Everything you need to know about the Opening Day of Aintree Races

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve watched or been to The Randox Grand National Festival, every year it comes round again we look forward to it more than the one before.

It’s the excitement of the racing, the glamour of the racegoers, and the glory of one of Merseyside’s most famous and popular sporting events.

We just love it!

The Guide Liverpool will be there as always, with full coverage featuring Jay Hynd, Gemma Cutting, Leanne Campbell, Pete Price and Rachael Rhodes on the race-ready presenting team this year. 

And so, if you’re planning to enjoy Aintree from the off again in 2026 – and why wouldn’t you?! – here’s everything you need to know about opening day Thursday …

When is the opening day of Grand National Festival this year?

The three-day festival starts on Thursday, April 9 this year – so get it in your calendar!

What’s special about the opening day?

We all know about thrills of Grand National Day itself and the fashion fever of Ladies Day on the Friday, but the opening day is still pretty special too. The atmosphere is always lovely and laidback – even though there’s still plenty of glamour and excitement – so it’s the perfect way to start the build-up to a full-on two days ahead. And if you’ve not been to the National festival before, this might be a good way to start.

What time does everything start on Thursday?

Thursday is one of the most popular for jump racing fans with seven top-class races attracting runners from the UK and Ireland. 

If you’re planning your day, gates open at 11am, the first race is at 1.45pm and the last race is at 5.15pm. Two of the big prize money races of the day are the Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase at 2.55pm and William Hill Aintree Hurdle at 3.30pm. 

Is there any entertainment on?

Yes! Even though Thursday is traditionally the quieter of the three days, there’ll be lots of entertainment happening throughout the day, pretty much as soon as the gates open. You’ll be able to enjoy live music and DJs at sites across the course.

The Festival Zone is the beating heart of the Randox Grand National Festival. Here there are no dress codes, no reservations – and no holding back. You can dance to DJ sets all long day in Red Rum Garden, belt out the anthems in Aintree Pavilion and raise a glass in the Rose and Crown Pub.

And, for the first time ever on a UK racecourse, O Beach will bring its iconic Ibiza energy to racing’s biggest party. Brand new for 2026, The Festival Zone will host the world famous beach club, with amazing music, high-energy atmosphere and the unmistakable O Beach look and feel throughout the day.

How much are tickets – and can I still get one?

Online, tickets start from £33.50 on Opening Day for a Festival Zone ticket which gets you access to viewing over the closing stages of every race; viewing access of the Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure; the chance to relax and socialise in the Red Rum Garden with live entertainment throughout the day; access to the Rum & Ginger Bar with screens and betting facilities; live music in the Aintree Pavilion, plus Tote betting facilities and big screen viewing. 

Prices increase to up to £140 for the Princess Royal Seats and Gallery where you’ll be close to the Finishing Post and have access of the Parade Ring, Winners’ Enclosure and the Red Rum Garden. Over 21’s only. Tickets for the Platinum Lounge Seats are now sold out for Opening Day.

A range of experiences are available.

What about food and drink?

Aintree’s definitely not short of choice when it comes to places to eat and drink, whether you fancy street food like pizza, noodles, burgers and curries, or something a bit more traditional like fish and chips or a hog roast. If you want high-end, Chef Patron Paul Askew and his team at The Art School are back with a fine-dining experience in Paddock Lodge. There’s a host of restaurant packages at Aintree and, new for this year, you’ll also find the luxury dining experience Longma which includes a six-course Pan-Asian curated dining experience, an Asian-inspired afternoon tea with signature sushi selection, and an inclusive bar with curated cocktails, champagne and fine wines, and Numbersixvalverde which includes a four-course Grand Luncheon, brunch canapés, and chef’s stations serving a variety of boards, bowls and small plates throughout the day.

What is the best way to get to Aintree for Grand National opening day?

If you’re planning to come by car, there’s parking at the course, but it does need to be booked online in advance. The most popular, and hassle-free, way is by bus or train, especially train because Aintree station is only a few minutes’ walk from the racecourse entrance. Merseyrail will be running a special service on all three days of the festival.

Book your tickets for Opening Day on The Grand National website.

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