Grand National day has arrived at Aintree, with the latest updates focusing on track conditions, the state of the ground, and the build-up to one of the biggest races in the calendar.
There was rain around early this morning at Aintree while the BBC Breakfast weatherman delivered the forecast, but the weather has since improved. The rain has cleared, and the ground is still carrying some moisture, meaning there is some “juice” in it for runners and riders.
As is often the case at Aintree, officials have watered the track with safety in mind. The course has been prepared carefully ahead of the racing, with conditions described as suitable for competition while still retaining enough give to avoid being too firm.
The latest going report places the Grand National Course at good to soft. On the Mildmay Course, which is used for chase and hurdle races, conditions are listed as good to soft, good in places.
The day’s action comes amid continued interest in the race and the wider event at Aintree, which draws attention not only from racing followers but from a broader audience as well. The build-up has already included a guide to all of the runners, helping set the scene for the day’s contest.
With the ground in fair shape and the weather having improved after the early rain, attention now turns to the racing itself and the final preparations before the Grand National gets underway.
Updates from Aintree will continue throughout the day as the meeting develops.
