17.11.08 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

Grand National horse and fence visit Liverpool ONE

Ahead of racing at Aintree on Sunday, Aintree Racecourse and Liverpool ONE today erected a replica Grand National fence in Thomas Steers Way (part of Chavasse Park), celebrating the return of racing over the Grand National fences to the city this coming weekend.  Marking this special event, former Grand National runner and retired racing star, Chives, also visited Liverpool ONE in the build up to the event.
 
The weekend’s race meeting, know as totesport Becher Chase day, forms the second and final day of the Northwest Racing Masters, opening at Haydock Park on Saturday 22nd November.  The building of the fence within Liverpool ONE marks a special period in the racing calendar, being the only time of the year that the Grand National course is raced over outside of the festival meeting in April.
 
Totesport Becher Chase Day will feature six races, which include two races over the Grand National course, the totesport Becher Chase and the totesuper7 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, both of which are known to attract genuine Grand National contenders.
 
In addition to the race action, a winter warming treat is in store for all racegoers at Aintree in the build up to the Christmas period.  Children will have the chance to feed and pet Father Christmas’ reindeer before heading into Aintree’s grotto in the Old Weighing Room to the visit the famous man himself, where a free gift is on offer to every child.  

An ice rink complete with free boot hire will give families a chance to try a traditional winter activity or if racegoers are after something a little more sedate, browsing Christmas concessions whilst listening to carols played by a full brass band is guaranteed to add that magic sparkle to get you in the mood for Christmas.  With admission for children (accompanied and aged 16 and under) free to this raceday, it promises to be a traditional family day out.
 
Emma Owen, Marketing and PR Manager, Aintree Racecourse, commented, ‘To celebrate the fact that this weekend’s totesport Becher Chase Day will feature racing over the Grand National fences, we thought it would be a nice idea to bring a little piece of racing into the city centre and a Grand National fence certainly doesn’t look out of place aside the newly opened Chavasse Park within Liverpool ONE. This Sunday’s meeting promises to be extra special as we count down to Christmas, and is also our final meeting before the Grand National in April.’
 
Tickets each raceday are still available by calling 0844 579 3001 or are available online at www.aintree.co.uk or www.haydock-park.co.uk. Admission to Haydock Park starts from just £20 with racing at Aintree costing £19 per adult.  Weekend tickets are available to purchase from £32.  Hospitality is also available by calling 01942 402624 (Haydock) or 0151 522 2911 (Aintree).