Randox Grand National 2022: Everything you need to know

The Randox Grand National Festival 2022 takes place at Aintree Racecourse from 7-9 April.

Crowds will be heading back to Aintree for the Randox Grand National this April after two years away due to Covid – and we can’t wait!

2020 was a virtual one, and last year’s big race had to be held behind closed doors, but now the full-on festival can happen again and we’re all under starter’s orders for world class racing and partying.

As usual it will take place over three days, with the opening day on the Thursday, Ladies Day on the Friday and the Randox Grand National Day on the Saturday – and The Guide Liverpool will be there giving live coverage of all the action on and off the course every day so keep it here.

The Style Awards is back too, as if Aintree racegoers really needed an excuse to dress up, so that’s something extra to look forward to on Fabulous Friday.

After so long away, the countdown is really on now, so here’s everything we know so far about the Randox Grand National 2022 …

When is it happening?

The festival is over three days, from Thursday April 7 to Saturday April 9. The first race of each day is at 1.45pm and on the first two days, the last race is 5.15pm (just in case you need to plan your Merseyrail train home!). On the Saturday, the big one, the Grand National, is at 5.15pm.

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’s happening on the Thursday?

The opening day is being dedicated again to the region’s NHS staff, celebrating their heroic efforts especially during the pandemic. Thursday is always the most relaxed day of the festival, and this year in addition to the racing there’ll be a performance at the opening ceremony from soprano Laura Wright along with the Merseyside NHS choir to get things off to a great start.

Book tickets for Thursday here.

What about Ladies Day?

All eyes will be on Aintree for Fabulous Friday when we get our glam on for Ladies Day. It’s one of the biggest days in the racing calendar, and in the fashion one, and this year promises to be even more amazing than usual because once all the races are run, Craig Charles will be keeping the party going and DJing on the Red Rum lawn.

Book tickets for Ladies Day here.

When is the Style Award?

The Style Awards are a massive highlight of Ladies Day and for 2022 they’ve got a new official style partner – fashion brand Never Fully Dressed. Label founder Lucy Aylen will be one of the judges for this year’s contest along with The Guide Liverpool’s Jay Hynd and Gemma Cutting. There’ll be a £500 NFD voucher for the winner, plus a prize package including £5,000 in cash and a luxury staycation spa break, and prizes for second and third place too.

Find out more about the Style Award and how to enter here.

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.

Book online here.

Are tickets still available to buy?

Yes, but if you want to go be quick because they’re getting very limited. On Thursday tickets are still available in most areas so far, although they’re sold out for the Queen Mother roof and Platinum Lounge. Most Ladies Day tickets are now sold out, although you can still get some for the Festival Zone. On Grand National Day, the only tickets remaining are for the Embankment, all the other enclosures are now sold out.

Book tickets for Thursday or Friday here.

What about the actual racing?

As well as the fashion, the drinks, the entertainment and the food, there’s also the actual racing. This year is set to be one of the most competitive Grand National races yet, and there’s plenty to see and cheer to over the three days.

See who’s racing here.