13 LUCKY tips for winning (and not just on the gee gee’s) at Aintree…

Yes 13 is unlucky for some, but not for you as we have got 13 LUCKY tips for winning at Aintree and not just on the horses…

It’s Crabbies Grand National week again here in Liverpool and let’s face it we REALLY love going to the races.

Aintree Races is the first event in a whole series across Merseyside that gives our girls the opportunity to get dressed up to the nines….and they go ALL OUT!

It’s fair to say that preparation for the races costs most of us a small fortune, at least the girls. Tan, lashes, brows, make-up, hair, outfit, shoes….it’s a surprise anyone can afford a Prosecco and a flutter once that’s all taken care of.

With that in mind we’ve compiled a few sneaky tricks and tips to help you be a winner at Aintree, even if you do back a donkey!

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1. If you’ve not already bought your race day outfit yet and you fancy a designer label this first tip might just save any agro from your husband/wife/partner/mum/dad for blowing the rent money. Yes we know you are cutting it short, but still lots to pick up in town over the next few days, but grab a red felt tip pen, stick it in your handbag and before you get home, mark that £250 label RIGHT DOWN. Gotta love a sale purchase haven’t you?

2. Following on the pre-races theme, why not start the day in style with a champagne breakfast? You’re spoilt for choice and amazing value across the city with packages available from £25.95 and that includes return transport too! Check out Alma De Cuba, Malmaison and Circo for more details. Gusto in the Albert Dock have also launched their new Brunch menu and trust us it is well worth a try (they even do Brunch cocktails!) Check out the Gusto Brunch menu here.

3. Capital FM are at the racecourse all weekend and Imogen from the breakfast show will be handing out spot-prizes to those looking good and having a blast! Go find her for a little treat.

Picture. Bond Media Agency

4. Aintree recently announced the biggest ever Grand National Ladies Day Style Award prize for this year’s meeting. Worth a massive £43,000 the prize includes a white Range Rover Evoque, from Hatfield’s Land Rover plus £8,000 worth of stuff from Liverpool One. Imagine it!……Any chance of a lift into town in your new wheels?

5. If you’re planning on playing out, hitting the city centre bars and pubs post-races and you’ve not booked transport, be savvy and remember this little tip! Get on the train TO MAGHULL, oh yeah! Head away from the city and get off two stops up the line at Maghull, and then jump back on the city line and miss the absolute chaos at Aintree station. Shoes off, comfy(ish) seat, happy days! Talking trains Moorfields is back open for business just in time to get you straight into town after the races, or to Aintree from your champagne brekky!

6. It’s unlikely you’ll see many ladies wearing flat shoes at the Grand National. However, by the time the last filly has crossed the finish line for the day you can bet every woman wishes she hadn’t worn heels. When choosing your race day bag, scope out those big enough to fit a pair of flats in. You can thank us later.

7. If your bag is just too chic to carry flats fear not! You can kick off your heels for a pair of flip flops from Merseyrail as they’ve got 10,000 to share after the last race, keep an eye our for the Merseyrail pop up stand and the Merseyrail staff handing out goodies.

8. A tip from the regulars at Aintree, take your cash out before you get to the race course and avoid the ridiculously long queues and £1.85 charge for accessing your own money. More time and pennies for prosecco.

9. Another way to beat the queues is to place your bets as soon as you get into the racecourse, especially if the rain makes an appearance….queueing and rain…urgh. Plus chuck all your slips in at the end of the day for a surprise win! (or not).

Picture. Bond Media Agency

10. Speaking of rain, A long handled, clear plastic brolly is the preferred choice for our girls as you can keep an eye on all the action (fillies and fitties) while staying dry and protecting your curly blow! If you don’t have tickets for a covered stand, a little bird tells us the Equestrian Centre is the best place to take shelter! Failing that, get there early,find the nearest bar and set up camp for the day in there!

Equestrian Centre at Aintree Racecourse

11. If you’re just getting started as the races are ending there’s a brilliant line up of entertainment waiting right for you! Fill your cup, stick your flip flops on and dance your way into the night with Top Loader, Brian McFadden, The Feeling and Escala performing across the first two days of the festival. Don’t miss sporting Soprano, Laura Wright singing the national anthem on National day as well as her performance on the Red Rum Lawn on Grand opening day. Belter!

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12. The fun doesn’t have to end at Aintree, there’s a wealth of city pubs and clubs running after parties dedicated to racegoers, check out Empire, Alma De Cuba and Red Door for details and get booking. The Clubhouse at Liverpool One is opening its Vueve Cliqcot Champagne Bar outside for the very first time. Post Grand National sophistication right there! Die hard clubbers can head to Mansion or Garlands to carry the party on into day two.

Clubhouse Liverpool

13. The most important tip for the big day. Don’t be a dope and forget your tickets. Aintree aren’t issuing those nifty little race tags this year (gutted, no showing off in town later on) and instead will be providing wrist bands at the course.

DON’T FORGET YOUR TICKETS. NO TICKET, NO WRISTBAND, NO ENTRY!

Picture. Bond Media Agency