For some people April may seem months away but for others it is just right around the corner. That is right. It is time to get ready for the Grand National Championship. This horse race is a most exciting time for horse lovers and race fans both. There are three days of fun and exciting things to do. From women and children to the racers themselves there is something for everyone. It holds appeal too many people and now is the time to purchase your tickets for the anticipated three day event in April.

The first Grand National Championship was held in 1839. It was one by a horse named Lottery. It is now a three day event starting with Liverpool Day on April 12, Ladies Day on April 13, and Grand National Day on April 14. These three days are full of music, fashion, racing, and fun. The race itself is the highest quality of jump racing in the UK. Forty horses will line up and jump 30 fences in four and a half miles. This is a test of the toughest horses and jockeys in the world. You will find many people betting on their horses each year, whether they study the horses and jockeys and their abilities or whether they just pick names and place bets. It is a great tradition and race to watch and will leave you wanting more.

Liverpool Day is in its third year and provides entertainment off the track for this wonderful event. There are concerts held on this day, parades, and sporting legends have also been known to make an appearance. This year on April 12, 2012, Liverpool Day is supposed to be bigger and better than ever. 

For the ladies of the races, Ladies Day will be held on April 13. This second day of the three day entertainment package is going to be more stylish than ever. A flourish of fashion shows, make up samplings and giveaways, and grab bag giveaways are going to make up the best Ladies Day ever held. There will be splashes of color in the Red Rum Garden that will be sure to spice up the excitement. 

Last, but certainly not least, there is Grand National Day. It only happens once a year and only lasts approximately fifteen minutes. It is that fifteen minutes that will leave you coming back year after year. If you are simply watching the race on television with millions of other people, or if you are one of the lucky ones that can actually be at the Aintree Racecourse in person, it is an experience you are not likely to forget.

So, everyone mark your calendars. April is not too far away. The three day event is quickly approaching and it is time to prepare. The festivities, the entertainment, and the racing are definitely not something that you want to miss. Tickets for this festive three days went on sale in August. It will be a rush of fun and flash for these memorable few days. It is not something that you are going to want to miss.

The two day William Hill Winter Festival is scheduled to take place At Kempton Park Racecourse on Boxing Day 26th December and Tuesday 27th December 2011 .  The racecourse, which is situated on the outskirts of London, will host the festive two day sporting extravaganza featuring some top class Jump racing.  After the excesses of the Christmas celebrations it’s a perfect way for family and friends to watch some thrilling outdoor action.  The event which attracts thousands of racing fans to the racecourse near Sunbury-on-Thames, is one of the highlights of the Jump racing season.  Seasoned racegoers and newcomers alike will thoroughly enjoy the amazing atmosphere and the chance to make the most of the Christmas Bank Holidays.

First time visitors to Kempton Park should not miss the memorial to one of the best loved race horses of all time, the legendary, Desert Orchid.  A life sized statue of him, stands by the side of the Parade Ring, where his ashes are interred and the Desert Orchid Steeple Chase memorial race is now an annual feature of the William Hill Winter Festival.  Amy Stark, the racecourses managing director said, “The William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton Park is as much a part of Christmas as turkey, mulled wine and mince pies.  Fans of the sport love Boxing Day at Kempton Park and especially the William Hill George V1 Chase, the showpiece race made so famous by the exploits of racehorse legends Desert Orchid and Kauto Star”.  The feature race on Boxing Day, the William Hill King George V1 Chase, with prize money of £180,000, it is one of the most valuable races of the Jump racing season.  The William Hill Desert Orchid Chase, in memory of the great grey who won so many races at the course, is the highlight of the second day.  In January 2011 at the rescheduled King George V1 Steeplechase, Long Run, put in a stunning performance to win ahead of Riverside Theatre and Kempton Park legend, Kauto Star.  Long Run should be back to defend his title this year but will face some stiff competition. 

Race goers already familiar with Kempton Park will see a great improvement in the facilities in the ground floor of the Main Grandstand.  The area has had a makeover during the summer months and now boasts a brand new Costa Coffee shop.  Visitors are well catered for with the ‘Kings of Kempton’ bars, the Italian Trattoria and plenty of relaxed seating areas which should ensure a more comfortable experience than ever before.  If you’re a jump racing fan, or just like the idea of a breath of fresh air and some sporting excitement after the Christmas festivities, Kempton Park will provide a memorable days entertainment.  As the Winter Festival is so popular, pre-booking is advised, plenty of good value packages are available from the racecourse.  Kempton Park Racecourse has teamed up with online Eclipse Magazine, [who focus on the social side of racing], to give two lucky readers a PAIR of Paddock admission tickets to the William Hill Winter Festival.  A pair of tickets for both days, are up for grabs, with a simple entry form available at www.eclipsemagazine.co.uk