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Aintree Racecourse is playing host to a spectacular equestrian event next weekend for all the family – and what’s more it’s free!
On Saturday 28 July from 3-7pm, the course’s indoor arena will play host to the John Hulley Family Fun Day, which is free to attend on the day. There will be all kinds of exciting events for kids, including cheerleading workshops, children’s entertainers, sports with Everton in the Community and dance classes. Whilst over in the racecourse’s golf centre, there will be competitions staged throughout the weekend.
The Family Fun Day is part of the John Hulley Equestrian event, which will run on both Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July. In its second year, it will attract 1,000 horses and competitors from across the country. They will be taking part in a range of events, including show jumping and dressage.
One of the highlights will be the leaping ladies’ side saddle jump. The world record for the highest ladies’ side saddle jump is 6ft6, an achievement which has stood since 1915. On the Saturday night, six women will attempt to smash this long-standing record in a thrilling display of technique and bravery.
The event is part of an ongoing summer activities calendar commemorating John Hulley, a Liverpool man who organised six Olympic Festivals in Liverpool and Llandudno in the 1860s. He worked tirelessly to promote health and wellbeing through sport, and the British Olympic Association can trace its roots to his pioneering festivals. Liverpool has a closer link than any other city in Britain to the Olympic Games as they are today, a connection celebrated by this summer’s events.
Debbie Slee, Conference and Events Manager at Aintree Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the John Hulley Equestrian event to Aintree this year, as it promises to be a really memorable weekend. There’s so much for kids to do at the Family Fun Day followed by some world class equestrian action, so the atmosphere around the course will be fantastic. As one of the city’s most famous sporting venues, we believe it’s important to recognise the massive contribution John Hulley had on sporting life in this country. Giving people the chance to see outstanding horsemanship in these surroundings is a great way to honour his memory.”
Robin Baines MBE, founder of Liverpool Heartbeat said: “It’s great to be staging this event at such a prestigious venue. Last year was so popular with families that we have added a special Family Fun Day, which kids will love. The John Hulley Olympic Festival aims to bring sport to as many people as possible, so we hope people take this rare opportunity to see such quality equestrian at close quarters.”
Entry to the event is free, simply turn up to Aintree Racecourse on the weekend of July 28-29.
