“An amazing venue, exceptional food and hospitality with 5 star service, we have already booked to return to Aintree next year, Best corporate event I have been to over the last 15 years ????well done to all for arranging this exceptional event” – Mrs Hornby, Trustpilot Review.
As the sun sets on the Aintree Grand National Festival for another year, we look back on what was a magnificent three days in Liverpool.
2022 was our first year of hosting The Green Room in the Corbiere Suite and from the moment the doors opened, we knew we were going to be in for a lively atmosphere throughout the three days of the festival. Welcomed with unparalleled views of the track and the obligatory glass of Champagne, guests streamed into The Green Room ready to begin the festivities. Spirits were high as guests flocked back to Aintree for the first time since 2019 and with no further ado, we got the entertainment underway. Mark Durden-Smith was his usual cheeky self, and he was joined by Sir AP McCoy and Jonjo O’Neill Jr. for top racing tips and insight as well as plenty banter and mickey-taking!
Celebrity guests enjoying the occasion included Coronation Street’s Mikey North, Real Housewives of Cheshire’s Seema Malhotra, and Nicole Sealey plus top jockey Oisin Murphy. With a delicious lunch served and dually devoured by guests, it was time to get out on to the balcony for the racing action. The big race of the day was the Betway Aintree Hurdle which was won by Nicky Henderson trained Epatante. We certainly had one or two winners in The Green Room and the atmosphere was celebratory to say the least! What better way to end a tremendous first day than with a rendition of Neil Diamond’ ‘Sweet Caroline’ ringing out around The Green Room.
Day Two at the Aintree Grand National Festival is Ladies Day and with fabulous frocks and fascinators out in force The Green Room doors opened to a chorus of conversation as guests excitedly mingle with one another with a glass of Champagne. Zara and Mike Tindall, British Olympic medallist Kelly Sotherton, comedian Jason Manford and former footballer Dion Dublin all took their places amongst guests with Sir AP and Jonjo Jr. once again taking the mic to discuss all the runners and riders. The Marsh Chase is the big race on the second day at Aintree and with cries of excitement erupting throughout the Green Room, M P Walsh achieved a great win aboard Fakir D’Oudairies for trainer JP O’Brien. With the mood in party mode, the day once again ended with ‘Sweet Caroline’ reverberating around the suite.
Saturday at Aintree is one of the most watched events in the global sporting calendar, with millions tuning in worldwide for ‘the one they all want to win’, the legendary Grand National. Before we opened The Green Room doors, anticipation around the racecourse was palpable. This feeling was however tempered with a real sense of joy from all spectators, just happy to be back at the most popular day in the horse racing calendar. Joining us in The Green Room for the festivities were Jorgie Porter, Mike Tindall, Antony Cotton and Chris Hughes and they soaked up the pre-race banter from Mark Durden-Smith and our racing legends.
With plates cleaned and glass charged it was time to get underway…The Grand National is the obvious big race of the day but prior to that our very own Jonjo O’Neill Jr. had a great shot aboard Champ in the Liverpool Hurdle. Sadly, for Jonjo Jr. it was not to be but one man that did end the day in historic fashion was Sam Waley-Cohen who ended his racing career with a thrilling Grand National victory aboard Noble Yeats. Purchased by Sam’s father Robert just two months before the race, Noble Yeats stayed with the favourites and then powered his way to what was a marvellous if unpredictable win for the Waley-Cohen family. The 50-1 shot winner was cheered with great gusto around The Green Room and with that, three days of top-level jump racing was at an end.
With the flat season and a Green Room at the Epsom Derby to look forward to, the racing action never stops. With less than two months to go until ‘The Greatest Flat Race In The World’, we’re hoping to welcome you back in the proverbial Green Room saddle in just a few short weeks!
For more information about VIP horse racing hospitality find out more here.
