Aintree Racecourse, Equestrian Centre

Famous, and infamous, a visit here feels like a visit to hallowed ground (and indeed is when you see the statue to Red Rum by the paddock). I have mixed feelings about Aintree, having visited three or four times for races, including the Grand National. First, on the big days, it is absolutely heaving. Lager and beer is getting spilled *everywhere*. Wear your good clothes, and you take a risk. the toilets are… well, not in the best state on this day. And the food is questionable, and long queues for it. So be warned. You also won’t get anywhere near the finish, or have much of a good view as the course is as flat as a pancake. So bring a step to stand on to help. I did make it close to the rails one year, and a horse died of a heart attack right in front of us as it approached the finish. Poor thing. But this is the National, and you have to expect it. It did colour my feelings about attending and even watching jumps after that. I honestly found the National more enjoyable on tv than live, here. Unlike Cheltenham, for example, it feels like all the stag dos and hen dos decided to descend all at once, on this location. It’s chaos, and the entertainment (I recall Madness being laid on in the concert hall one year) makes it feel like the racing is a side issue, rather than the focus. It’s more important to get lagered up. That’s National Day. On other days, the place feels very empty, overwhelmed by the size of its own conference centres and stands. The racing feels distant, not very homely or connected (e.g. as at Haydock). But then you can get very close to the finish, no problem, get right up to the horses. So as a racecourse, much as the National is thrilling, I can’t say I enjoyed the day as much as I could have, simply because of the chaos and difficulty getting anywhere without getting covered in beer. So if you do come, it’s probably worth shelling out for the VIP tickets and make it a proper day to remember. If you’re actually interested in the racing, that is. If it’s just a day out, and having a flutter on a horse that has a name that sounds like your favourite colour, then you’ve probably found your home here… I won’t judge, just be conscious of what you’re after before you make the journey.