Aintree Meeting

I'd say on a par. Far less diluted races at Aintree than Cheltenham too.

Never been, but my perception is that Aintree is a post Cheltenham afterthought, in a less appealing environment.

Aintree is an afterthought, a bit like comparing the champions league to the europa league. The europa league is ok but everybody wants to win the champions league, those that cant tend to go for the europa league, however some big sides still end up in the europa but dont try and get knocked out early....think that sums it up really!

I think the Thursday of the meeting is one of the best days racing of the year. I was there a couple of years ago and saw Big Bucks and Denman racing. There is also plenty of space. Been to a few Nationals more for the occassion with friends.

Agree with Steamship
Thursday for racing
Friday for totty
Saturday for the occasion

First 2 days are great racing and you can get in the grandstand with a brilliant view for a bit over £30 I think. Saturday is for people who want to say "I was there", which is fine, but if you want to see the big race you need to stay at home. The course is very flat and there are lots of obstructions. You can get an OK view of the Mildmay course from tatts, but the national course goes miles away and if you want to have a clue what's going on you have to watch on TV.

To refer to Aintree as "a bit of an afterthought" is derisory at best, insulting at worst. We are talking about THE Grand National are we not? Some of the races over the 3 days would be the equal of Cheltenham in terms of quality and competetiveness. The Aintree meeting stands shoulder to shoulder with Cheltenham and Punchestown to make this period the best time of the year for followers of jump racing.

For those who not been - I ask u to reserve judgement until you have been. The meeting has grown in stature every year and whilst it will not match Cheltenham for intensity, it does offer top class racing. You would be hard pushed to find a better quality card that than the Thursday this year. Thursday is a proper racing day out with class horses in a great environment. The aintree team have done a magnificent join to grow the 3 days over the last 10 years and the Friday is now the first day many locals book off. It is a party atmosphere but still quality racing. Saturday is utter chaos and for non race fans to say they have been there. If like a proper punt, stay at home. In live on doorstep and couldn't be tempted to go sat. Thurs and Friday regular of 25 years. Try it u might like it!!

For those who not been - I ask u to reserve judgement until you have been. The meeting has grown in stature every year and whilst it will not match Cheltenham for intensity, it does offer top class racing. You would be hard pushed to find a better quality card that than the Thursday this year. Thursday is a proper racing day out with class horses in a great environment. The aintree team have done a magnificent join to grow the 3 days over the last 10 years and the Friday is now the first day many locals book off. It is a party atmosphere but still quality racing. Saturday is utter chaos and for non race fans to say they have been there. If like a proper punt, stay at home. In live on doorstep and couldn't be tempted to go sat. Thurs and Friday regular of 25 years. Try it u might like it!!

proctor just the man

the pub up by the Old Roan station, has it reopened as I seem to recall it was in a state of "disrepair" last year.

I did try the club you mentioned after racing on the Thursday - it was a bit dark inside but the customers and staff were very welcoming.

Apart from the Sefton and the harvester by the entrance, where will I get an "early" drink prior to racing each day?

thanks in advance

I'm going Thursday/Friday again this year, Thursday is looking like a great card and Friday will be worth it just to see Sprinter Sacre (and 3000 litres of fake tan washing away down the Melling Road)

How early The Sawyer??? LOL.  Depends which part of town you coming from really. You could try the Farmers Arms, about 8 min walk back up to course, will be open early and is ok for a pint or two.

The old roan is still open I believe, but not ventured in there and personally wouldnt fancy it, needs a good lick of paint.  The British Legion is directly opposite the Old road, likely to be typical working mans environment which sounds like you not keen on.

I'll be sticking with the Railway club after racing - decent pint & can get served. Not my usual haunt but will do. Probably will head into City centre later in the evening.

cheers proctor I will give it a bash on the Thursday morning

Well said  Proctor.

Melling,,:Sprinter Sacre (1/3), Flemenstar (9/2), Cue Card (6), For Non Stop (25), Menorah (25), Wishfull Thinking (33) .. is backing S.S BUYING MONEY?

It's an indication of how massively the first two days have changed when you look at the attendance figures.

Twenty years ago, the Thursday crowd was 12,500, Friday was 19,000.

Last year the equivalent figures were 29,000 and 54,000.

The Friday attendance now is bigger than National day was then.

Rampage Jackson     25 Mar 13 23:35 
Aintree is an afterthought, a bit like comparing the champions league to the europa league. The europa league is ok but everybody wants to win the champions league, those that cant tend to go for the europa league, however some big sides still end up in the europa but dont try and get knocked out early....think that sums it up really!


Idiotic comparison - Aintree, Cheltenham and now Punchestown are not rival meetings but complementary. For many years now the best horses at Cheltenham also compete at Aintree and Punchestown and those who pull it off are rightly regarded as true champions.

To use your phrase - think that sums it up really.

Agree with pretty much everything proctor says. The Thursday is truly top class, wouldn't miss it. Will be doing the usual routine of getting down there early on the train, walk the National Course (would advise anyone to do it if they have time) which works up a nice thirst in time for a couple of pints and some food before racing!

I'm not as keen on the Friday, gets too busy now, but I'm going this year. Saturday is purely so you can say "i've been to the Grand National".

I agree with Proctor Strikes, Thurs/Fri are great days racing, well worth going.
One important point to newcomers - there is no parking on course unless you book it in advance, and no where to park nearby . This was a major shock to me a couple of years ago, didn't used to be the case.  They also used to have park and ride, which they aren't doing this year. It seems they really don't want anyone who doesn't live locally to come. There are signs at the front gate advising you to use city centre car parks - 6 miles away!  Travel needs some planning. Don't know if any locals have any better advice?