Nestled in the heart of Liverpool, Aintree Racecourse is an iconic venue renowned for its rich history in horse racing. Home to the world-famous Grand National, one of the most prestigious and challenging steeplechases on the planet, Aintree captures the essence of British horse racing like no other.

Aintree Betting Tips

This page is your gateway to discovering the grandeur and excitement of Aintree Racecourse, from its storied past to the exhilarating races that continue to captivate enthusiasts and spectators alike. Explore the heritage, events, and everything you need to know about this legendary racecourse.

Aintree Betting Strategies

Success at Aintree Racecourse demands horses with a unique set of skills. Whether navigating the challenging Grand National course or the Mildmay Course, a winning horse here must be a strong traveler, comfortable maintaining a prominent position, or even leading the pack. Rarely do we see a horse win at Aintree from a position far off the pace.

Key Races at Aintree Racecourse

Aintree Racecourse is renowned for hosting a variety of key races, with the most famous being the Grand National. This iconic event is part of a three-day festival that includes several other major races. Below are some of the key races held at Aintree, highlighting the diversity and significance of the meetings at this historic venue:

The Grand National

The Grand National is a premier handicap steeplechase and the most celebrated race held at Aintree. It takes place annually in April and is known for its challenging course and large fences, making it one of the most testing steeplechases in the world.

Becher Chase

The Becher Chase, held annually in December, is a renowned steeplechase that stands as a significant test for National Hunt horses, particularly those eyeing the Grand National. Spanning over 3 miles and 2 furlongs, the race incorporates many of the same daunting fences used in the Grand National, offering a blend of challenge and spectacle that attracts top-tier talent and enthusiastic crowds.

Topham Chase

Another race that utilises the Grand National fences, typically taking place during the Grand National meeting in April.

Aintree Hurdle

The Aintree Hurdle is a prominent Grade 1 National Hunt hurdle race held at Aintree Racecourse, typically featured during the Grand National meeting in April. This race is a significant part of the three-day festival, attracting top-class hurdlers from across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Covering a distance of about 2 miles and 4 furlongs, the Aintree Hurdle challenges participants with its series of hurdles, testing both speed and stamina.

Renowned for its history and prestige, the race serves as a crucial fixture in the jumps racing calendar, drawing considerable attention from both fans and competitors alike. Its position in the schedule, shortly after the Cheltenham Festival, often sees horses that competed at Cheltenham making their way to Aintree to contest in this race, making it a thrilling spectacle of the sport’s finest hurdlers​

Fox Hunters’ Chase

The Fox Hunters’ Chase at Aintree is a pivotal event in the National Hunt racing calendar, specifically tailored for amateur riders. Held annually at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool during the Grand National Festival, this race is also run over the iconic Grand National fences​​​​.

This challenging steeplechase covers a distance of 2 miles and 5 furlongs, featuring 19 fences. It’s a prominent fixture during the Aintree Festival, serving as a test of both horse and rider’s prowess, endurance, and agility. This race not only highlights the skill of amateur jockeys but also celebrates the enduring spirit of steeplechase racing, drawing spectators and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

The Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree is a prestigious National Hunt race that showcases the skill and agility of seasoned jumpers. Spanning over 2 miles and 5 furlongs this event features several of the formidable fences also encountered in the Grand National. It’s a test of endurance and strategy, attracting a competitive field of horses and riders.

Melling Chase

A Grade 1 race over 2m4f, the Melling Chase is a highlight of the opening Thursday of the Grand National meeting, attracting top chasers from the previous month’s Cheltenham Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase​​.

Betway Bowl

The feature race on the Friday of the Aintree Festival, this 3m1f Grade 1 race often includes participants from the previous month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup​​.

Many Clouds Chase

A Grade 2 race in early December, named in honor of the late Many Clouds, a popular chaser and 2015 Grand National winner​​.

These races are just a few examples of the high-quality National Hunt racing that Aintree hosts, making it a central venue in the British horse racing calendar. For more detailed information on these and other races at Aintree, you can visit the official websites of Aintree Racecourse and the Racing Post.

FAQ: Betting at Aintree Racecourse

How do I place a bet at Aintree Racecourse?
You can place a bet at Aintree Racecourse through on-course bookmakers, located around the racecourse, particularly in front of the Grandstand. Alternatively, you can use the Tote, which offers a variety of betting options, including Placepot bets and Jackpot bets. Betting shops within the racecourse also accept bets.
Can I bet online while at Aintree?
Yes, you can bet online while at Aintree Racecourse using your smartphone or tablet. Most major bookmakers have mobile apps and websites that allow you to place bets. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection.
What types of bets can I place?
At Aintree, you can place a variety of bets, including win, place, each-way (a combination of win and place), forecasts (predicting the first two finishers in order), tricasts (predicting the first three finishers in order), and accumulator bets (multiple selections in different races).
Are there minimum bet amounts?
Yes, the minimum bet amount usually depends on the type of bet and the bookmaker. For on-course bookmakers, the minimum bet is typically £2, while the Tote has different minimum stakes for its various betting pools.
How do I collect my winnings?
If you placed your bet with an on-course bookmaker, return to the same bookmaker with your winning ticket to collect your winnings. If you used the Tote, winnings can be collected from any Tote window. For online bets, winnings are automatically credited to your account.
What happens if my horse is a non-runner?
If your horse does not start the race and is declared a non-runner, your bet will be refunded for single bets. For accumulator bets, the selection is usually treated as a void, and the bet will stand for the remaining selections.
Can I cancel a bet after I’ve placed it?
Once a bet is placed with an on-course bookmaker or through the Tote, it is generally considered final. However, online betting platforms may have their own policies regarding bet cancellations, which can vary, so it’s best to check with them directly.
Is there a dress code for Aintree?
There is no specific dress code for Aintree. However, the racecourse itself may have dress codes for different enclosures, especially during the Grand National Festival.
Can I get betting advice at the racecourse?
Yes, there are usually tipsters and racing experts at Aintree, especially during major meetings. You can also find racecards and betting guides available for purchase, providing insights and tips for the day’s races.
What do I do if I have a dispute with a bookmaker?
If you have a dispute with an on-course bookmaker, you can approach the Tattersalls Committee for assistance, which provides an arbitration service for betting disputes. For disputes with online bookmakers, you should contact their customer service in the first instance and follow their complaints procedure.

Remember, betting should always be done responsibly, and it’s important to only bet what you can afford to lose.