Details for Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

The Aintree Racecourse is located in the city of Liverpool, Lancashire, which is in north west England, on the River Mersey.

The first race at Aintree took place on 27 July, 1829 when they staged a flat race fixture. The first owner of Aintree was the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn, who leased the land from Lord Sefton. Mr Lynn laid out the course and built a grandstand.

In 1949 Lord Sefton sold the course to the Topham family who owned sevral tracts of land around Aintree.The Tophams appointed ex Gaiety-Girl Mirabel Topham as the new course manager. When Mrs Topham took control she built a new track within the Established Grand National course. The new course was named the Midmay course after Lord Midmay who was a amateur jockey.

The Midmay course was opened in 1953, at the same time a motor race circuit which encircled the course was also opened. The motor circuit quickly gained a reputation as one of the best tracks in the World. The motor circuit hosted the European Grand Prix and five British Grand prix. In 1955 Stirling Moss won his first ever Grand Prix at Aintree.

In 1973 Aintree was sold by the Tophams family to property developer Bill Davies.In 1975 the Grand National had its lowest ever attendance; This was the result after the admission price was tripled by Bill Davies.

Later that year Ladbrookes, the bookmakers, stepped in, they signed an agreement with Davies and took full control of the Grand National. Ladbrookes continued managing the National until 1983, when the Jockey Club took control of Aintree, when they agreed a pric with Bill Davies.Since 1983 the Sun newspaper, Seagram Distillers and Martell Cognac have all been sponsors for the National.

The 2004 Martel Grand National attracted over 150,000 spectators.

BY ROAD:
From South-leave M6 at J21A and join M62 west.Leave M62 at J6 to join M57, follow signs for races.From north-leave M6 at J26 and join M58 and follow sign for races.

BY RAIL:
The nearest mainline station is Liverpool Lime Street, a short walk away is Liverpool Central Station where you can board trains to Aintree.