Around the World in 8000 days: Liverpool

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Liverpool - The Grand National

Aintree for Grand National Day 2016

We've been to a few horse racing events, but although we've generally placed a few bets on the Grand National, we'd never been to watch it. So as we were going to be around this year, and have never spent any time in Liverpool, we decided to go.

The trip out from town to the racecourse wasn't bad at all - the way back took a lot longer to get everyone away.

They could have done with having more trains on really, but aside from that it was reasonably well organised; they were even handing out free flip-flops for the ladies who wanted to take off their high heels and everyone was in good humour as the rain held off while we were waiting.

But I'm getting rather ahead of myself talking about the journey back, when we haven't had the racing yet!

Aintree for Grand National Day 2016

We had bought tickets a while back, for the Lord Daresbury stand, so we had seats if we wanted them, and a lounge inside with its own bar and betting booth. We were glad of the seats in the covered stand in the end, as it rained rather a lot that day, but we really weren't impressed by the lounge. It was completely packed, to the degree that moving through it involved a fair chance that a drink would get spilled on you - we saw that happen to a few people.

Aintree for Grand National Day 2016

The position of the stand was great though, with an excellent view of the finishing post, and close to the bookies.

Talking of the bookies, we didn't do too well sadly. I got a win in one race and a few places, including a place in the National, so ended up with money left from the betting budget, but not making anything. Nic did more everything to win, which can often pay off for him, but not this time. Never mind, we had fun, and we always start with the assumption that we will lose, so we're never disappointed!