Everything you need to know about the first ever Boxing Day event at Aintree Racecourse

Aintree Racecourse has announced its first ever Boxing Day fixture – and here’s everything you need to know

Boxing Day is always a biggie for the world of racing and for the first time ever this year Aintree Racecourse is joining in the fun!

The top Merseyside course has announced a fabulous Boxing Day fixture so you can carry on the festive celebrations in style.

And if you fancy being first in the stalls for this amazing race event, here’s everything you need to know.

When is it?

Boxing Day – December 26^th of course! – and gates open at 10.05am.

What can I expect?

You can expect a full race schedule with seven races giving you every chance of a bet (and a win) and an entertaining and great day out.

What races are there – and when do they start?

The racing gets underway at 12.05pm, with a last race time of 3.52pm – it’s a busy old afternoon. 

The races are:

12.05pm – The racingtv.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle 0-120: Distance 2m 4f

12.40pm – The Unibet Veteran’s Handicap Chase (10yo+) 0-150: Distance 2m 4f

1.15pm – The Racing TV Handicap Hurdle (Class 2): Distance 2m 4f

1.47pm – The Formby Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Formerly the Tolworth Hurdle) (ITV): Distance 2m ½f

2.22pm – The Bet at racingtv.com Handicap Chase 0-130: Distance 3m 1f

2.57pm – The Visit racingtv.com Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: Distance 2m 4f

3.32pm – The Racing TV National Hunt Flat Race: Distance 2m 1f

How much are tickets and how do I get them?

You can pay at the gate on the day (providing it’s not sold out) but you’ll save a few quid (£5) and guarantee your ticket by buying it online in advance. Tickets start from £30 for grandstand and paddock, but there are loads of other tickets you can buy depending on where you want to be.

For example, tickets for the Lord Daresbury Roof cost £40 and for that you get a birds-eye view directly above the finishing post, with an excellent vantage point over the course. This area offers an outdoor balcony area and access to the parade ring and winners’ enclosure. Queen Mother seats are £50 and give you great views of the finishing post and course, from your partially covered seat. It is also ideally located for the parade ring and winners’ enclosure.

Children (under 18) are free in the grandstand and paddock.

For full ticket and seating details, and costs, click HERE.

Are there hospitality packages?

Yes, if you really want to celebrate the festive race day and make the most of Boxing Day, there’s a range of hospitality packages including the Classic Restaurant Experience at £125 each, which includes premier course admission, a two-course carvery meal, tea and coffee, VIP parking, a racecard, and more.

For hospitality tickets click HERE.

Can I pay with cash on the day?

Aintree Racecourse is a ‘cashless’ course and there are no cash machines there so, if you do want to use cash, you need to take it with you. Cash can be used when placing bets on the Tote and all on-course bookmakers, but all betting facilities are unable to accept Apple Pay.

The Jockey Club app

You can make the most of your experience at Aintree Racecourse with The Jockey Club’s raceday app. You get a digital racecard, exclusive content and competitions .

What shall I wear?

Aintree Racecourse reckons racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone – and they should be comfortable!  They say: “The more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. So that’s why we’ve created one very simple piece of guidance, to come ‘dressed to feel your best’. For some, wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers is what makes them feel confident and at-ease. For others, they might prefer to turn heads with a sharp suit or glamorous dress and high heels.”

So it’s up to you – but it is Christmas!

How do I get there?

It’s really easy to find and get to. Aintree Racecourse is on the A59, just a mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6. Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the yellow/tourism signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks.

For your SatNav, the postcode is L9 5AS.

For more info on the Aintree Racecourse Boxing Day event click HERE.