The Grand National is the biggest horse racing event in the world.
Every year, the National sees around 150,000 people descend on Aintree Racecourse to watch the main event with their own eyes. However more than 600 million people are estimated to watch it at home, worldwide.
It's also one of the richest races in the world with over £1 million in prize money and the winner taking home £500,000. The Randox Grand National Festival takes place from Thursday to Saturday, with the opening day taking place on April 11 this year, Ladies Day on Friday , April 12 and the world's greatest steeplechase on Saturday, April 13.
What time is the Grand National? Runners, horses and odds for 2024
Grand National race start time changed for 2024
It’s safe to say that most of Merseyside and particularly the people of Aintree are proud to host the major event. But the housing estates that back onto Aintree Racecourse take the Grand National very seriously - so much so that they’re named after it.
Many people who know the area well may be aware of Foxhunter Drive, off Seeds Lane, and Barlows Lane, off Longmoor Lane. But not everyone will know that these housing estates are actually themed...Grand National themed.
Those watching the National on the television might even spot the people who live on these housing estates, as they're often spotted waving from their back garden fences which overlook the racecourse. The jumps on the racecourse overlooked by Foxhunter Drive and Barlows Lane include 1 and 17 (known as thorn fence) , 2 and 18, 3 and 19 (Westhead), 4 and 20 (plain fence), 5 and 21 (spruce dressed fence) and Becher's Brook.