Thousands descend on Aintree for Grand National festival
The first day of the festival kicks off today
Last updated 3rd Apr 2025
The Grand National Festival gets underway today, ahead of the main event on Saturday.
On day one, two top horses go head-to-head in the Aintree Hurdle, with Lossiemouth challenging Constitution Hill for the trophy.
​The annual three-day event features top-level horse racing, culminating in the Grand National steeplechase on Saturday.
Today's Opening Day offers a schedule of races, while tomorrow is Ladies Day, known for its focus on fashion alongside racing. Ladies' Day at Aintree isn’t like any other race day, with people flocking to the race grounds in their best outfits with hats galore to be seen.
The festival concludes with Grand National Day on Saturday, featuring the main steeplechase event.
The Grand National was first run in 1839 at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool. The event originated from earlier steeplechases in the area, with a key race held in 1836, though it is debated whether this was an official Grand National.
The race was founded by William Lynn, a hotelier who owned the Waterloo Hotel in Liverpool. He leased land in Aintree and set up a racecourse, with the first officially recognised Grand National taking place in 1839.
The Grand National tests both horse and rider over extreme distances and challenging fences. While the course and race format have evolved, it remains a unique and demanding event.
In the late 19th century, the race became an established annual event, attracting increasing crowds and media attention. In 1947, the race was broadcast live on radio, and in 1960, it was televised for the first time, increasing its national and international popularity.