nineteenth century. Lynn was a great organiser of sports events, and also a canny entrepreneur, and as a prime example of his enterprise, Lynn had observed, in spite of boggy and muddy underfoot conditions, large crowds had flocked to the nearby Maghull race meeting, and Lynn realised a racecourse on a better site would attract even larger crowds.
Taking his idea a stage further, Lynn did his research and prepared a proposal before approaching the wealthy landowner Lord Sefton, a man Lynn knew had a keen interest in horse racing, and as Lynn had hoped, his lordship immediately warmed to the proposal, and leased to Lynn the flat and well drained tract of land which in due course became the site of Aintree racecourse.
With the help of many willing supporters, Lynn initially built a Grandstand and constructed a track suitable for flat racing, and on 07 July 1829, the first days racing took place in front of what was described as, 'a large and enthusiastic crowd'. As a matter of record, the very first race on the day's card, The Croxteth Stakes, was a flat race over a mile and a quarter, the race being won by a horse called Mufti, and owned by a Mister Francis.
Following the initial successful meeting, for the next few years the course was used exclusively for flat racing. But encouraged by his friend Captain Martin Becher, who happened to be a steeplechase jockey, William Lynn developed a great interest in the skill of steeplechasing.
It is suggested Lynn admired the organisation of the race meetings at Saint Albans and Leamington, and felt he could organise a similar steeplechase event at Aintree. When the nearby steeplechase course at Maghull was forced by poor finances to close down, Lynn immediately seized his opportunity, and converted Aintree to accommodate national hunt racing.
Modern research has shown the first Grand National actually took place in 1836, but an incident which took place in the 1839 event has branded that particular race into the historic record, thereby creating the myth it was the original Grand National.
However, to be precise, in the 1839 race, Captain Becher was well clear on his horse Conrad, when he approached the brook fence for the second time. He took a tumbling fall, and landed in the middle of the watercourse, thereafter shouting out amusing comments to the other jockeys as they flew over him, and the legend of Bechers brook, which grew up from that moment, persuaded later historians that the amusing incident took place during the first Grand National.
Today, the Grand National is considered by horse racing purists to be the greatest steeplechase in the world. It’s popularity is not limited to the United Kingdom, and its present incarnation, The John Smiths Grand National is avidly watched each April by a huge worldwide television audience.
But Aintree is not just the Grand National. All nine days of annual racing feature races of major significance in the national hunt calendar. Naturally, the three day Grand National Festival in April incorporates the most important races, but the two day meeting in October stages races like the Old Roan Chase, a race where at least one of the first three home usually go on to Grade 1 success during the rest of the national hunt season.
There are two left handed courses on the Aintree site.
The Grand National course is a dedicated steeplechase course, with a total circumference of 2 miles and 2 furlongs. It is very roughly triangular in shape, and is flat throughout its length. However, it has two sharp corners, one at the end of the home straight, and the other is a ninety degree bend of the inside running rail following directly after a fence at the Canal Turn. The course also has a total of sixteen, tall, thick fences, some of which have large ditches on the take off side, and others have natural water features on the landing side. These fences include the legendary; Bechers brook, Valentines brook, and the Chair.
The Grand National has a total of thirty fences, and they make up the ultimate test for both horses and jockeys. With the exception of the Chair and water jump, all the fences have to be jumped twice.
The Grand National is all about extremes. Even after safely jumping twenty eight testing fences, the potential winner still has to tackle the long finishing straight. This involves jumping the last two fences, and then trying to stay on over one of the longest run ins in the United Kingdom. In fact, the run in is very nearly two and a quarter furlongs in length, and involves a right handed kink around the Aintree Elbow. The fate of many a race has changed during this stamina sapping conclusion.
On good going, the race suits gallopers with plenty of stamina. On the odd occasion when the going is soft, or heavy, the race is always won by a proven long distance stayer.
To obtain individual descriptions of the Aintree fences, and details about previous Grand National winners, use the following skip links:
Skip to detailed fence description.
Skip to details on previous winners.
