Grand National Festival: Live action from Opening Day at Aintree Racecourse

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 gates today, April 11, 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. 

Today our very own Jay Hynd and Josh McDowell will be bringing us the latest in what’s going on at the Opening Day event. Keep checking our social media and this live blog 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!

5.15pm

The last race is away

That’s it for the Opening Day of the Grand National Festival. Don’t forget to keep with us at The Guide Liverpool tomorrow for all the live updates at Ladies Day.

Find out everything you need to know about Ladies Day tomorrow here!

4.40pm

Get ready with Liverpool ONE this weekend

Don’t forget you can get ready with Liverpool ONE for this weekend. From outfit ideas to hair and makeup, champagne breakfasts and post-race drinks! 

4.05pm

Josh chats to more racegoers at this year’s Grand National at Aintree

Our coverage from Aintree Racecourse continues as we meet more racegoers who are loving the sunshine and the atmosphere for Opening Day of the Randox Grand National Festival.

3.26pm

All the latest tips and info about the Grand National with Sky Bet

Jay chats to Micheal Shinners from Sky Bet, who has loads of tips for this year’s Aintree Races.

He tells us how the changes made to the Grand National main event this Saturday will make it easier for you to find your winner.

3.01pm

What a crowd!

The racecourse is buzzing with thousands of punters at Aintree who are here to kick off this year’s Grand National festivities. The sun has even made an appearance for the official start of the party.

2.13pm

Jay and Josh are at the racecourse meeting some of the first of the 150,000 race-goers set to descend on Aintree

The Randox Grand National 2024 is well and truly underway. Over 150,000 people will be in attendance at Aintree Racecourse over the next three days and already the outfits and style are looking good!

1.45pm

And they’re off…

The excitement is palpable as the first race of the Randox Grand National Festival gets underway at Aintree. Spectators eagerly watch as the horses thunder down the track, setting the stage for an action-packed three days of racing.

1.41pm

The sun is shining down on Aintree today

The atmosphere is electric at the racecourse ahead of the first race at 1.45pm.

1.25pm

There’s loads of entertainment happening across Aintree Racecourse

How incredible is this live band outside the Prava Bar? You can find the full schedule of entertainment here.

1.12pm

Jay chats to Aintree boss Dickon White as gates open for this year’s Grand National Festival

Aintree Boss Dickon White says:

“This event does not exist without the support of Liverpool.”

12.09pm

There’s blue skies at Opening Day

As racegoers are trotting into Aintree Racecourse the sun has come out to play. You can feel a buzz in the air as the excitement is building for the first race at 1.45pm.

11.51am

Sore feet? Merseyrail has got your back!

Don’t forget to pick up a pair of the famous Merseyrail flip flops later when you’re feet are starting to struggle

11.05am

The first racegoers have arrived at Aintree Racecourse

11.00am

Gates have opened!

The Guide Liverpool are here at Aintree Racecourse to bring you all the action as it unfolds throughout the day.

10.50am

Merseyside Police share tips on how to stay safe

10.14am

Red Rum Mural at Aintree Racecourse

Don’t forget to grab a selfie with the brand new mural situated above the newly-renovated Red Rum Bar at Aintree Racecourse.

Read more about it here.

10.01am

Grand National Opening Day race times:

1.45pm – The Close Brothers Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1) Grade 1

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

2.55pm – The William Hill 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)

More info here.

8.43am

Liverpool is races ready!

We spoke to some of the city centre businesses who are prepped and ready to go for Aintree 2024. Merseyrail will keep race-goers moving, Gaucho Liverpool has brunch and post-races entertainment, The Denbigh Castle pub has the beer and drinks stocked, whilst Liverpool ONE and its stores and restaurants are expecting a “glam-national” rather than a Grand National.

7.45am

Don’t forget the easiest way to get to Aintree today will be with Merseyrail.

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

Liverpool city centre to Aintree, from approximately 11:00 – 13:00 (before the races)

Aintree to Liverpool city centre, from approximately 16:30 – 20:30 (after the races)

A 15-minute service will run at all other times.

7.30am

Weather: Cloudy with no chance of rain at the moment until 10.00pm.

Temperature is currently 12°C reaching up to 17°C this afternoon.

Keep checking back for more updates about the Aintree Grand National here at The Guide Liverpool.