Grand National 2018

Since the first official Grand National race in 1839, Aintree Racecourse has hosted one of the most exciting jump races on the world’s thoroughbred calendar.

The event’s most hotly anticipated race takes place on Grand National Day, the final race meet of the festival. This race features difficult jumps like Becher’s Brook – the sixth and 22nd fence, which has a 10-inch lower landing side compared to the take-off side. The 11th and 27th are open ditch jumps, meaning the horses must clear a 6 ft ditch on the take-off side. Other highlights include The Chair (the tallest fence, standing at 5 ft 3 in); Valentines Brook, named after a horse that reportedly jumped the brook backwards; and Canal Turn, a sharp turn that follows a 5 ft obstacle. These are all sure to challenge even the most experienced horses.

Grand National 2018 schedule and contenders

The event takes place over three days:

• Thursday, April 12 – Grand National Thursday: The festival’s first racing meet includes showstoppers like The Aintree Hurdle and the Randox Health Foxhunters’ Steeplechase.
• Friday, April 13 – Ladies Day: This day is as much about style as horse racing, and will feature the JLT Melling and the Randox Health Topham Steeplechases – not to mention the Grand National’s infamous style awards, with prizes for the track’s most fashionable guests.
• Saturday, April 14 – Grand National Day: A combined 21 races take place at the Grand National meet. The pinnacle of the racing festival, the Grand National Day’s biggest race consists of two laps of 16 fences and features one of the longest run-ins from the final fence of any steeplechase, at 494 yards (452 metres).

This year’s final 40 contenders have yet to be selected from the 105 horses that entered the competition, down five horses from 2017. The weight of each competing horse was revealed on February 13, followed by the first scratching deadline on February 27. The second scratching deadline is March 20, with the five-day confirmations on April 9 and the final declarations at 10am on April 12. A maximum field of 40 horses, plus four reserves, will be chosen from the final declaration.

Currently, there are some incredible thoroughbreds setting the scene for an unforgettable race, including Irish Grand National winner Our Duke, double Scottish Grand National victor Vicente and current favourite Total Recall.

Tickets

There’s a range of Grand National tickets and hospitality options available for those wishing to attend Aintree. Listed below are five of the most popular:

• Festival Zone (formerly Tattersalls): Includes trackside viewing and access to the Wine & Champagne Terrace, Aintree Pavilion, the Parade Ring and Weighing Room Terrace amongst other areas. Tickets cost cost £29 (approx. $40) per person on Grand National Thursday.
• Lord Sefton Terrace: Includes outdoor terrace access next to the horse walk, trackside viewing, close proximity to the wash-down area, and viewing access to the Parade Ring and Winners’ Enclosure. Also includes access to the Red Rum Garden and a musical performance after the race, all for £48.50 (approx. $59) per person on Grand National Thursday.
• Princess Royal Seats & Gallery: Includes admission to a lounge serving Champagne and seafood, reserved seating near the Finishing Post with incredible views of the course, viewing access to the Parade Rung and Winners’ Enclosure, entry to the Red Rum Garden, live music performances and a complimentary racecard. Priced at £80 (approx $111) per person on Grand National Thursday.
• Steeplechase: Includes access to the Steeplechase enclosure for prime viewing of the first Grand National fences, plus access to bars, catering and betting facilities. Seating is unreserved and there’s a relaxed dress code. Tickets cost £29 (approx $40) per person on Grand National Day.
• Silver Birch Garden Party Package: Includes premier admission, seating on a private balcony with views down the home straight, cocktails and appetizers on arrival, a four-course menu, complimentary house bar, complimentary race card, live music, exclusive after-party, premium informal dining experience and a private tote betting facility. Priced at £369 (approx $512) + VAT on Ladies Day and £529 (approx $733) + VAT on Grand National Day.

Tickets and hospitality packages to this year’s Grand National are selling fast, so we recommend getting them quickly. Once you’ve bought your tickets, allow Air Charter Service to charter a private jet to Liverpool Airport. Not only does chartering a private jet mean you can avoid the busy Liverpool traffic on race day, it also means you can travel in stress-free, bespoke and luxurious style.

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