13.01.09 - THE GRAND NATIONAL, RACING AT AINTREE

TICKETS AND HOSPITALITY ON TRACK FOR 2009

Ticket and hospitality sales for the 2009 John Smith’s Grand National meeting are reported to be on schedule compared to January 2008 with the trend of racegoers booking early when tickets go on-sale in August continuing, with many keen the secure their preferred choice for the festival event.

With just over 11 weeks to go until the start of the three day meeting, the racecourse is entering a crucial sales period for the event.  As predicted, all seated enclosures have been very popular, however, seats are still available for all three days, with the racecourse managing to increase seated capacity year on year.  Grandstand standing enclosure tickets are also available for each day of the meeting, in addition to Tattersalls tickets.

Julian Thick added: “Early indications show that we are roughly on schedule to achieve another good result for this year’s Grand National.  Saturday tickets sales are ahead of last year; however, Thursday and Friday are generally 10% behind, which is still and excellent position to be in at this stage.  All businesses, including racing and the leisure sector face challenging times ahead with the current economic downturn and we shall be continuing to monitor our sales pattern very closely.

“There have been changes to how our customers can purchase tickets, which has enables racegoers to purchase all tickets, including seat badges online at aintree.co.uk for the first time.”

Race organisers are advising anyone who wishes to attend any day of the event, to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.aintree.co.uk, or by calling the new ticket hotline on 0844 579 3001.  Hospitality enquiries should call 0151 522 2911.