Around 30,000 enthusiastic attendees defied the drizzle at the ‘Raintree’ for the Grand National festival kickoff. Despite the gloomy weather, Liverpudlians showcased stylish and vibrant outfits at the racecourse, with even Princess Anne making an appearance. Beverages were not cheap, with a pint of Guinness priced just under £8, a cocktail at £13, a bottle of prosecco at £46, and champagne at £85, prompting attendees to hope for winning bets to cover their bar tabs.
The opening day saw an estimated purchase of over 170,000 drinks, including 10,000 bottles of prosecco, 8,000 bottles of champagne, and 25,000 cocktails. Over the three-day event, a staggering £650 million is expected to be wagered on horse races, with £300 million on the Grand National day. Rachael Blackmore, the first female jockey to win the prestigious race, was honored as a Grand National Legend for her victory on Minella Times in 2021, and a bar named ‘Blackmore’s’ will pay tribute to her achievements.
Expressing her gratitude, Blackmore mentioned her fondness for Aintree and Liverpool, appreciating the honor of having a bar named after her. Football icon Michael Owen, among the attendees, shared his enjoyment of the event, highlighting his newfound interest in the races. Unfortunately, last year’s champion Nick Rockett had to withdraw from this year’s race due to illness.
Organizers anticipate a crowd of 50,000 for Ladies Day, making the total attendance over the three days approximately 150,000. The 178th Grand National will be broadcast globally, reaching an estimated television audience of 800 million viewers.
