Grand National 2009

Racing at Aintree doesn’t happen every day, so when it does, it’s always a special occasion. Home of the John Smith’s Grand National, Aintree is one of the world’s most famous racecourses. With over two miles of luscious green racetrack, and horse racing’s biggest stars taking to this jumps only course, racing here is always a sight to behold.

Horse racing has taken place at Aintree since 1839, so it's not only a racecourse steeped in history and tradition, but there are lots of exciting new developments there, giving a 21st century racing experience like no other. All three days of the John Smith’s GrandNational meeting are a great excuse for a day out, a sporting ritual, and a social occasion.

Thursday 2nd April
Thursday is the opening day of the meeting and mixes top flight racing, including The Bowl, The John Smith’s Fox Hunters’ Steeple Chase, The John Smith’s 4YONovices’Hurdle and The John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle, followed by a live act in the Aintree Pavilion to round up the celebrations.

Friday 3rd April
Friday needs no introduction and is known as Ladies’ Day when Aintree’s famous Style Contest takes place and when racing and socialising provide a platform for the start of one big weekend in the city. Featuring: The John Smith’s Topham Steeple Chase, The John Smith’s Melling Steeple Chase and The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle.

Saturday 4th April
Saturday is the crescendo to the festival, when close to 70,000 racegoers descend upon Aintree for an unmissable day at this world famous venue. The John Smith’s Grand National Steeple Chase, The Scottish and Newcastle Aintree Hurdle and The John Smith’s Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase all make for an exciting racecard on this day.

Event Dates

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