(estimated 3 minute read time) As the sun sets on the Aintree Grand National Festival for another year, we look back on what was a magnificent three days in Liverpool.
The Green Room was back in the Corbiere Suite for our second year and from the moment the doors opened, we knew we were going to be in for a lively atmosphere throughout the three days of the festival. Welcomed with unparalleled views of the track and a glass of Champagne, guests streamed into The Green Room ready to begin the festivities. Spirits were high as guests flocked back to Aintree eager for the racing action and with no further ado, we got the entertainment underway. Mark Durden-Smith was his usual cheeky self, and he was joined by Sir AP McCoy and Jonjo O’Neill Jr. for top racing tips and insight as well as plenty banter and mickey-taking!
Celebrity guests enjoying the occasion included former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn and reality TV star and model Amanda Harrington. With a delicious lunch served and dually devoured by guests, it was time to get out on to the balcony for the racing action. The big race of the day was the Betway Aintree Hurdle which was won by Nicky Henderson trained Constitution Hill. We certainly had one or two winners in The Green Room and the atmosphere was celebratory to say the least! What better way to end a tremendous first day than with a rendition of Neil Diamond’ ‘Sweet Caroline’ ringing out around The Green Room.
Day Two at the Aintree Grand National Festival is Ladies Day and with fabulous frocks and fascinators out in force The Green Room doors opened to a chorus of conversation as guests excitedly mingle with one another with a glass of Champagne. Mike Tindall joined former Cruiserweight world boxing champion Johnny Nelson, reality star and racing pundit Frankie Foster as well as former Wales fly half Nicky Robinson. Jonjo Jr. once again taking the mic to discuss all the runners and riders. The Marsh Chase is the big race on the second day at Aintree and with cries of excitement erupting throughout the Green Room, Harry Cobden achieved a great win aboard Pic D’Orhy for trainer Paul Nicholls. With the mood in party mode, the day once again ended with ‘Sweet Caroline’ reverberating around the suite.
Saturday at Aintree is one of the most watched events in the global sporting calendar, with millions tuning in worldwide for ‘the one they all want to win’, the legendary Grand National. Before we opened The Green Room doors, anticipation around the racecourse was palpable with the most popular day in the horse racing calendar ahead. Joining us in The Green Room for the festivities were Jorgie Porter, Mike Tindall, Kieron Richardson and Amy Christophers and they soaked up the pre-race banter from Mark Durden-Smith and our racing legends.
With plates cleaned and glass charged it was time to get underway…The Grand National is the obvious big race of the day and whilst our very own Jonjo O’Neill Jr. couldn’t win the big race, Derek Fox won his second Grand National title, steering the 8-1 favourite Corach Rambler to victory. With cheers of great delight ringing around The Green Room, three days of top-level jump racing was sadly at an end.
With the flat season and a Green Room at the Epsom Derby to look forward to, the racing action never stops. With less than two months to go until ‘The Greatest Flat Race In The World’, we’re hoping to welcome you back in the proverbial Green Room saddle in just a few short weeks.
