The biggest weekend in the racing calendar, the Grand National, will be here in just a few months and fans can still get tickets to the three-day event.
The Grand National is an event that appeals to fanatical race fans as much as casual day-trippers who enjoy the atmosphere of the world famous race meeting. This year will be no different as fans will flock to Aintree in Liverpool, Merseyside for the three day extravaganza that includes opening day, the much anticipated Ladies Day and the National day itself.
Last year Corach Rambler, which had an 8-1 chance, eased to the front at the 29th of the 30 fences and kept on to beat Vanillier, with Gaillard Du Mesnil placing third and 2022's winner Noble Yeats coming in fourth. However last year's race was beset with controversy after the start was delayed by 14 minutes after a small group of animal rights protesters breached the Aintree perimeter and made their way onto the track.
This year's list of runners is yet to be confirmed, although the bookies have installed Corach Rambler the early favourite for 2024 as jockey Derek Fox and trainer Lucinda Russell will look to make it two Grand National wins in a row. So, with tickets still on sale, let's take a look at what you need to know for this year's Grand National.
The 2024 Grand National festival begins with Grand National Thursday on April 11 which is followed by Ladies' Day on Friday, April 12 and then the Grand National Day itself on Saturday, April 13.
Harry Cobden says winning Cheltenham ride on Il Ridoto did not deserve banThe timings of the Grand National have varied in recent years, but organisers have now settled on a later time, taking place at 5.15pm on Saturday, April 13.
Tickets for all three days of the Grand National can be purchased online through The Jockey Club website here. Tickets for Opening Day range from £31.50, Ladies Day tickets start at £49.50 and Grand National Day tickets are on sale from £81.50. However, ticket prices vary depending on the section you choose to sit in, however some sections are already sold out. To view the full range of ticket options and prices see here.
2024 will see one major change which is focusing on the number of horses in the famed race itself. This year will have a decrease in the number of horses running from 40 to 34 in a bid to reduce the risk of incidents and injury during the intense race. The race will still be more than four miles long and will be the sixth of seven races taking place that day.
The full line-up of the 40 runners taking part in this year's Grand National has yet to be confirmed. The list of horses running in the race is usually revealed in mid-February.
The Grand National will be broadcast on ITV this year as well as online and on the app.