Cutting across one end of the Grand national course, the Mildmay Course is a sharp, flat circuit, around 1 mile two furlongs in circumference. It is used for both conventional steeplechasing, and hurdling. On the steeplechase course, there are eight fences, with the third, and seventh being ditches. Three of the fences, including the second ditch, are on the finishing straight. The hurdles course has six obstacles, with three being sited on the finishing straight. Because of the sharpness of the track, it usually suits horses who can keep close to the pace, as they quite often snatch the race from a committed front runner in the one furlong run in from the last obstacle.
Stamina only comes into play on the Mildmay course when the going becomes very soft. It is also worth noting, Cheltenham festival winners vary rarely complete a follow up victory at the grand national meeting.
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members and Owners and Trainers. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
The County stand is directly opposite the winning post, and as much of the action happens on the finishing straight, it is hardly surprising it is always the first to sell its ticket allocation. There is covered seating, and a standing area on the roof.
On either side of the County Stand, are the newer, Princess Royal, and Queen Mother Stands. Located either side of the winning post, both stands offer excellent views of all the racing action on both racecourses.
The Queen Mother stand offers totally covered seating on level one, with standing on level two. The Princess Royal Stand has mostly covered seating, with standing facilities on level 2.
Next to the Queen Mother Stand, two new grandstands were opened in 2007. The Earl of Derby and Lord Sefton Grandstands replaced the old Aldaniti grandstand, and these excellent new viewing facilities offer their patrons a modern two tiered seating area, plus an additional terraced area for standing spectators. Due to their elevation, these grandstands offer the highest, and most spectacular views of the Aintree courses.
Apart from the grandstands, for the Grand National meeting, the Tattersalls Enclosure offers limited seating for its West Tip badge holders. These seats offer spectacular views of the course, an in particular, a magnificent close up view of the world famous Chair Fence.
Other tattersalls members use the natural vantage point of the Aintree mount, and obtain excellent head on views of the finishing straight.
Finally, for the Grand National meeting, The John Smiths enclosure has unreserved seating, which offers excellent views of the Mildmay course, plus the important first section of the Grand National. Spectators in this enclosure can also follow the remainder of the race on strategically positioned giant screens.
Aintree caters for every visitor, with plentiful food and drink facilities in all spectator areas. Naturally, The various groups of badge owners can gain access to the specialist facilities in their allotted area of the course. However, certain badges allow access to most of the course facilities. For full details, contact the hospitality telephone hotline on: 0151 522 2911.
Full meeting hospitality including multi course lunches, entertainment and betting facilities are available in all of the grandstands.
Located on the fourth floor of the Princess Royal Grandstand is the Princess Royal restaurant, a fine dining facility offering superb views across the two Aintree racecourses.
For total exclusivity, seventy diners can book the Sefton Room in the County Grandstand. Apart from its cullinary delights, this restaurant has its own balcony directly opposite to the winning post.
On the first floor of the Earl of Derby Grandstand, the Golden Miller Restaurant has its own private balcony overlooking the racecourse and parade ring. While on the third floor of the Earl of Derby Grandstand is the Papillon Restaurant. In addition to its fine cuisine and entertainment facilities, this restaurant has the highest elevation on the racecourse, and from its private balcony it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the racing action.
The Lord Sefton Grandstand boasts the Sunloch Restaurant. Located just past the winning post, guests have superb views over the racecourses, home straight, and paddock area.
Cloisters Restaurant located over the weighing room, and the Earth Summit Restaurant at the rear of the County Stand also offer superb hospitality plus a Grandstand badge of your choice.
To obtain further details on the above hospitality facilities, or to make bookings, you can call the racecourse hospitality contact numbers below. But if you require bespoke travel arrangements, why not call our Racingsight experts on 0191 417 8744.
Needless to say, the various grandstands have a host of other eating and drinking facilities - too numerous to indicate here.
The Tattersalls enclosure has the largest capacity, accommodating thirty thousand visitors, and providing them with various bar and catering facilities, along with access to the newly redeveloped Aintree Pavilion, the Chair Pavilion, and the Irish bar, the latter being located on the ground floor of the Princess Royal Stand. Tattersalls badge holders have access to the parade ring and winners enclosure. West Tip badge holders also have their own bar facilities.
