Final preparations for the world's most famous horse race are underway with 150,000 race-goers set to flock to Aintree this weekend.
Now in its 163rd year, the John Smiths Grand National represents one of the biggest social events of the year, with race-goers expected to consume more than 7,000 bottles of champagne and 220,000 pints of beer over the course of three days.
40 horses will tackle the gruelling racecourse, spanning more than four-and-a-half-miles of track, all vying for a share of the £925,000 prize.
Last year displayed further evidence of the unpredictable nature of the famous steeplechase as the 100/1 shot Mon Mome ripped up the form book to win the 2009 Grand National.
Irish jockey Ruby Walsh, who is bidding for a third success in the Aintree showpiece following victories in 2000 and 2005, will be aboard the ante-post favourite Big Fella Thanks.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, the eight-year-old horse finished sixth in last year's race, 23 lengths behind winner Mon Mome.
Next in the betting comes last year's winner and Black Apalachi, ridden by Dennis O'Regan at 12/1, according to official betting partner totesport.
The three-day meeting kicks off on Thursday April 8, with Liverpool Day, a celebration of Liverpool-inspired entertainment, sport and music.
Some of the region’s sporting stars will lead the jockeys out from the weighing room to the parade ring to officially mark the start of the festival, with Reds’ legends John Aldridge and Alan Kennedy and former Blues’ managers Colin Harvey and Joe Royle leading the parade.
Sticking with tradition, some 50,000 people will flock to Aintree the following day for Ladies' Day, with the most Stylish Racegoer set to receive an illustrious prize, presented by Liverpool fashion icon, Coleen Rooney.
The main event on Saturday is followed by the Grand National Winner's Party at Alma de Cuba, giving racing fanatics the opportunity to rub shoulders with winning jockeys, owners and trainers.
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