The 9th of April sees the return of the Crabbie’s Grand National, so it will be upon us before we know it. If you are planning a trip to the national we focus on where to stay and general tips about the festival.
Although the race itself is on the Saturday, you may be surprised to learn that the actual race (although the centrepiece) is merely the end of a full weekend of activities. There is a grand opening day to enjoy as well as ladies day, where the fun is about the dressing up as much as the actual racing. Some choose conservative and classic wear while some will probably choose more flamboyant outfits and headwear. The official website is superb and has developed nicely, at it you can buy your tickets, plan your trip as well as look into the history of the race.
There are many partners to the National including Crabbie’s which is actually an alcoholic ginger beer – an odd sponsor but one which reflects modern tastes which often break free of convention. Traditional partners to horseracing include betting firms – please follow this tip and head to the Coral website. You will find an authoritative service for the latest news, analysis and, obviously, Grand National tips.
For staying over at the National there are several places you can go to find a spot. At Late Rooms.com, there is a list of rooms currently available where you can view different prices, stars and distance from the actual race course. Obviously the website name late rooms’ is pushing it a bit as it’s only January but I suppose it’s a great site name! Thomas Cook also have a range of hospitality packages available so you don’t have to just go direct to hotel websites – open your search for a good deal.
So you have sorted out your accommodation and booked your ticket? What other tips are there to be had? Get there in good time for the race and if you are in the standing area politely position yourself into a good spot where you may need your binoculars. If not you may spend the whole weekend wishing that you brought some, and you may annoy your friends as you persistently try and steal them as it provides a much better viewpoint and perspective!
So for the National, please plan ahead to make it a Grand weekend. Get organising your accommodation now and familiarise yourself with the horses and odds with partners like Coral. At least you can pretend to know what’s going on although in truth you are only there for the ginger beer!
