Grand National:
Race Goers Guide

The Grand National will take place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool. This historic venue has been home to the race since 1839 and offers an electric atmosphere for racegoers.

Aintree Racecourse is situated along the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58, providing easy connections to the M62 and M6.

By Train

Merseyrail services operate between Liverpool Central and Aintree Station every 15 minutes. Aintree Station is conveniently located just across the road from the racecourse, making it a short five-minute walk to the entrance.

By Bus

Aintree Racecourse is easily accessible via bus services 300, 310, and 345, running to and from Liverpool.

By Car

From the South:
Exit the M6 at Junction 21A and take the M62 west. Leave the M62 at Junction 6 to join the M57, then follow signs for Aintree Racecourse.

From the North:
Exit the M6 at Junction 26 and take the M58, then follow the racecourse signage.

From the Mersey Tunnels:
Follow signs for Preston, then for the A59, and finally follow the signs for Aintree Racecourse.

The main entrance to the racecourse is via Grand National Avenue, just off Ormskirk Road (A59). This entrance is also used for conferences and events. If using a Sat Nav, enter the postcode L9 5AS.

Car Parking
Parking must be booked in advance. Car parks open from 6 AM daily, but access to the racecourse is only permitted when gates officially open.

For a seamless journey, plan ahead and ensure you have the necessary bookings in place for parking or public transport.

The Grand National Festival spans three days, from Thursday, 3rd April to Saturday, 5th April 2025. Each day brings top-tier racing action, culminating in the Grand National race itself on Saturday at 5:15 PM. Here’s a breakdown of the key race times:

Thursday, 3rd April – Opening Day
Kicking off with Opening Day on Thursday, the festival sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Ideal for both dedicated Grand National enthusiasts and newcomers looking to soak up the excitement, this day offers top-tier Grade One racing, electrifying live music, and world-class entertainment

Gates Open: 11 AM
First Race: 1:45 PM
Final Race: 5:15 PM

Friday, 4th April – Ladies Day
Day two is the renowned Ladies Day, where fashion and style take centre stage. For the seventh consecutive year, Aintree Racecourse will be presenting a prestigious prize to the winner of the coveted Style Award.

Gates Open: 10.30 AM
First Race: 1:45 PM
Final Race: 5:15 PM

Saturday, 5th April – Grand National Day
The highlight of the festival, featuring the world-famous Grand National race.

Gates Open: 10 AM
First Race: 1:20 PM
Grand National Race: 5:15 PM
Final Race: 6:20 PM

How many horses run in the Grand National?
Until 2023, the maximum field size for the race was 40 but that has since been reduced to 34 as part of wider efforts to make the race safer for jockeys and horses.

What is the race distance?
One of the longest races of the entire jump racing season, the Grand National is run over 4m 2f – just under two full circuits of the racecourse at Aintree.

How long does the Grand National last?
This is dependent on the race day conditions, however the average winning time is 9 minutes and 10 seconds. The fastest time ever was 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds recorded by Mr Frisk in 1990, who remains the only horse in history to compete the course in under nine minutes. The slowest time is still the first ever running of the race in 1839, when Lottery took 14 minutes and 53 seconds to win the race.

When are the horses announced?
We will not know the confirmed field of runners until 48 hours before the race, but each year there are normally over one hundred entries which are then reduced down to a final 34 as we approach race day. The schedule for this is as follows:

February 11 – Weights published for all runners
February 25 – First round of scratches*
March 18 – Second round of scratches
March 31 – Five-day confirmations
April 3 – 48 hour declarations and final field confirmed

* Scratches are official deadlines for connections to withdraw their horses

How many fences are there in the Grand National?
The 34 runners will be asked to jump 30 fences to complete the race, a number of which vary in terms of size and width. Changes have been made to the fences over the years to make them safer for horses and riders. These include removal of solid cores to allow horses to brush through easier and increasing the height of toe boards so they are in line with normal fences.

What are the Grand National’s most famous fences?
The race is perhaps the only one in the world to have fences that have as big a reputation as the horses running. Undoubtedly the most famous in Beechers Brook, the 6th and 22nd fence of the race. The fence itself is not the biggest on the course but landing area is between 5 and ten inches lower (depending on where it is jumped) than the take-off side, making it more of a challenging landing for horses. The fence itself has undergone major changes over the years in order to make it safer.The Chair is the biggest fence on the course. Not only does it stand 5ft2in tall but also features a 6ft-wide ditch in front of it. The landing side is six inches higher than the take-off side, creating the opposite effect to Beecher’s Brook. Another fence of note is one of the smallest on the course, Foinavon. This one gets its name from the famous pile up that occurred there during the 1967 Grand National. Foinavon was the biggest beneficiary. As the only horse who was not impeded by the chaos, he and jockey John Buckingham scooted clear to seize victory

How much does the Grand National winner receive in prize money?
The total prize fund for the race is £1 million, with winning connections earning £500,000.The remaining prize-money breaks down as follows:

Second place – £200,000
Third place – £100,000
Fourth place – £65,000
Fifth place – £40,000
Sixth place – £30,000
Seventh place – £20,000
Eight place – £ 15,000
Ninth place – £10,000
Tenth place – £5000

Whether you’re looking for a premium experience or a lively crowd atmosphere, Aintree offers a range of enclosures to suit every racegoer:

The Festival Zone
Ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a fun and affordable experience. Provides great views of the horses in the parade ring and winners’ enclosure. Access to bars, food outlets, and live entertainment.

The Grandstand Enclosure
Offers prime views of the home straight and winning post. A great choice for those who want to soak in the race-day atmosphere. Various refreshment outlets available.

The Lord Sefton and Earl of Derby Stands
Premium viewing stands located near the finishing post. Reserved seating with easy access to bars and dining options.

The Princess Royal Stand
Overlooks the parade ring and offers stunning views of the racecourse. Close to the winning post, providing a prime spot for thrilling finishes.

The Platinum Lounge
The ultimate VIP experience with a private balcony, fine dining, and luxury hospitality. A perfect option for those looking for an exclusive, high-end race day.

Aintree racecourses operate on a cashless system, including all concessions. However, cash can still be used when placing bets with on-course bookmakers.

Bags & Security
Visitors are advised to avoid bringing large bags. Only small handbags (maximum size: 30cm x 10cm x 20cm) are permitted, and please note that there is no left luggage facility available on-site. Perfume and aftershave are allowed, but guests may be asked to spray some on themselves as a security measure. Bringing a bag may result in delays at entry points, so we strongly encourage visitors to travel light and avoid bringing any prohibited items.

Unmatched Atmosphere
The Grand National is known for its exhilarating atmosphere, with over 70,000 spectators at Aintree and millions watching worldwide. Expect a mix of sporting drama, stylish outfits, and an incredible buzz throughout the racecourse.

World-Class Racing
The Grand National race itself is a thrilling test of stamina and skill, covering 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with 30 fences to jump. Only the best and bravest horses and jockeys take on this ultimate challenge.

Fashion & Entertainment
From the glamour of Ladies Day to the celebrations that follow the big race, Aintree is as much about fashion and entertainment as it is about horse racing. Expect live music, stylish outfits, and an electric post-race party atmosphere.

Witness Aintree Racecourse history in style with our Grand National hospitality packages. Whether you’re looking for a grandstand ticket or a full VIP experience, there are options to suit all budgets. Secure your place now to be part of this legendary event!