Aintree racecourse
Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National, is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, bordering the city of Liverpool.
The Grand National meeting takes place over three days in April, but the racecourse hosts meetings throughout the majority of the year.
The foundation stone of Aintree Racecourse was laid on 7 February 1829, and a container of sovereigns was placed inside the footings. The first grandstand was built in time for the first meeting at Aintree racecourse on 7 July 1829.
The first Grand National was run on 29 February 1836, and was at that point known as the Liverpool Grand Steeplechase.
There are three courses at Aintree: the Grand National course, the Mildmay steeplechase course, the hurdles’ course.
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‘He’s loving the attention’: meet police horse who overcame emergency colic surgery to lead in his 10th Grand National winnerBy Lucy Elder Published
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Aintree great channels Red Rum to reclaim Grand National title: ‘He’ll gallop to the end of the world for you’By Lucy Elder Published
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‘You really connect with a horse like this’: galloping grey finds his groove to shine for Skeltons at Grand National FestivalBy Lucy Elder Published
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‘He would beat Artemis II to the Moon’: Barton Snow rockets to Foxhunters’ glory on opening day of Grand National FestivalBy Lucy Elder Published
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Rachael Blackmore named Aintree legend as she takes on new Grand National challengeBy Lucy Elder Published
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Grand National runners, riders and complete form guide for 2026, including a former winner ruled out on Thursday morningBy Carl Evans Published
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Grand National 2026 sweepstake kit to download and print for freeBy Georgia Guerin Published
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‘The family horse of a lifetime’: homebred star who made Aintree dreams come true retired sound and happyBy Lucy Elder Published
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How to get to Aintree Racecourse – all travel options consideredBy Georgia Guerin Published
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Heading to Aintree? Find hotels, B&Bs and holiday lets near the racecourseBy Georgia Guerin Published
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Get your tickets for the 2026 Grand National FestivalBy Georgia Guerin Published
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Bargain £100 horse wins over the Grand National fences: ‘He’s an absolute hero’By Jennifer Donald Published
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‘Nick Rockett has always been a legend to me, now he’s proven it to the world’: meet Aintree’s Grand National heroBy Jennifer Donald Published
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From ‘the worst day’ to victory – fairytale result for connections of Aintree Foxhunters’ winnerBy Gemma Redrup Published
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‘It’s what every young boy with a pony wants to do’: top jockey lands first Grand National win aboard ‘stable pet’By Lucy Elder Published
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Tiger Roll, Silver Birch and Lady Buttons among retired stars to delight fans at Grand National FestivalBy Lucy Elder Published
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‘Outstanding’ hospital specialist who brings comfort to sick children through play to be honoured at AintreeBy Lucy Elder Published
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‘You could travel the world to find a horse like him’: meet the £800 bargain bidding for Gold Cup and Grand National gloryBy Jennifer Donald Published
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New start time for Grand National confirmed among safety improvementsBy Lucy Elder Published