Aintree is known worldwide as a premier horse racing venue.
The racecourse is located in Merseyside, England and was opened on 7th
July 1829. Aintree racecourse has made a name for itself for holding the most
demanding steeplechase race in the world famously known as the Grand National.
The racecourse, now known for its most famous steeplechase
race, started out hosting flat races. Steeplechasing started in 1836. The race meeting
is held in April and offers some scintillating action. Every year in April
jockeys meet in the heart of Liverpool for a race meeting that brings
Merseyside to a standstill.
Aintree is one of the most revered British National Hunt
racecourses and for good reason. With 16 fences, the course is jam-packed with
all the obstacles jockeys fear having to come across from Foinavon, to Canal
Turn, the Chair and Becher’s Brook. The final 494 yards have always provided a
frenzied finish as horses change places relinquishing the lead and claiming it
again. The race is so grueling that in 1928 only two out of 42 horses were able
to reach the finish. The record for the most wins on this tough course was set
in the 1970’s by Red Rum who won three races and also came second a couple
times.
The course at Aintree is surrounded by three Grandstands
namely, The Lord Sefton Stand, The Earl of Derby Stand and the Princess Royal
Stand. It also has two smaller stands; the Queen Mother and the Lord Daresbury
Stand. Aside from these, fans can also enjoy horseracing from the modern Aintree
Pavilion with VIP treatment and excellent views of the proceedings.
Apart from the Grand
National, which draws crowds of horse racing lovers from across the globe,
Aintree racecourse holds 4 other race meetings going all the way to December.
The venue is also loved for its conference facilities and golfing. Aintree has
also hosted some of the biggest music concerts featuring world-renowned
artists.
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