Only for the Grand National meeting, the John Smiths no nonsense enclosure, on the far side of the Melling Road, becomes available to race goers. It provides bar and snack facilities, but there is no access to the parade ring and winners enclosure.
A reminder, the Aintree hospitality telephone Hotline is: 0151522 2911.
Disabled parking is available in the County car park, but space is limited. For the Grand national meeting, disabled parking permits must be arranged in advance. For all other meetings, advance arrangements are strongly recommended.
The Princess Royal, and Queen Mother stands, offer the best facilities for disabled patrons, including lifts, and specialised toilets on all floors. There is also a special viewing area in the Princess Royal grandstand.
Guide Dogs are permitted in all racecourse public areas.
Friday 10 June
M6 traffic from the South, should exit at junction 21A, and join the westbound M62. Leave that motorway at junction 6, and join the M57. Following the signs to the racecourse, you eventually join the A59, which leads to the course entrances.
Traffic from the North should leave the M6 at junction 26 to join the M58then follow the signs to the racecourse.
From the Mersey Tunnel – follow the signs to Preston, pick up the M59, and follow the signposts to the races.
For the Grand National meeting it is strongly suggested parking be booked in advance. Overspill parking and a shuttle bus service are provided on Grand National day to the Seeds Lane entrance to the racecourse. Return services are available after racing.
There is free on course parking for pre booked coach parties in the Tattersalls and Steeplechase car parks.
Trains from all over the country terminate at Liverpool Lime Street station. From the main line station you have two options. You can either walk the short distance over to Liverpool Central station, or go down to the Merseyrail underground station at Lime Street, and catch a train to Liverpool Central (the next stop), then change platform. Either way, you need to board a northern line train. These include - special race day trains, which go directly to Aintree station, or the regular Ormskirk Mersey rail service, which calls at Aintree. Regular trains run every fifteen minutes, but the service is every seven minutes on Grand National Day.
Aintree station is directly opposite the entrance to the racecourse.
National Express operate many services into Liverpool from all over the UK. Once in Liverpool, proceed to Queens Square, and catch any one of the following services to Aintree racecourse; 300, 311, 345, 350, and 351.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is situated just 20 minutes by road from Aintree, while Manchester Airport is only 45 minutes away.
Subject to prior permission from the racecourse management, helicopters may land on the course.
Located just under six miles from Aintree Racecourse, and within easy reach of the vibrant heart of the City of Liverpool, the 4 Star Suites Hotel Knowsley provides a unique stylish oasis for racing professionals or discerning race-goers who are attending the quality national hunt racing at Aintree.
The hotel offers 101 extremely well appointed personal suites. Each suite comprising an executive bedroom, spacious lounge, and stylish contemporary en suite facilities. Queen sized beds guarantee a good night’s sleep, while other comforts are provided by air conditioning, remote controlled televisions with satellite channels, complimentary wi-fi internet access, and the other bedroom amenities discerning guests expect in a superior four star hotel. The lounge area comprises a dining table and chairs, plus a comfortable sofa and coffee table where guests can just relax, or if they prefer, watch their second television. For guests seeking extra luxury during their stay, they can upgrade to one of the 20 executive suites, which have enhanced facilities such as; LCD televisions, a fridge, complimentary bath robes, duvets, a turn down service, and larger bathrooms. In addition the hotel has a Presidential Suite called the Lindon Suite – full details being available on our website.
Handley’s Mediterranean Style Restaurant is a bright and airey room offering the ideal combination of comfort and superb cuisine. In the adjacent Handley’s Lounge Bar guests can enjoy sumptious surroundings while they unwind and relax while enjoying sandwiches, snacks, afternoon tea, quality coffee, or a comprehensive range of alcoholic beverages.
The hotel’s 400 Club is one of the finest leisure and fitness facilities in the north west of England. Hotel residents are provided with free access to the fully equipped techno gymnasium, 18 metre heated swimming pool with 3 hydra jets, sauna facilities, steam room, and to relax those tired muscles, 2 spa baths.
For further details on the Suites Hotel Knowsley, or to book directly, use the link below.
