All Eyes on Liverpool
On the second weekend in April, Aintree Racecourse was the place to be. The attention-grabbing annual Grand National horse race attracted 150,000 spectators to Liverpool – and was watched by around 600 million people in over 140 countries. It is part of a three-day festival of horse racing and entertainment that has a substantial economic impact through increased tourism and hospitality and it's conveniently located just 20 minutes away from our latest luxury development in Liverpool Waters.
A festival like no other: The Randox Grand National Experience
This significant highlight of the British sporting calendar is one of the most bet-on sporting events. It was first run in 1839 – and won by a horse named Lottery – and is still where passion meets tradition, and fashion meets sport.
The race covers about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs (6.907 km), making it one of the longest and most challenging horse races in the world. There are 16 fences on the course, 14 of which are jumped twice. Famous obstacles such as Becher's Brook, The Chair and Canal Turn have been remodelled over the years to avert the incidents and deaths of horses and jockeys that made this race so notorious.
The race is open to horses aged seven or older and the combination of distance, challenging fences and unpredictable weather conditions makes the Grand National one of the most arduous horse races. In 1928 only two horses finished, the largest number of finishers was 23 in 1984 . The field is now limited to 40 horses.
Days that define the festival
Opening Day sets the stage for veterans and newcomers with a blend of top-tier racing, live music and entertainment.
Ladies Day follows, when fashion becomes the headliner, culminating in the highly anticipated Style Award. On this ‘fun day’ being seen is just as important as watching the races. Ladies and gentlemen dress extravagantly, with the spotlight equally shared between the racing champions and Liverpool's most fashion-forward attendees.
Grand National Day is the culmination of this spectacular event. It’s a day when heroes are made, and stories of triumph are etched into the annals of National Hunt racing history. Tens of thousands gather for the festival's grand finale, adorned in outfits that as stunning as they are diverse. It is a day when bets are made all over the country by folk who never otherwise consider placing one. In 2024, eight-year-old I Am Maximus was the 7/1 favourite and winner – 21 horses finished, 7 were pulled up and 4 unseated their riders.
Until next year …
On 12 April 2025 at 4pm make a date to join in the sport of kings, the flair of fashionistas and the heart of horse racing enthusiasts worldwide and whilst you're here book a viewing on our latest Liverpool residential development, West Waterloo Place.
