Croxteth Hall & Country Park Web site

Croxteth and the Grand National

Lord Sefton, owner of Croxteth Hall owned the land at Aintree which became home to the most famous steeplechase in the world - the Grand National.

This Easter, to coincide with the Hall opening for 2006 and this year's Grand National meeting at Aintree, we have on display some letters and papers which give a fascinating insight into developments of the Grand National course at Aintree in Victorian and Early Edwardian times. Larger image of 1874 letter. Transcript of 1874 letter

The Earls of Sefton, although enjoying success as race horse owners at courses all over the country, never won the 'big one' - the Grand National. Irish Lizard was their horse which gave them greatest success in the National, being placed third ridden by Bob Turnell in 1953 (behind Early Mist), and third ridden by Michael Scudamore in 1954 (behind Royal Tan).

Also on display are caricatures of members of the Edwardian upper classes who were closely associated with the horse racing scene. Well known figures on display include King Edward VII, the Duke of Westminster and Lord Lonsdale.

As an added bonus over the Easter weekend (Friday 14 April to Monday 17 April) Sharland's funfair will be bringing a selection of fairground rides for younger children (12 years old and under). These will be on the back lawn of Croxteth Hall (weather dependant).