25.03.11 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Doddy is tickled to be on start line of Grand National

Liverpool’s most cherished funnyman Ken Dodd will launch this year’s John Smith’s Grand National Festival.

The legendary comic will officially open the start of the three-day extravaganza of sport and entertainment before the first race on Liverpool Day, Thursday 7 April.

Doddy remembers the first time he went to the Grand National – more than 70 years ago.

“My mum and dad used to take me on every day of the Grand National; I can remember my first Grand Nationals in 1938 and 1939; and famous winners like Golden Miller; then Reynoldstown winning two years running. The first time I went on my own as a grown teenager I backed Lovely Cottage and I was amazed when he won.

“It is the greatest race in the world; and it’s not just a race – it’s a pageant and I am thrilled that I will be there with my tickling stick to get the entertainment underway.”

Doddy’s appearance is just one of the many events planned for Liverpool Day. The Red Devils will be parachuting onto the course; dancers and stiltwalkers will be entertaining the crowds; as well as a full programme of live music.

Legendary band The Farm will be in concert after the racing, with other bands playing throughout the day including the Merseycats, The Paul Kappa Band, Alternative Radio, a number of new artists from the Threshold Festival; and West Everton Super Strings.  The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic have also been commissioned to compose and play a special piece of music for Liverpool Day, which will also take place just before the first race of the day.

For anyone interested in hospitality, a new offer this year is the £99 Sportsman’s Package in the Earth Summit Restaurant, which includes visits by a racing tipster to mark racing cards and give tips on the day’s runners and riders, plus appearances by some of the city’s sporting greats. Guests will have the opportunity to pose for photos with the Grand National Trophy, while each woman will receive a complimentary Matalan race day goodie bag.

Seats are still available for Thursday from £24 (West Tip) with Tattersalls Tickets at £21.