>> Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool
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April 10th 2010 |
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The Grand National is one of the world's most famous sporting events,
when close to 70, 000 racegoers descend upon Aintree
Racecourse in Liverpool. For the horses, the Grand National is a true test of stamina, as the gruelling race covers over 4 miles and 30 fence jumps.
First Festival Travel runs an excellent day trip to this prestigious sporting event which gives you a great day out, and a chance to see one of the world's most famous sporting events.
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| Grand National Details |
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| >> Grand National Tour Options |
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| >> General Grand National Details |
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| >> Grand National Day Tour Itinerary |
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>> Grand National 2010 Tour Options |
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| Grand National Package: |
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| Day Trip: Saturday 10th April 2010 - £49 per person |
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| >> General Grand National Details |
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The Steeplechase Enclosure:
The Steeplechase Enclosure is open on John Smith's Grand National day only and comprises of two areas overlooking the Grand National course. It is ideal for those wanting to enjoy the day at a leisurely and informal pace.
Although this enclosure does not allow access to the Parade Ring or Winner's Enclosure, you will find excellent viewing of the first few fences of the Grand National course, big screen viewing of the Mildmay and Hurdles courses, and ample bar, catering and betting facilities. There is also an unreserved seating area situated on the embankment as well as live entertainment.
Please note that the Steeplechase Enclosure is primarily uncovered so be prepared to take on the elements! The enclosure is also very informal so there are no dress restrictions at all.
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Grand National History:
The first official races at Aintree were organised by the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn. Lynn leased the land from Lord Sefton, laid out a course, built a grandstand and staged the first flat fixture on July 7, 1829. On Tuesday February 26, 1839, Lottery became the first winner of The Grand National. In those days the field had to jump a stone wall (now the water jump), cross a stretch of plough land and finish over two hurdles.
The Topham Years
The Topham family owned substantial tracts of land around Aintree and had been involved with the management of the course since the early years of the Grand National. In 1949 Lord Sefton sold the course to the Tophams who appointed ex-Gaiety Girl Mirabel Topham to manage it. A forward thinker and determined character, Mrs Topham built a new track within the established National course and named it after Lord Mildmay, a fine amateur jockey and lover of the Grand National. The Mildmay course opened in 1953, the same year as the motor circuit which still encircles the track. The motor circuit was another of Mrs Topham's innovations and it quickly gained a reputation as one the best in the world hosting a European Grand Prix and five British Grand Prix. Stirling Moss won his first Grand Prix on it in 1955 while Jim Clark won the 1962 event.
The Last National
Aintree suffered some lean times in the post-war years and in 1965 it was announced that the course would be sold to a property developer. Thus started one of the longest periods of speculation in the history of British sport - every year brought solemn warnings of "The Last Grand National". In 1973 the Topham's finally sold the course to property developer Bill Davies who gave a commitment to keep the race going but his heart never quite seemed in it. The attendance at the 1975 Grand National was the smallest in living memory (Davies had tripled the admission price) and the great race reached its lowest point.
Rescue Campaign
Late in '75 Ladbrokes, the bookmakers, stepped in, signing an agreement with Davies allowing them to manage the Grand National. Cynics condemned the move as bookies protecting their own interests but although the race attracts by far the largest share of betting stakes the result for bookmakers seldom brings a windfall. Ladbrokes, like all true racing professionals, had a genuine love for the National and were determined to keep it alive. Their task stretched over the next eight years and they set about it admirably but Davies was reluctant to renew their contract. He was determined to sell Aintree. Racing and the public in general finally realised that after so many years of "crying wolf" the threat was serious and a huge campaign was launched to rescue the race once and for all.
Jockey Club Win Through
Donations from the public helped the Jockey Club pay Davies' price and in early '83 he finally sold the racecourse. That year the Grand National was sponsored by the Sun newspaper but in '84 Seagram Distillers stepped in to provide the solid foundation on which Aintree's revival has been built. Seagram chairman, Ivan Straker, started the ball rolling after reading a passionate newspaper piece by Lord Oaksey who, in his riding days, had failed by just three quarters of a length to win the 1963 National on Carrickbeg. The last Seagram-sponsored National was in 1991 when the race was won by a horse which chairman Straker twice had the opportunity to buy; the horse's name was Seagram.
The Great Revival
Aintree racecourse is now enjoying its most successful period in modern times. While many courses rely on subsidies, the Aintree management is very much commercially minded and on non-racedays the new Queen Mother stand, opened by Her Majesty in 1991, hosts wedding receptions, conferences and exhibitions. In the heart of the racecourse a new golf complex features a superb driving range and one of the longest nine-hole courses in the UK. Future plans include a new grandstand, a Heritage Centre and a strong ambition to establish Aintree as an international tourist attraction on non-racedays. |
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| >> Grand National Day Tour Itinerary |
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Saturday 10th April:
Today's trip departs from Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook at 7.15am. The drive up to Aintree in Liverpool usually takes about 5 hours so we will make a few stops along the way for some hot breakfast and don't forget you will be provided with a lunch pack onboard the coach including some wine to start the day as we mean to continue.
Your day package includes entry into the Steeplechase Enclosure, where we settle in for the afternoon to take in all the action of the races. Expected arrival at Aintree Racecourse is approximately 12.30 so we'll have time before the first race to check out all the action at the bookies and set ourselves up in a good positon.
The Grand National Race itself is at approximately 4.15pm and after the winner has been crowned we allow you to stay at the course until the last race has run at about 5.30pm. After the final race we make our way out of Liverpool and back to London. Expected arrival time is 11pm for the end of the day trip. |
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| >> Tour Package Includes: |
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 Return coach transport from central London
Packed lunch (including wine)
Entrance to the John Smith's No Nonsense Steeplechase enclosure
Coach party atmosphere onboard
Organsied coach sweepstakes and the chance to win a free day trip to the Epsom Derby
Services of a First Festival Travel Tour Leader
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| >> Tour Package Excludes: |
 Personal expenses
Meals unless otherwise stated
Drinks |
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