Grand National 2022: Everything you need to know if you are heading to Aintree today

All set for Grand National Day?

Grand National day has arrived and the sun is shining down on Aintree Racecourse as 50,000 race-goers get set to descend on the third day of the festival.

It’s the biggie, Grand National Day is here, and there’ll be a sell-out crowd to make sure it’s incredible.

If you’re coming, the gates open a bit earlier than on previous days – at 10am – so get here early and give yourself loads of time to make the most of the atmosphere at the world’s greatest racing event.

Don’t forget, Merseyrail has increased the train service between the city centre and Aintree, so they’re now running every 10 minutes and it’s definitely the least-hassle way to get to and from the course. 

The first race is at 1.45pm and the last one is 6.20pm, but it’s the National itself at 5.15pm which will have millions of people watching from all around the globe.

Will Rachael Blackmore, who made history as the first woman to ride to victory last year, be able to do the double on Minella Times?

The punters are loving her, and they’re really getting their money behind the grey Snow Leopardess who’s got a classic Aintree fairytale backstory, but as anyone who’s bet on the race in the past knows, the National is always anyone’s race.

And honestly, when you’re heading back into town with your flip-flops on after an amazing day, it feels like everyone – including our city – has been a massive winner.

What time do gates open?

Gates open at Aintree Racecourse today a little earlier, you can access the course from 10am.

How do I get there?

The big advice to racegoers attending this year’s Randox Grand National is to plan ahead, use public transport where possible and leave plenty of time to make sure they can get to this year’s event. Merseyrail will run a 10-minute service with trains to and from Aintree to Liverpool City Centre.

Should I get the train?

Merseyrail has regular services running to and from Aintree Station. On Saturday 9 April, a 10-minute service will run between Aintree and Liverpool Central stations at the following times:

• From approx 10:30 – 13:50 (before the races)
• From approx 17:35 – 21:00 (after the races)

There will also be timetable changes to some other Merseyrail services to accommodate the increased number of services for racegoers.

Northern Rail are also planning to operate additional services, passengers should regularly check the Northern website for further details.

How about bus services?

The 300, 310 & 345 services run regularly between Queen Square bus station and Aintree.

All buses will accept contactless and mobile payments.

Check bus operator websites and social media accounts for up-to-date schedule information.

Is it on TV?

A global audience of more than 500million people in over 140 countries watch the Grand National, which is why it’s known as the world’s greatest steeplechase. It’s due to be shown live on ITV and also on Racing TV, although obviously there’s nothing quite like the buzz of being there in person. And don’t forget watch all of your local coverage with The Guide Liverpool team, Gemma Cutting, Jay Hynd, Pete Price, and Rach & Josh on our platforms @TheGuideLpool!

What about food and drink at Aintree?

There are lots of food stalls across the Festival Zone at Aintree, everything from toasties to burgers, pizza to hog roast. There are more bars than ever before meaning queue times are a little shorter than previous years.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Aintree ask you not to bring any food or drink on to the course – including alcohol and picnics – unless where otherwise stated in the specific raceday information.

Please contact the racecourse directly if you require further guidance.

Is there live music?

Yes, head to the Aintree Pavillion for live music all day, you can also be entertained by DJ’s, sax players and more in the Red Rum Garden.

How do I place best on course?

Cash may be used when placing bets on the Tote and with all on-course bookmakers.

Please note that due to new laws prohibiting the use of credit to place a bet, all betting facilities on site will be unable to accept Apple Pay.

Can you use cash on course?

The racecourse continue to operate on a ‘cashless’ basis, including concessions. However, cash may be used when placing bets with all on-course bookmakers.

What is the Art School doing at Aintree?

There’s an all-new culinary experience at the Randox Grand National Festival this year, as award-winning, celebrity chef, Paul Askew, and his expert team recreate The Art School at Aintree Racecourse.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy views of the Parade Ring as a six-course tasting menu is served to you throughout the afternoon, complemented by a flight of Fine Wines. On arrival, you will be greeted with a glass of Charles Heidsieck & ‘Les Fruits De Mer’, with five successive, delicious courses served between each race all matched with a hand selection of fine wines chosen by Paul’s sommelier team. Your dining experience will conclude with a unique Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Are tickets still available to buy?

For Grand National Day, the only tickets remaining are for the Embankment, all the other enclosures are now sold out.

Visit the Aintree website for more info.