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

12 months ago

<strong>Everything you need to know about the Opening Day of Aintree Races</strong>
Grand National at Aintree 2022

It has finally arrived, one of the most anticipated events of the year for Liverpool.

The Randox Grand National at Aintree is ready to open its doors tomorrow, April 13, for three days of first-class racing, partying and, of course, everyone’s favourite steeplechase. 

As always, we at The Guide will be there every day giving live coverage of the action, on and off the course, so it goes without saying we’re very excited. 

Thursday will see our very own Jay Hynd joined with Josh McDowell and Rachel Rhodes as they will be bringing us the latest in what’s going on at the Opening Day event. Keep checking our social media to see the highlights of the day.

DON’T FORGET to tag us in all of your snaps so we can show off what a boss time you’re all having!

Here’s everything you need to know to make sure the Opening Day goes smoothly:

Where is it? 

Aintree Racecourse, which has hosted the Grand National Festival since 1839.

What time does it open?

Gates open at 11.00am with the first race starting at 1.45pm. 

Travelling to Aintree 

Merseyrail
Merseyrail / Stadler 777

Getting the train makes a trip to Aintree a doddle, there’s plenty of trains running and the station’s only a short walk across the road from the racecourse itself. Plus, it means you can have a glass of fizz or two with your full English.

A special Merseyrail timetable for the Grand National Festival, with a seven-and-a-half-minute frequency of service, will be running between Liverpool City Centre and Aintree station before the start and after the finish of the races on each day of the festival.

On all three days, a seven-and-a-half-minute service will run between Aintree and Liverpool Central/Moorfields stations at the following times:

  • From approximately 11.00am – 2.00pm (before the races)
  • From approximately 5.00pm – 8.48pm (after the races)

For more info on Merseyrail click here.

What happens on the Thursday?

The opening day is always one of the most chilled and relaxed of the festival. 

There’s a full racing schedule, starting at 1.45pm, and as well as being able to watch world class racing, there will be live music and entertainment to get things off to a great start.

Will there be entertainment on Thursday? 

As well as a string quartet, there’ll be music from Fat Cats, Apres Music and Scott Chapman, as well as a DJ, at various times across the course, from the Aspall and Pravha Garden Bars, to the Red Rum Garden Stage and Grand National Avenue.

For a full set list click here

Is there Food?

Paul Askew

Aintree’s got great restaurants if you want a full sit down dinner or celebratory meal – The Art School’s Paul Askew has also got a great race day treat experience too with an amazing six-course tasting menu and Champagne afternoon tea – but if you’re eating on the go you can’t beat a hot hog roast sandwich from one of the stands around the course – with stuffing of course! 

What’s the dress code? 

There’s no official dress code at The Grand National. They encourage you to come dressed to feel your best! 

Aintree is a spectacle of colour for all three days of the festival, with many using their trip as an opportunity to showcase their favourite race-day looks.

Please note: Fancy dress – avoid inappropriate or offensive outfits, as anything deemed vulgar or derogatory may be refused entry. For any sportswear avoid wearing team colours/sports kits.

Timetable: 

1.45pm – The Racehorse Lotto Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 

2.20pm – The Jewson Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 

2.55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1 

3.30pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle (Class 1) Grade 1 

4.05pm – The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase 

4.40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 3 

5.15pm – The Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat (Grade 2)

Please note that the race times are subject to change. 

Should I bring a brolly? 

There is no rain forecast for Thursday, but there may be some strong winds.

Temperatures are between 6°C – 11°C so chances are you may need to wrap up a bit!

How can I find out more? 

Don’t forget to keep checking The Guide Liverpool’s social media accounts, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

You can also find out more at The Jockey Club’s website here

For all the latest Grand National at Aintree news keep following The Guide Liverpool

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