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Aintree track is one of the most recognized racecourses in the country and is sited on the A59 at Ormskirk Road, Aintree (Anglo-Saxon for one tree), in the northern suburbs of Liverpool, just 6 miles from the town centre. The racecourse occupies 250 acres and has two left-handed chasing tracks. The first, the Mildmay Course is rectangular and created in 1953. It is nearly one and a half miles in length, with sharp corners and chase fences. The English Grand National course isn’t as sharp as the Mildmay course but is much more taxing which is why it is known as one of the hardest races in the united kingdom – one which all horse trainers would aspire to gain entrance to. The
English Grand National course is far longer than the Mildmay at not quite two and a quarter miles, and is completely flat, with fences that have a decline on the landing side lesser than the take-off side.

William Lynn is the guy accountable for bringing racing to the town of Aintree. Lynn was the proprietor of the Waterloo Lodge, and started racing on the land which he rented from the Earl of Sefton. The main stand started being built in 1829 and after 5 months the first appointment for Flat races was held. They didn’t start hurdle steeple chase racing until 1836, when the original Liverpool Grand Steeplechase was held at Aintree on February 29th. This contest was recognised by some as being the earliest ever English Grand National and was won by The Duke, ridden by Captain Martin Becher. However, the more acknowledged Liverpool Grand Steeplechase of 1839 is identified as the original, and was won by Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. The event of 1839 was a four miler, across country, and the rule was that ‘no rider to open a gate or ride through a gateway, or more than 100 yards along any street, trail or driftway’.

The racecourse was given over to the MOD in 1915, and after the 1940 National it was again used by the military. Steeple chase racing resumed in 1946 and in 1949 the racecourse was bought by Messrs Topham Ltd; who had rented the place for approximately a century; from the Earl of Sefton for 275,000. Mirabel Topham, an inventive soul, went on to create the Mildmay course and a automobile circuit which held the European Grand Prix and five English Grand Prix.

Bill Davies bought the racecourse in 1973 for 3 million and in 1975 Ladbrokes saved the English Grand National, which was in jeopardy of vanishing, by running and administering it for seven years at a yearly payment of 250,000. In 1983 the racecourse was deemed secure when the Jockey Club bought it.

Aintree is now more fit for purpose with transport links greatly enhanced. In the beginning it could only be reached by rail, but now it is reached by car, coach or air. There is a 6 acre enclosed space for landing by copter or the John Lennon airfield 20 minutes drive away, meaning that those both home and abroad can share in the festivities. Meaning guests to Aintree have a improved experience. Meaning everyone enjoys the English Grand National festival even more.