Located adjacent to the Ferry Terminal, and offering fabulous views across the historic River Mersey, the elegant and stylish Radisson SAS Hotel occupies a prime position in the business district of Liverpool, and is within walking distance of most of the city’s cultural and tourist attractions. The M53, M6 and M62 motorways are within a ten minute drive, indeed the hotel is easily accessible by road, rail, sea, and air. For guests wishing to attend the famous Aintree Races,a nearby underground station provides Merseyrail links to Aintree Racecourse. Subject to request, The hotel can also arrange taxi or private hire transport for race-goers, while guests preferring to use their own vehicle can utilise our secure valet service car park.
The hotel offers a total of 194 guest rooms, including Business Class rooms, suites, and the outstanding luxury of the River Suite. All rooms are individually designed in two unique styles – Ocean and Urban – providing a choice to suit every taste and mood. All of the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms offer; comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep, slimline LCD televisions with satellite and cable channels, wi-fi broadband internet access, and the standard room amenities discerning guests expect from a superior four star hotel. Executive rooms and suites provide additional facilities, full details being available on our website.
The hotel’s award winning Filini Italian Restaurant uses the very best local and Italian ingredients to create mouthwatering exquisite dishes to tantalise even the most jaded palate. Offering a modern romantic space, the restaurant perfectly combines rustic Italian charm with contemporary comfort and design. Alternatively, the White Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the buzz of a busy luxury hotel. White Bar patrons can enjoy platter meals, salads, pastas, panini’s, or maybe a selection of tapas and a bottle of wine amongst old and new friends. The White Bar is also renowned for serving the freshest and most ingenious cocktails in the whole of Liverpool. For guests wishing to dine in the comfort of their room, the hotel also offers a comprehensive 24 hour room service menu.
Arks Spa and Fitness provides a stylish and spacious health club where a friendly team offer advice on nutrition and exercise, and do their best to help you to keep your lifestyle healthy. Activity areas include; a fully equipped techno gymnasium, dance studio, swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. In addition, Ark’s Treatment Rooms provide a stress free environment where guests can relax and receive a comprehensive range of beauty therapies applied by a professional and fully qualified staff.
For full details on the Radisson SAS Hotel Liverpool, or to book directly, use the link below.
In a feature unique to the Grand National obstacles, With the exception of the water jump, all the fences are covered with spruce. For first time entrants, this can be an unnerving characteristic, particularly as it makes the fences big and broad.
The start of the Grand National occurs in front of the Aintree mound, and can be observed from all the enclosures. When the starting tape snaps open, a massive roar can be heard from all the assembled race goers. Like a cavalry charge of old, a maximum of forty horses and jockeys set off at a gallop towards the sixteen Grand National fences.
Fence Three, and Nineteenth: This fence is called West Head. A six foot wide ditch proceeds a 5 foot fence. This first open ditch causes the runners to measure their approach, then they have to stand off, and really stretch to reach the landing side of the fence. This obstacle usually claims a few casualties.
Fence Sixteen, The Water Jump: The fence is only 2 foot 6 inches high, but horses have to really stretch out for a long jump over the water. As this jump is also in front of the stands, it gives race goers a wonderful view of the athleticism of the horses and their jockeys.
Apart from its fences, the Grand National is famous for other features:
At 494 yards in length, the unique run in after the last fence is one yard short of two and a quarter furlongs. This makes it one of the longest national hunt run ins on a United Kingdom racecourse. Furthermore, it has the famous kink, called the Elbow. This causes a change of direction, and can often distract a tired leading horse.
During the Grand National, the course also crosses the cinder surface of the Melling Road on four occasions. Some horses do not like the Kick Back off this feature, and it can adversely affect their progress.
Finally, during each national hunt season, four other races use around one circuit of the Grand National fences. At the grand national meeting in April there are two such races, The topham Trophy, formerly known as The John Hughes, and The Foxhunters chase. While at the November meeting, the other two races are The Grand Sefton handicap chase, and the Becher handicap chase.
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2010: Don't Push It, age 10, wt 11- 0, Trainer J J O'Neill, jockey A P McCoy.
2009: Mon Mome, age 9, wt 11- 0, Trainer Venetia Williams, jockey Liam Treadwell.
