Aintree is home to the world-renowned Grand National steeplechase. Prior to the event being held at Aintree, the race was run in the nearby district of Maghull. It is regarded as one of the most difficult of all courses to successfully complete, with 16 steeplechase fences including The Chair, Canal Turn and Becher's Brook. These are so infamous that even their names strike fear into the most professional of jockeys. All fences bar the water jump are covered with spruce unlike any other course in British national hunt racing. Four other races take place over the National fences. These are the Topham Chase (formerly known as the John Hughes Trophy Chase) and the Fox Hunters' Chase at the Grand National meeting and the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and Becher Handicap Chase in the November meeting. Within the large National course there is also the smaller Mildmay course containing hurdles and fences. These fences are made of traditional national hunt material. The only fence common to the National and Mildmay courses is the water jump.

The Grand National

The Grand National is run over four and a half miles (7.24 km), sometimes on soft ground, which makes the race all the more demanding on stamina and jumping. The race is one of the most demanding steeplechases in the world. The lead has often changed hands during the 494-yard (452 m) run-in after the final fence. There are usually 40 horses taking part in the race but fewer than 10 may in fact complete the course. In 1928 42 horses started and only two finished the course. Red Rum, who won three times in the 1970s, holds the record for the most victories in the Grand National.

Facilities

The Embankment Area

The Embankment is adjacent to the first three Grand National fences. There are quite good facilities here including Bars bookmakers and good viewing areas with some seating. There is also a large viewing screen opposite The Embankment.

The Aldaniti Stand

The Stand is just after the Winning post and just before the bend that sees the horses going out for the start of the second circuit.

The Queen Mother Stand

The Queen Mother Stand is the Prime location right on the winning line. It is also accessed from the back, which is adjacent to the winner’s enclosure and is only a short walk from the Parade Ring.

The County Stand

The County stand is situated just before the winning line and at the start of the bookmakers.

The Princess Royal Stand

The Princess Royal Stand is the latest building. It was built for the 1998 season and is a very impressive building. In this stand is the Martell Red Rum Restaurant and it also houses the New Irish Bar on the ground floor.

The Aintree Mound.

The Aintree Mound is the Tattersalls viewing area. It is adjacent to the Chair fence and the Elbow.

The Aintree Pavilion

The Aintree Pavilion is behind the Aintree Mound, It holds all the main eating stalls and also at least two bars. There are Tote betting facilities here and also a large screen where you can view the racing.

Fixtures:	Thursday 7th April 2011 Friday 8th April 2011 Saturday 9th April 2011 Friday 6th May 2011 Friday 13th May 2011 Friday 10th June 2011 Saturday 22nd October 2011 Sunday 23rd October 2011 Saturday 3rd December
Draw Advantage:	Not Applicable
Contact:	Aintree Racecourse, Omskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool. L9 5AS. 0151-523-2600 Fax: 0151 522 2920
Directions:	If your travelling from the north: Leave the M6 at J26 and join the M58, then follow signs for the races. If your travelling from the south: Leave the M6 at J21A and join the M62 west. Leave the M62 at J6 to join the M57. Then follow the signs for the races. By Air: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and is a 20 minute drive by road. Manchester Airport is approximately a 45 minute drive by road. By Train: The nearest mainline station to Aintree is Liverpool Lime Street. Liverpool Central Station is close to Lime Street station where you can catch a train to Aintree. Aintree station is directly opposite the Racecourse.
Website:	http://www.aintree.co.uk/