GRAND NATIONAL AINTREE 2009

Grand National Winner 2009

Whilst we aren't serious gamblers, nor do we follow horse racing and any great detail, we do love the excitement of a Saturday flutter in front of the TV. Both my wife and I celebrate our birthdays in April and we thought it would be nice to see the horse racing for real and what better event to visit than the Grand National.

After a gruelling journey up from London to Aintree on the Saturday morning, we checked into our hotel early on and got freshened up for the Grand National 2009.

We had a wonderful day out. It was a little breezy, but if you sat in the sun, it was really quit pleasant. The stadium was packed out, you really couldn't have squeezed another person in. There where plenty of drink and food stands all around the stadium, whilst a little expensive, they did serve people quite quickly so you didn't need to queue for long.

Once the Grand National 2009 race began, we had made our way to the front of the track to get a good view. It was fantastic to be so close to the horses and riders. We had all placed our bets and waited to the race to begin.

All the horses walked by in a parade before the race, including No.9 Hear The Echo. My wife had chosen this horse as the winner. Hear The Echo sadly collapsed and died 20 yards from the finishing line. RIP Hear The Echo.

The race began, and for the most part, we had to watch the progress of the horses on the large TV screens dotted around the track. I think you would have had a better view if we had bought stadium tickets and where able to get up higher.

The horses ran past us twice, they are so fast! Whilst the race was running, everyone in the stadium was cheering on their horse. It was a fantastic atmosphere at the track, better than any football game.

It was great to see the 50-1 outsider Mon Mome stomp its way home, I bet that horse made a few people very happy indeed! Well done Mon Mome.

We had a great day out and we would recommend it to anyone. It made for a perfect birthday present to each other and we would seriously consider doing it again.

Whilst we where there, I took a few pictures. I have put them below to look at. Just click on an image to see a larger version.

Grand National Winner 2009 - MON MOME