Why you should attend this year’s Grand National

Every year since 1839, Aintree Race Course in Liverpool, England has hosted the Grand National  Horse Race. Held on the first or second Saturday of April each year, it is a huge event that coincides with the two or three days a year the British get to see the sun each year. I’m teasing but we did get amazing weather last year; I even got a sun burn. I didn’t really know exactly what to expect going in but had an amazing time and hope that we can coordinate to attend again some year when we are visiting our Scouse family.

First You Get All Dressed Up

Attire for the races is taken very seriously. Ladies often pick out a brand new dress and men a new suit. We indulged in the same, thanks to Ryan’s parents who generously set us up with some brand new outfits for the day. And then of course there are the hats. Fabulous and over the top ladies headgear that you can only really get away with in this setting or at the royal wedding. All of this creates some of the best people watching around. Media likes to focus on some of the seedier views but I did not see anything like that. Just tons of people dressed to the nines enjoying a beautiful day out. Very glamorous.

Then You Can Make a Day of it

Ryan’s family organized a booking for us that included an entire package of activities. It began with a yummy brunch buffet to start off the day on the right foot. Afterwards the bus took us to the races to enjoy the event. Following the races, the bus brought us back to the restaurant for Dinner and an evening’s performance. It was a really long and packed day but it was worth the crash into our beds at the end of the night.

Plus Food, Shopping, and Entertainment

In addition to the races, there was plenty of other food and entertainment to explore. This is helpful as there is a significant length of time in between each race. There has to be given each race is less then a minute. There were food and drink offerings from the menu and a selection of food trucks such as the one I am pictured with above run by our dear friends called Oh So British Street Food. Shameless plug, go find them on facebook or instagram, their food is amazing. Additionally, there are a few shops selling the iconic headwares worn to the races which even if you are not looking to buy are fun to puruse. Finally, there was live music playing away from the races, where the food trucks were located that had a large screen set up so you could continue to watch the races go on as well so you don’t miss anything.

 Pure  Excitement

Each, race is extremely fast, passes you in a rush and stirs up the complete excitement of the crowd. Each horse has a crazy name, you always find one that you connect with for one reason or another. And to up the anti you put a little cash down to bet on your picks. That added motivation just makes you that much more excited and cheer that little bit harder for your horse. Then in a flash the race is over and maybe someone in your group won and you celebrate or maybe you didn’t and you shake your head and look to the next one. Either way, you had an exhilarating day with family and friends viewing the horses.