Time to celebrate Merseyside sport for Grand National Thursday

Launched last year by Jockey Club Racecourses, a Celebration of Merseyside Sport will return on April 4, 2019 and will include fresh additions to the Festival Zone and a course facing, enhanced Champions Lounge.

Known as arguably one of the best days in the British racing jumps calendar, Aintree Racecourse have pulled out all the stops for A Day for Champions and this year the Champions Lounge, hosted by BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker, will feature special guests; Sam Quek, Sir Kenny Dalglish, John Barnes, Leon Osman, Beth Tweddle and AP McCoy.

Talking about the event, John said: "Delighted to be part of celebrating Merseyside sport at one of the best horseracing racing festival in the world.

"I've been a big Grand National fan since childhood and having played for Liverpool FC, I've enjoyed going to Aintree to watch the iconic race.

"When the fixtures came out as players, the first thing we looked at was what game we had on Grand National Day.

"Grand National Thursday is a fantastic day of racing and I really like that Aintree are using this platform to celebrate the best of Merseyside Sport – really pleased to be part of it."

Wirral gold medalist Sam will also host a Merseyside sport Q&A in the Aintree Pavilion.

This will follow a brand new 'Punters Panel' looking ahead to the day's racing and the Grand National itself with racing stars as well celebrity jockey siblings Ruby and Katie Walsh.

Last year, Liverpool was voted as Britain's greatest sporting city and Aintree is looking to celebrate that by ensuring as many sports as possible are represented on the day.

Tickets for the Champions Lounge on Grand National Thursday are limited and priced at £299 + VAT.

For more information and to get your tickets visit www.randoxhealthgrandnational.co.uk or call 0151 522 2911. Racegoers can also email gnhospitality@thejockeyclub.co.uk or buy tickets directly from the sales office at Aintree Racecourse.