The Crabbies Grand National in Liverpool is here once again, running from Thursday April 9th until Sunday 12th taking place at Aintree Racecourse.

Would you like to know more?

A little history of the Grand National in Liverpool

” Did you know that the history of the Grand National can be tracked back to 1800s?”

That’s about the time the first official races were organised at Aintree.

The first winner of the Grand Liverpool Steeplechase was Lottery in February 1839, that race would become known as the Grand National after that, horses had to jump a stone wall, cross ploughed land and finish over two hurdles.

The period in which the current course was opened was 1839, a very difficult time for Aintree as it was the post-war years. Bookmaker Ladbrokes stepped in to manage the Grand National until 1984, after that Seagram Distillers became the official sponsors.

Last year, the Grand National was sponsored by The Crabbie’s, due to that fact a seven-figure prize was given to the winner, this will be replicated in 2015.

For those of you who don’t know, Crabbie’s is part of the Halewood International stable of drinks brands. As part of the deal Crabbie’s receives naming rights for the 3 races:

• The Crabbie’s Fox Hunter’s Chase
• The Crabbie’s Topham Chase
• The Crabbie’s Grand National

The Grand National will test about 40 runners and riders around two circuits of the National course at Aintree.

The obstacles to overcome are quite famous around the globe:

• Becher’s Brook
• Canal Turn
• Valentine’s
• The Chair

We shouldn’t forget that this days are much more than races, the elegance and excitement the crowd have come to symbolise phrase.

The drama is palpable in a competition which counts with 4 miles, 3 furlongs and about 110 yards
They run nearly 10 minutes of breathtaking action in total and the winner is usually  in the last 465 yards between the last fence and the winning post.
Would you like to know what does the winner gets?

Nothing more and nothing less than more than a £1M!

How to get there

By car:

Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6 (Around 20 minutes’ drive from Lime Street in Liverpool city centre)

By train:

If you hop in a train in Lime Street station, it shouldn’t take you more than 40 minutes and at a cost of around £4

By walk:

From the city centre it will take you around 1h 40m so make sure that’s your choice as it is a really looong walk!

Music & Entertainment

Grand Opening Day

As well as an action packed day of top flight, world class racing, they will also have the following music and entertainment for you to enjoy, topped off by a live performance from Liverpool’s favourite, The Christians.

12.00-13.35 Geronimo Joe
13.45-14.10 Brian Cummins
14.20-14.45 Geronimo Joe
14.55-15.20 Geronimo Joe
15.30-16.00 Brian Cummins
16.10-16.35 Geronimo Joe
16.45-17.10 Geronimo Joe
17.30-18.30 The Christians

All acts will perform on the Pavilion Stage in The Equestrian Centre.

After-party in the Red Rum Garden: 18.30-20.00 Sara Cox

Ladies Day

In addition to the great card of racing on Ladies Day, there is a full programme of entertainment that will take place in the Equestrian Centre, headlined by the performance of English singer and reality TV star, Jake Quickenden (full schedule below).

12.00-13.35 Geronimo Joe
13.45-14.10 Brian Cummins
14.20-14.45 Geronimo Joe
14.55-15.20 Geronimo Joe
15.30-16.00 Brian Cummins
16.10-16.35 Geronimo Joe
16.45-17.10 Geronimo Joe
17.30-18.30 Jake Quickenden 

After-party in the Red Rum Garden: 18.30-20.30 Dave Kelly & Lee Butler, Radio City

Grand National Day

Completely unscripted. Totally captivating. Today will be the day that the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National winner will be crowned. As well as some of the world’s best horse-racing, the crowds will be entertained by the following music acts in the Equestrian Centre:

12.00-13.25 Geronimo Joe
13.35-14.00 Geronimo Joe
14.10-14.45 Brian Cummins
14.55-15.20 Geronimo Joe
15.30-16.05 Brian Cummins
16.25-17.05 Geronimo Joe
17.45-18.15 Stars From The Commitments 

Where to eat

Would you like to know what the best places are to carry on the party after Aintree?

NYL

There is a new New York-style eatery in town! And it is offering a variety of packages to allow all of you race-goers to carry on the party in style.

There’s Bruch & Bubbles menu for £19 per person and a post-race-3-course evening menu for £39 per person.

On Friday there will be a live music session with resident DJ Josh Murphy who will be playing Brooklyn house with jazz soul and funk (From 7 until midnight)

Alternatively, if you would like to watch the races in a relaxed way, without all the crowd and (maybe) the bad weather, you’ll be able to sit and watch screens showing live racing coverage.

Race-goers can book booths at NYL for all 3 days and take advantage of the hotspots close proximity

Call 0151 294 4069 to book your booth on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 9,10,11, or call in and grab a seat at the bar.

Smugglers Cove

Get into the spirit with a Race Day Breakfast with live music served from 10am.

Of course you could also join them after the finishing line for an evening filled full of further live music – after all, time flies when you’re having rum!

Smugglers Cove, Britannia Pavillion, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AD

Amanzi

This is one of our brand new restaurants in town, more specifically in Water Street and it offers a variety of Grand National packages.

You can think about going there in the morning for a VIP Champagne Breakfast on Ladies Day (includes a full breakfast, champagne arrival drinks and executive coach transport to Aintree and back to Amanzi for £30) or directly in the afternoon for a Grand National evening menu with entertainment

Click here if you would like to book a table or call 0151 227 5557

Patterson’s

Patterson’s, the trendy new independent eaterie on Gradwell Street, is hosting a Grand National party on the day of the big race itself. The bar and restaurant which says it offers the best ‘chicken and tunes’ in Liverpool will start the party from 1pm and will screen the race live. The venue will have various food and drinks promotions on the day.

The London Carriage Works

On Ladies Day, the London Carriage Works offers a Champagne Breakfast served on The Fifth Floor from 9am-11am at £20 per person.

Check the views.

If you decide to go for it, you’ll receive a glass of Perrier-Jouet, Grand Brut NV on arrival and in regards of the food, baby smoked bacon barms, mini Scottish salmon and cream cheese bagels with watercress, yoghurt granola, fresh berry shots, eggs Florentine, smoked mackerel, tomato toasts, grilled flat cap mushroom and goat cheese or fresh fruit salad.

I don’t know about you but that description made me starve to death!

The team can also arrange your transport to the racecourse, let them know your requirements when you book.

If you would like to to book call 0151 705 2222

Hopefully this information comes handy for you as all we want is for you to enjoy these 3 special days with the minimum hassle.

If you do attend we would love to know your experience! So please tell us through any of our social media channels!

*All the information in this post belongs to Liverpool Echo and The Grand National website

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