Aintree
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Aintree is a jumps only course located north of Liverpool. It doesn’t host many race meetings a year however one of them is, arguably, one of the most famous race meetings of all ….. The Grand National, held in early April.
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Course Characteristics: In reality there are two distinct racecourses at Aintree. The Mildmay Course is a “traditional” course about 1½ miles round, whilst the National course with it’s spruce fences is 2¼ miles round. Both courses are left handed (anti-clockwise) and both are level with no noticeable undulations, indeed thay are almost completely flat. The major characteristic of the Mildmay course is its sharpness and it favours fast, front running types. Open Full Review (Opens in a new window) |
Admission (2011 Prices): There are differing pricing structures for the Grand National meeting and the remainder of the fixtures. For general meetings there is a single enclosure with a single admission price of £19. For the Thursday and Friday of the Grand National festival there are two enclosures. Effectively a Members and Tattersalls system is in operation – but with different names. Members prices for the Thursday range from £40 - £50 (The cheaper being standing the more expensive with reserved seating). Tattersalls admission for the Thursday is £21. On the Friday prices start from £64 for members and £32 for Tattersalls. There is limited reserved seating available in Tattersalls, advance booking essential, costs for each of the days is £18, £36 and £50 respectively. On Grand National day itself the prices go through the roof with Members badges starting from £85 and Tattersalls badges costing £43. There is a third enclosure in operation on Grand National day, however this is alongside the National course with no access to the main enclosures, tickets for this area cost £19. A word of caution, the entire Grand National festival is very popular and it is almost essential to book in advance, especially if you want to go into the Members areas. Some group discounts are available for some enclosures at the National meeting, these must be booked at least 3 months in advance. Children under 16 are admitted to Tattersalls free on Thursday and Friday of the National meeting and for £5 on Grand National day itself. Children are admitted free to the John Smiths No Nonsense enclosure. Open Full Review (Opens in a new window) |
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Location: The course is located north of Liverpool on the A59 and is best approached from either the M57 or M58. Once on the A59 follow the AA signs. the Park and Ride that used to be available for the Grand National meeting has been scrapped in 2010. Therefore racegoers will either have to use the pre-booked car parking or use public transport. Ease of public transport access: excellent (Aintree station is opposite the main entrance)
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Suitability for the first time racegoer: good (poor National Friday, unsuitable National Saturday) Race Meetings 2012 April 12th , 13th & 14thMay 18th (eve) June 15th (eve) October 27th & 28th December 8th Last Reviewed: October 2010 Web Site:www.aintree.co.uk Telephone: 0151 523 2600 Open Full Review (Opens in a new window) |
Race Meeting Reports: 14th April 2007 (Grand National) , 28th October 2007 3rd April 2008 , 4th April 2008 , 5th April 2008 (Grand National) , 26th October 2008 , 23rd November 2008 2nd April 2009 , 3rd April 2009 , 4th April 2009 (Grand National) , 24th October 2009 |
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