The Randox Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse racing festivals in the United Kingdom, is set to take place at Aintree Racecourse from April 3rd to April 5th, 2025. The event, which has been sponsored by global healthcare company Randox since 2017, recently extended its partnership with the Jockey Club for an additional five years. This festival is widely regarded as a highlight in the racing calendar, combining thrilling sporting action with vibrant social engagement. The Grand National will showcase a range of steeplechase, hurdle, and bumper races, ensuring an exciting experience for both spectators and participants.
The Grand National will be broadcast live on ITV, a channel that previously attracted over 600 million TV viewers, with more than 150,000 racegoers attending in person. As the event’s organizer, the Jockey Club promises an unforgettable festival, featuring the Grand Opening Day, Ladies’ Day, and Grand National Day, each offering unique thrills. The event’s history traces back to 1829 when William Lynn leased land at Aintree from William Molyneux, eventually creating the iconic racecourse. The first official Grand Liverpool Steeplechase occurred in 1839, with LOTTERY, ridden by Jem Mason, marking the beginning of this legendary event. Edward Topham played a significant role in shaping the Grand National, transitioning it into a handicap race fixture.
Throughout its history, the Grand National has produced memorable champions. Red Rum, one of the most famous names in racing, won the event three times (1973, 1974, and 1977). Another standout, Tiger Roll, made history by winning the Grand National in back-to-back years, 2018 and 2019, ridden by Davy Russell and trained by Gordon Elliott in both the seasons.
The Grand Opening Day of the festival will set the stage for the excitement to come. With seven thrilling races, the day’s first event, The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase, kicks off at 1:45 PM, followed by the Boodles Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle Race and The Brooklands Golden Miller Chronograph Bowl Steeple Chase. The Aintree Hurdle Race, The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase, The Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase, and The Open National Hunt Flat Race. Spectators will be treated to a series of top-class races, as always, racing legends and celebrities will be on hand to celebrate the triumphs of emerging stars.
Friday, April 4th, brings the ever-popular Ladies’ Day, where fashion meets racing. Spectators, dressed in elegant attire, will compete for the Best Dressed Award, with stylish hats and suits making a statement. Alongside the fashion, high-class racing continues with races such as Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase at 1:45 PM. This will be followed by The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race, The Top Novices’ Hurdle Race, The Melling Steeple Chase, The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer UK Topham Handicap Steeple Chase, The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race, and The Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle Race. Best dressed 2024 was won by Ainsley Briscoe and Claire Illingworth. Most Sustainability Dressed Racegoer 2024 was won by Sally Ann Morgan.
The festival will culminate on Saturday, April 5th, with the grand spectacle of the Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase. Known for its unpredictability, the Grand National features 30 challenging fences and covers a distance of 4 miles 2½ furlongs. The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase will be the feature race at 4:00 PM. Grand National Day will kick off with The Hurdle Race at 1:20 PM. The second race of the day, The Novice Hurdle Race, will be followed by The Steeple Chase, The IVY Liverpool Hurdle Race, The Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase, and The Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.UK Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. The day will set the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to this exhilarating festival.
The Randox Grand National is an event that promises an exceptional mix of high-stakes racing, glamour, and unforgettable moments, making it a must-attend for horse racing enthusiasts, celebrities, and fashion lovers alike.
