Racing at Aintree Racecourse 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 at one of Aintree’s six other race days outside of the Grand National meeting.
The course is home of the Grand National steeplechase, one of the most famous races in the world. It is regarded as the most difficult of all courses to successfully complete, with 16 steeplechase fences including the Chair, the Canal Turn and Becher’s Brook. These are so infamous that even their names strike fear into the most professional of jockeys.
Aintree Racecourse - The Racetrack
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 National and Mildmay courses used to share the water jump, but the mildmay course no longer jumps the water.
Aintree caters for every available race-goer, at what ever level they choose. Relaxing with fine dining is always a possibility at Aintree Racecourse, as is the option to bring your own – and eat in the picnic areas. We feel that there are two restaurants at Aintree that deserve a special mention – so keep reading to find out more.
Princess Royal Restaurant (4th floor, Princess Royal Stand)
This restaurant is located on the fourth floor of The Princess Royal Stand and is usually one of the first to sell out. A glass fronted facility, with an undercover viewing balcony offer panoramic views of the racecourse.
Private tables in this restaurant are available for parties with 10 or more guests, those with smaller numbers can enjoy shared dining arrangements with great views of the racecourse and a wonderful race day atmosphere.
The Papillon Restaurant
Situated in the Earl of Derby Stand, the Papillon Restaurant is one of the highest restaurants on the racecourse. This great venue offers a birds-eye view over the entire Grand National course from its third floor location, plus a private balcony viewing both the racecourse and the buzz of the Parade Ring.
Aintree Racecourse The Grand National 2011
It’s a British sporting institution, running since 1839, when a horse called Lottery won the big race, and a man called Captain Becher parted company with his horse at a now famous brook. It’s a race synonymous with a horse called Red Rum, the horse who captured the nation’s hearts, a horse who was trained on the beaches of Southport and went on to notch up three Grand National victories.
It’s three days full of stories and wonder and the most ethereal horses in the world. It’s nothing but excitement and drama; and it’s the grandest day to share with others.
It’s time to plan for the biggest social event in the calendar, the 2011 John Smith’s Grand National. The 2011 John Smith’s Grand National will return to Aintree Racecourse on Thursday 7th April to Saturday 9th April 2011. Aintree Racecourse are now offering tickets and hospitality packages for this key milestone event, so if you don’t want to be disappointed come April next year click on the following links to get yourselves sorted in advance.
Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, just one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6. Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the AA signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks. To help you plan your directions we enclose an interactive map below.
View Larger Map
There is no formal dress code at Aintree Racecourse, as with all horse racing venues we suggest you stick to smart if you intend to venture inside and smart casual if you don’t.
A day out at Aintree has to be on your calendar, it’s one of the most vibrant and vivid racetracks in the UK. Especially during the highlight event held at Aintree Racecourse – The Grand National.
Make every day a winner! 
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