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Iv’e just had three fantastic days at Aintree but I can’t help thinking that the new stands, paddock etc. have taken away some of the charm and ambiance the place once had. I know the facilities have improved greatly but the old paddock was serene and peacful. You could see horses in the saddle boxes and in the paddock at the same time. Nowadays they’re in the paddock for about 2 seconds, then gone. Theres no atmosphere anymore.
And what about that fashion parade on the Friday, that really does my head in. The endless barrage of sound from the tannoy, next year ill be pinching Exotic Dancers earplugs.
The National was a great spectacle but where were the lovely police horses to escort home the winner, very disappointing. Ah well at least i can still remember the good old days, and i will be back next year, even though it will probably take me half an hour to climb to the top of the county stand
through new stupid health and safety rules they banned the police horses parading the winner in ridiculous
just incase they trmpolled on anyone who got in their way even ginger mccain want happy with that onevf
I’m with you Rubywhippet – as much as I love Aintree I’ve had to change my habits in recent years.
Once upon a time there was an old Aintree Roof which only had a very small capacity and was great as the serious race-goer met up there. Then they demolished it and turned it into the Princess Royal Stand Roof, we tried this a few times until on Ladies Day one year I had to clamber over a "lady" being sick in the corridor prone across the floor into a champagne bucket and I said "never again".
I now only attend on National Day itself and this year tried out the Lord Derby stand for the first time. It worked well, we had a good view and all but hey yes I do still yearn for the old ambiance of the place.
One thing did puzzle me about the new stands though and that was they let you take alcohol out into the seating areas – not something you can do on Level 3 at Cheltenham and I think Aintree should follow suit – not that I’m against having a drink but remembering my experience on "Ladies Day" feel it should be confined to the designated areas.
This year was my first time at Aintree (went all three days) and it was kind of a pilgrimage for me. But I left with the feeling that I had now fulfilled that dream but had no real urge to go thorugh it all again. Thursday was a good day. Real racing enthusiasts were in abundance but Friday was hell. The racing was fantastic but it is said to be Liverpool’s day and so it proved. The ladies were great, they added so much colour to the whole day but unfortunately I thought the day was largely taken over by numerous groups of beer boys on the lash, which was unfortunate. Grand National day itself was all about the anticipation and I was in one of the better places to be (Platinum County Lounge) but even there I was annoyed by some lashed up toffs who liked very much to announce to all and sundry the fancy National prices they had obtained and what their return would be. I felt like laughing in their faces when all bar one came down and the one that remained finished sixth but they were a bit bigger than me. All in all the racing was excellent but as with all big meetings there are twits around every corner. I think I will stick to the intimacy of Plumpton and Fontwell for a little while.
My first visit too and wisely (according to mates who were there on the friday…) I stuck to just the Thursday
Like with many sporting venues, its good to actually experience the place and its also true that the new stands are impressive. But, partly perhaps because of its drab location, its a not a venue i can warm to. The viewing is very so so too
As a small but perhaps significant point…even when standing on the members terracing during each race, a band was blasting out some drivel from within. you could barely hear the commentary. Ok. its a party day blah blah…but thats just a bit too much for me
You can see that every effort has been made to make it a decent experience…but it will never be Cheltenham
Best time to visit Aintree is the 2 day October meeting as you pay one entry fee and can use any stand you want so you can watch from all of them and their is only 1 big screen plus you can move about easier.
It may not be in a fantastic location but it is still a heart warming place and the racing is always good to watch
I hope no one ever tries to smarten up Kelso. Hadn’t noticed the missing police horses at Aintree till it was mentioned. When I went to my first ever race meeting on Grand National day I expected the racehorses to look like the police horses and was totally taken aback to see these sleek whippet like creatures.
Not surprised at some of these comments. I haven’t been for about 3-4 years, to be honest, the last time I went was on a Friday, the highlight being one of the lads we were with got Ginger’s autograph. However, there were far too many people with little or no interest in Racing. While trying to get served in the old Red Rum bar, it took that long that the Melling Chase started, however there were TV’s in the bar – I asked nicely to a group of girls if I could get a better view of the TV – well if looks could kill!! Couldn’t get served food or drink, toilets too crowded, had trouble getting a bet on. No thanks, I’ll watch on TV at home, unless somebody pays for a private box.
The trouble with Aintree at the non-National meeting is it is far too big for the crowds it attracts. The plus side is it gives you a chance to sample all the stands so you have an idea of where best to book for the festival.
As has already been mentioned Thursday is definitely the best day of the Festival – more "true" racegoers and, this year, I would argue the best quality racingof the week.
Personally I’m looking forward to Punchestown – much less crowded and still good quality racing.
I was there on Old Roan Chase day earlier this season and despite Kauto Star attracting a fair crowd for a Sunday it was rather soulless because it’s so big as someone said earlier. Ascot is exactly the same outside of the Royal meeting/possibly King George day.
However for the National meeting I think it works very well. This year I was there on Thus/Fri. Despite just having a ‘Tatts’ badge and viewing the races from the concrete mound, I could see almost everything with the runners only going out of sight when they went behind the big screens down the back straight. Contrast that to Cheltenham where every year I pay top whack for that privellege (Guinness stand seats).
After the pressure/seriousness of Cheltenham, Aintree is a lovely meeting and eyeing up the girls/enjoying great craic with the locals is part of the attraction IMO.
The commentary could have been turned up a bit louder mind.
Emerald, im glad you found the Lord Derby stand ok, i was thinking i might try it next year. By the way on Old Roan chase day usually coincides with a Halloween theme. If i never seen another child in a skeleton suit itl be too soon!
Yep I’d say either the Lord Derby or Sefton stand are pretty good all round. We were a bit worried being only able to get the "lower" tier it wouldn’t be as good a view but I’d possibly say from my angle in that I enjoy taking photos it was probably better as my zoom didn’t have to zoom quite so far! However book early!
Yep I’d say either the Lord Derby or Sefton stand are pretty good all round. We were a bit worried being only able to get the "lower" tier it wouldn’t be as good a view but I’d possibly say from my angle in that I enjoy taking photos it was probably better as my zoom didn’t have to zoom quite so far! However book early!
Yeah I allways book early. Im practically sat on the computer end of july waiting for the website to say ‘tickets on sale’, sad or what!
Race courses have got to make money and the majority of those who go to big meetings are not particulary racing fans. Look at whats happened to Haydock with them only now interested in Friday or Saturday evening meetings to the detriment of one of the best chase courses in the country. And don’t get me started on Doncaster or Ascot.
I got a tattersall ticket for christmas for 2007 national. i loved it, the down side was it was rammed! and hot, we got on the aintree mound and watched the runners over the chair, brilliant atmosphere. we are going to get a grand stand view for 2009 but you have to be quick they go on sale in august and we missed out on 2008.
Here some great private pics on the 2008 National:
just incase they trmpolled on anyone who got in their way even ginger mccain want happy with that one
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