2008: Comply or Die, aged 9, wt 10 - 9, Trainer D Pipe, Jockey T Murphy.
2007: Silver Birch, aged 10, weight 10 – 6, trainer Gordon Elliot, jockey S Power.
2006: Numbersixvalverde, aged 10, wt 10 – 6, trainer M Brassil, J: - N P Madden.
2005: Hedgehunter, aged 9, wt 11 - 1, trainer P Mullins, jockey R Walsh.
2004: Amberley House, aged 12, wt 10 – 10, trainer D McCain, Jockey G Lee.
2003: Monty’s Pass, aged 10, wt 10 – 7, trainer J J Mangan, jockey B J Geraghty.
2002: Bindaree, Aged 8, wt 10 -4, trainer N Twiston-Davies, jockey J Culloty.
2001: Red Marauder, aged 11, wt 10 – 11, trainer N B Mason, jockey R Guest.
2000: Papillon, aged 9, wt 10 – 12, trainer T M Walsh, jockey R Walsh.
1999: Bobbyjo, aged 9, wt 10 – 0, trainer T Carberry, jockey P Carberry.
1998: Earth Summit, age 10, wt 10 – 5, trainer N Twiston-Davies, jock C Llewellyn.
1997: Lord Gyllene, age 9, wt 10 – 0, trainer S A Brookshaw, jockey A Dobbin.
1996: Rough Quest, age 10, wt 10 – 7, trainer T Casey, jockey M A Fitzgerald.
1995: Royal Athlete, age 12, wt 10 – 6, trainer Mrs J Pitman, jockey J F Titley.
1994: Miinnehoma, age 11, wt 10 – 8, trainer M C Pipe, jockey R Dunwoody.
1993: Race declared null and void, after false start to race.
1992: Party Politics, age8, wt 10 – 7, trainer N A Gaselee, jockey C Llewellyn.
1991: Seagram, age 11, wt 10 – 6, trainer D H Barons, jockey N Hawke.
1990: Mr Frisk, age 11, wt 10 – 6, trainer K C Bailey, jockey Mr M Armytage.
1989: Little Polveir, age 12, wt 10 – 3, trainer G B Balding, jockey J Frost.
1988: Rhyme ‘n’ reason, age 9, wt 11 – 0, trainer D Elsworth, jockey B Powell.
1987: Maori venture, age 11, wt 10 – 13, trainer A Turnell, jockey S Knight.
1986: West Tip, age 9, wt 10 – 11, trainer M Oliver, jockey R Dunwoody.
1985: Last suspect, age 11, wt 10 – 5, trainer T Forster, jockey H Davies.
1984: Hallo Dandy, age 10, wt 10 – 2, trainer G Richards, jockey N Doughty.
1983: Corbiere, age 8, wt 11 – 4, trainer Mrs J Pitman, jockey B de Haan.
1982: Grittar, age 9, wt 11 – 5, trainer F Gilmar, jockey Mr R Saunders.
1981: Aldaniti, age 11, wt 10 – 13, trainer J Gifford, jockey R Champion.
1980: Ben Nevis, age 12, wt 10 – 12, trainer t Forster, jockey Mr C Fenwick.
1979: Rubstic, age 10, wt 10 – 0, trainer S J Leadbetter, jockey M Barnes.
1978: Lucius, age 9, wt 10 – 9, trainer G W Richards, jockey B R Davies.
1977: Red Rum, age 12, wt 11 – 8, trainer D McCain, jockey T Stack.
1976: Rag trade, age 10, wt 10 – 12, trainer T F Rimell, jockey J Burke.
1975: L’Escargot, age 12, wt 11 – 3, trainer D Moore, jockey T Carberry.
1974: Red Rum, age 9, wt 12 – 0, trainer D McCain, jockey B Fletcher.
1973: Red Rum, age 8, wt 10 – 5, trainer D McCain, jockey B Fletcher.
1972: Well to do, age 9, wt 10 – 1 trainer Captain E A Forster, jockeyG Thorner.
1971: Specify, age 9, wt 10 – 13, trainer J Sutcliffe, jockey J Cook.
1970: Gay trip, age 8, wt 11 – 5, trainer T F Rimell, jockey P Taaffe.