Grand National course watered and further irrigation could be needed

With the Randox Grand National meeting starting at Aintree on Thursday, we've outlined everything you need to know about current ground conditions as the sport counts down its most watched race at 5.15 on Saturday.

The official going description

The going is good, good to soft in places on the chase and hurdle tracks around the Mildmay course, and good to soft, good in places, on the Grand National course. That follows six millimetres of water being put down overnight Sunday into Monday on the National course, while 6mm of irrigation has commenced on the Mildmay course.

View from the course

Aintree clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said on Monday morning: "The Grand National watering is done off pop-up [sprinklers] and is run off computers so that was done overnight. We've set off watering the Mildmay course this morning. We'll reassess this afternoon to see what that's done and have another look at the forecast for the next few days before deciding what we do over the next two days. I wouldn't be surprised if we need to water again before Thursday.

"Between fences 13 and 14 on the National course and from fences three to five are the areas that tend to be quicker ground and they are currently good, while our aim would be to get them back to good to soft ready for Thursday."

What does the forecast say?

Colder temperatures from Monday onwards with a grass frost each morning. Top daytime temperatures of 8-9C and largely dry apart from the slight chance of a snow flurry. Cloudy from Wednesday with the chance of some very light rain (0-1mm) each day from Wednesday to Saturday.

More Grand National reads:

McConnell living the Grand National dream with Mullins cast-off Some Neck

2021 Grand National: essential information for jump racing's biggest event

[Members Club] From death's door to National glory: Bob Champion and racing's greatest miracle

[Members Club] 'I'll always be considered as Niall Madden, the Grand National-winning jockey'

Check out the Racing Post Grand National microsite for the latest tips and odds for the big race. The best Grand National betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.