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The Grand National Meeting at Aintree is one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar in the UK. It takes place over three days in April, with the feature race coming on the third and final day.

Here is everything you need to know about the Grand National if you are planning on attending the meeting in Liverpool.

World’s Most Famous Steeplechase

Many horse racing fans make the annual trip to Merseyside for the Grand National as the contest is unique. 34 runners line up for a marathon trip of four miles, two-and-a-half furlongs, and they jump fences which are much bigger than the standard National Hunt obstacles.

Corach Rambler became the latest horse to add his name to the roll of honour at Aintree in 2023. He is the 9/2 favourite in the Grand National odds from Paddy Power to score again and become just the third repeat winner since 1977.

Trainer by Lucinda Russell, Corach Rambler has been one of the popular Grand National 2024 tips as he ran well in defeat on his latest appearance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. The popular chaser will have a lot of supporters once again at Aintree.

Three Day Meeting 

The three-day meeting at Aintree is not just about the Grand National, there are several Grade One races on the schedule. Many of the leading horses from the Cheltenham Festival a month earlier appear bidding to complete a major double. This year could feature Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo.

The best horses from the UK and Ireland tend to clash in their respective divisions at Aintree, with the Aintree Bowl, Aintree Hurdle and Topham Handicap Chase some of the other highlights on the track.

At the end of the three days, awards are given out to the leading jockey and trainer at the meeting. The latter has been dominated by Irish Champion Trainer Willie Mullins in recent years. As the BBC reported earlier this year, he recently recorded his 100th winner at the Cheltenham Festival and is on course for one of the best campaigns of his career.

World Class Hospitality

Aintree Racecourse is considered one of the premier racecourses in the UK. Not only is it welcoming to all of its guests, but it also has world-class hospitality on offer, should you want to treat yourself to a package.

Bookings can be taken at one of the racecourse’s restaurants so you can enjoy a nice meal before racing, while there are also a limited number of private boxes to enjoy the day alongside friends and family.

Over 200,000 spectators visit Aintree Racecourse during the Grand National meeting and securing one of the hospitality packages at the venue will give you the best possible view of the action. You will be given priority access when you arrive so you get to avoid the queues for the entrance.

Aintree Racecourse is also a short trip from Liverpool city centre so there are lots of hotels, restaurants and other nightlife activities to book during your stay. The city is accustomed to hosting tourists from around the world.

Enjoy your visit to the Grand National whether that is for the 176th renewal of the event in 2024 or beyond.