April
The Grand National Meeting
Grand National, Aintree Hurdle, Bowl Chase, Topham Chase
Aintree Tips & Course Profile
Liverpool, England · Left-handed, triangular
Aintree Racecourse is one of the most important venues in British racing. Below: the things every punter should know before backing a runner here, plus our latest verified selections at the track.
Course Type
National Hunt
Region
Liverpool, England
Direction
Left-handed, triangular
Aintree Course Profile
Draw Bias
Not relevant for jump racing.
Going & Ground
Aintree’s drainage is generally good — the track can ride better than overnight rain might suggest. Soft to heavy is unusual at the April meeting; the Mildmay course rides slightly softer than the National course.
Trainer & Jockey Notes
The big Irish yards — Mullins, Elliott, de Bromhead — plus Skelton, Henderson and Nicholls dominate. Horses who have run well over the National fences before nearly always retain that edge — the obstacles are unique.
Course Quirks
The Grand National course features uniquely shaped fences (Becher’s, The Chair, Foinavon) that demand exact jumping. Horses with proven National-fence experience are at a substantial advantage. The 4 mile 2 furlong distance is also unique — many National runners had never gone beyond 3m4f.
Big Meetings at Aintree
December
Becher Chase Meeting
Becher Chase, Many Clouds Chase
Latest Aintree tips
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