The Grand National is held in early April, is the best known National Hunt Horse race in the world. The Grand National race meeting attracts over 100,000 race goers from all over the world and is watched by millions on television. A £6 million Grandstand, opened by HRH The Princess Royal (1998), provides race goers with a superb view of this famous old race.

The horse most associated with this race is the record making "Red Rum" who as a 12 year old in 1977, won the race for the third time. A fine bronze statue of this horse, located opposite the winners enclosure is a final tribute tribute to this wonderful horse at Aintree.

The Chairman of Aintree racecourse is Lord Daresbury.

2009 Grand National Programme

Opening Day: Thursday 2nd April

The first day of the Grand National meeting and the first day of racing.

Ladies Day: Friday 3rd April

Ladies Day at the Grand National meeting is an array of colour and fashion in all enclosures as everyone heads out for what is now the highlight of the northern social calendar. In 2007, this day will again stage the Looking Good Style Contest, which is the reason why racegoers dress to impress as they try and wow the judges. In 2004, the winner of the style contest, Kate Hallam, drove home a Jaguar X-TYPE Estate. The 2007 contest will again offer another fantastic prize.

The Grand National: Saturday 4th April

Grand National day is packed full of excitement, tradition and anticipation and no emotion can describe the pure thrill of the Grand National. In 2004, the fairytale ending of Amberleigh House crossing the finishing line to give jubilant trainer Ginger McCain a fourth Grand National victory secured Ginger another chapter in the history books. Attending the Grand National is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, yet it is something you will want to repeat year after year.