Racing returns to Aintree: Liverpool circuit back after three years

Bike racing is set to resume at one of Britain’s most historic circuits later this month following a three-year layoff complicated by Covid. 

Aintree Racing Circuit which, as its name suggests, is located within the Grand National horse racing course in Liverpool, was built in 1954 and hosted Formula 1 races in the 1950s and 60s. 

The original three-mile Grand Prix circuit was last used in 1964 but a shorter, 1.5-mile Club Circuit located towards Becher’s Brook (one of the toughest fences jumped by horses in the Grand National) remained open.  

Since then, it’s been primarily used for motorcycle club racing and proved significant in the early careers of riders such as 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, and four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty. 

That was all brought to a halt in March 2019 when a track permit was declined by the ACU following an incident at a meeting the previous September – forcing the cancellation of all racing that year.  

Proposed track repairs in 2020 were then suspended due to Covid-19 while financial assistance from the Jockey Club was also halted due to the pandemic. However, with restrictions easing last year, the situation improved, and repairs were carried out, meaning the club could finally announce that racing could resume.  

Club committee member Martin Walsh said: “The new directors and committee formed in 2021 have worked tirelessly with the ACU and Jockey Club to make this happen and we look forward to the support of our riders to ensure racing continues.” 

A new shortened three-round motorcycle racing championship gets underway on Saturday, May 14, with second and third rounds due in June and August. Keep up to date with the action at the Aintree website.