The Grand National is one of the most famous horse steeple races in the world. The race is so popular that it routinely attracts hundreds of millions of people who catch the race live on numerous platforms. If you have heard about this race and have not attended or watched it, here is everything you need to know as a spectator.
The Grand National At Aintree
This horse racing event has been held since 1839 and became popular in Liverpool and England before the rest of the world caught on. It now attracts a global audience, with some people visiting Aintree for their race and others watching the race on different platforms.
Although there are favourites, this race is unpredictable in that anyone can win, with even the smallest mistakes or hang-ups punished as other horses and jockeys ride past you.
The Participants
As you might expect, most people focus on the jockeys and the horses as these are the main participants in the race. The Grand National involves 40 horses and their jockeys. The jockeys wear attires of different colours and different design elements so spectators can easily identify them during the race. You can also differentiate between the different horses depending on the colour of their fur.
There is always a favourite every year for the jockey and horse that will win the race. These are the jockeys and horses that have been doing well in the last few months, and many people like to bet on such horses.
There is a lot of research that goes into selecting a jockey and horse who will win including their past record on a similar surface and other steeplechase races, as well as the jockey’s record in such events. Importantly, you also need a website where you can place your bets. You can rely on reputable review websites that put together a list of the best betting websites for horse racing so you can easily find one for the type of bet you would like to place.
Event Overview
You need a ticket to get into the event. Tickets start at £32, and you can find them on one of the numerous platforms that sell them. If you are travelling from outside Liverpool, you will need somewhere to stay. Fortunately, there are numerous award-winning hotels in the surrounding areas where spectators can stay.
Opening Day
It is important to remember that the Grand National is not only about racing but is also a celebration of the people who attend. The opening day is perhaps the most obvious sign of this. You get the official opening ceremony, a celebration of different people who are making a difference in their communities and up to four Grade 1 races.
Since everyone is fresh on this day, you can expect some record-breaking and history-making on the first day as jockeys push their horses as far as they can.
Ladies Day
Away from the action on the course, attendees are also treated to a lot of fun, fashion, and entertainment. The happens on the second day known as Ladies’ Day. This day is dedicated to fashionistas who would like to show off their fashion sense and designs.
Those who stand out and have the best outfits get the chance to win amazing prizes including cars, holidays, and cash. If you are attending the second day of racing, ensure you put on something eye-catching, so the organisers notice you and put you in the running to win these incredible prizes.
Even if you do not win, you still get to have some fun and enjoy an amazing day of racing.
Planning Your Day
It is a good idea to plan your day so there is no confusion when you get to the racecourse. After you have bought your ticket and sorted out other details like accommodation, check out the different races that will take place on the day as well as their timings.
This will help you be on time for the races you are interested in because each of them starts strictly on schedule.
Attending the Grand National at Aintree is something everyone should do at least once. There are a lot of interesting races to watch, and Ladies’ Day gives you the opportunity to show off your best attire.
