Your Aintree Grand National Bible

All the times, travel and race day info you need to have a ball at Aintree.

The eyes of the world will once again fall on Liverpool as three days of horse-racing, filled with glamour returns to the city and we’ve got all the info you need to ensure you have a memorable race weekend. From flip flops to train times, entertainment line up and dress code, we’ve got you sorted.

By far the easiest way to get to and from the racecourse is by train with Merseyrail running 6 car trains every 7 and a half minutes throughout the three day festival. You can also beat the queues and buy your tickets in advance here. With so much to see and do during your visit to the racecourse, we want to ensure you have the best day and so we’ve put together all the info you need in one handy guide.

Here’s your Aintree Grand National Bible…

1 – Start as you mean to go on

Make a full day of it and start your Grand National day with a good breakfast, check out our top picks here still taking bookings now.

2 – Money, Money, Money

Don’t forget to nip to cash point before you get to the racecourse. There are ATM’s at Aintree but who wants to miss all the action while queueing for cash?

3 – Arrive in Style

The easiest way to get to Aintree racecourse is by train and Merseyrail are running 6 car trains from Liverpool Central to Aintree every 7 and a half minutes throughout the three day festival. Beat the queues and book your tickets here.

4 – Taxi!

The Liverpool taxi firms are ready and waiting to ferry you to Aintree right across the weekend, but you’ll definitely need to book! The likes of Delta, Alpha and Village cabs are now taking bookings so get yours sorted asap.

5 – And they’re off!

All the times you need to plan your race day…

Thursday
Gates Open: 11am, First Race: 1:45pm, Last Race 5:15pm

Opening Ceremony: 1:30pm

Entertainment: T’Pau at the Aintree Pavilion from 5:30pm

Friday
Gates Open 10:30am, First Race 1:45pm, Last Race 5:15pm

Entertainment: Gabrielle at the Aintree Pavilion from 5:30pm, Jo Whiley at the Red Rum Garden from 6:30pm

Style Award: Get your picture at the floral walls from 10:30pm, winner crowned at 3:05pm

Saturday
Gates Open 10am, First Race 1:45pm, Last Race 6:20pm

The Randox Health Grand National Steeple Chase (Grade 3) 5:15pm

National Anthem: Laura Wright takes to the podium to sing the national anthem at 5:07pm

6 – Dress to Impress

Picture. Bond Media Agency

There is no official ‘dress code’ set by Aintree Racecourse, however the best advice is to dress smart. This is a great opportunity to show off your personality through your choice of outfit, hats are optional and fancy dress or any sports clothing are not permitted. Let’s see what you’ve got Liverpool!

7 – Food & Drink

If you skipped breakfast with Grand National Day nerves fear not, there’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat such as the Princess Royal Food Court which is open to all and will tide you over and of course the bars will be fully-stocked to keep you well oiled and cheering on your winner. You can’t take any food or drink into the racecourse so again, make sure you hit the cash point on the way there.

8 – Take a Tour

Ladies Day Prize – Range Rover Evoque

Aintree Racecourse is huge with so many iconic attractions to take in. Make sure you get yourself to the Red Rum Garden for a selfie with the most famous racehorse statue, have a giggle in the festival zone, check out the fillies at the parade ring and of course, look out for those all important flower walls to grab a pic for the Style Award! Check out the virtual map of Aintree here.

9 – I Got Sole

Like us you’ll probably be delighted to hear that Merseyrail staff are returning to Aintree Station to hand out flip flops this year, so give you soles a rest as you head into the city to continue to party! If you’re struggling throughout the day, get yourself to the fab medics at St John’s Ambulance, dotted around the site, for a plaster or three and a smile.

10 – The After Party

Looking for ideas on where to continue the party in town after Aintree? We’re heading to back into the city via train and checking out the cocktail deals at Red Door, Neighbourhood, The Alchemist and more. Where will you spend your winnings?

11 – Grand National Parties

If you missed out on tickets for this years Grand National, get glammed up and check out all the best parties taking place across the city, from Camp & Furnace to CIRCO, Hilton Liverpool and more.

If you have any brilliant race day tips or advice to share, drop us a line and keep it locked to our Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for live coverage from all three days of The Randox Health Grand National 2018.