Aintree Racecourse Guide

The Grand National is the world's most recognisable Jumps race, with the spruce-clad fences at Aintree racecourse a familiar sight to racing enthusiasts and sports lovers alike.

There are two different courses at Aintree and we have put together the ultimate guide for everything you need to know about the famous racecourse.

Aintree Racecourse Location

Where is Aintree?

Aintree Racecourse is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, just to the north of the city of Liverpool.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse

By Train

Merseyrail trains run between the Liverpool Central Station and Aintree Station every 15 minutes.

Aintree Station is perfectly situated across the road from the racecourse and is less than five-minute walk away.

By Bus

Some racegoers opt to travel by bus, with services 300, 310 and 345 available to and from Liverpool.

By Car

• From South Leave M6 at J21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57, follow signs for races.
• From North Leave M6 at J26 and join M58, follow the signs for races.
• From Mersey Tunnels follow signs for Preston, then for A59, then signs for races.

Aintree Racecourse Layout

Track Layout

Grand National Course

The Grand National course is triangular with its apex at the Canal Turn, the furthest point from the grandstands.

The Grand National is the world’s most famous steeplechase race, run over two complete circuits of the course.

There are 16 spruce Grand National fences to jump first time round and 14 on the second spin and it still provides one of the toughest tests ever devised for horse and rider, despite modern changes that have greatly enhanced the race in terms of safety and horse welfare.

Mildmay Course

Grade 1 races like the Aintree Hurdle, Liverpool Hurdle, Bowl Chase and Melling Chase all take place on the Mildmay Course and are key contests during the three-day Grand National Festival.

A major feature of the Mildmay course is its sharpness and the fences there are stiffer than used to be the case.

Enclosures and Viewing Areas

The list of enclosures and viewing areas at Aintree Racecourse are as follows:

• Festival Zone
• West Tip
• Garden Club
• Platinum Lounge
• Princess Royal Roof
• Earl of Derby Terrace
• Queen Mother Seating
• Lord Sefton Terrace
• Lord Daresbury Roof
• The Embankment

Key Races at Aintree

Grand National

As the most famous race in the British racing calendar, the Grand National attracts the largest horse racing audience of the year.

The prestigious roll of honour includes Red Rum, Mr Frisk, Tiger Roll, Many Clouds and more.

Melling Chase

The 2m 4f race takes place at the Grand National Festival every April.

The Grade 1 race is open to horses aged five years and older and often includes horses which have competed in the Champion Chase at the previous month's Cheltenham Festival.

Becher Chase

The 3m2f Becher Chase takes place in November or December every year.

The Premier Handicap is run over the Grand National fences and is open to horses aged six years or older.

Aintree Racecourse History

Aintree Racecourse Opening Date

Aintree Racecourse first opened its doors on 7th July 1829.

Motor Racing at Aintree

Aintree Circuit was constructed in 1954 and was the UK’s first purpose-built three-mile Grand Prix motor racing circuit.

Aintree hosted five world championship Grand Prix races in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 and 1962, as well as several non-world championship Formula One races.

When was the first Grand National?

The first Grand National took place in 1839 and was won by Lottery.

For all information about the Grand National such as guides, horses and odds, be sure to explore our dedicated Grand National betting odds hub. You can also learn about Past Grand National Winner Trends to help inform your decision.