Grand National set to be a record breaker
THE opening day of the Grand National Festival is on track to be a record breaker.
Just over a fortnight before the three-day Aintree race meeting is due to start, the course’s new chief John Baker said he had “butterflies” ahead of the world’s greatest steeplechase.
Mr Baker, regional director of the Jockey Club, said: “It is very exciting and we are nearly there with just two weeks to go.
“I cannot wait to get started.”
Mr Baker said tickets for the world famous event, held on April 4-6, were on course to sell out.
He said: “Thursday is looking on track to be a record attendance.
“Tickets are going really well, but there is still availability on all three days.”
There are still 57 horses in the running to take part in the Grand National, in which a maximum of 40 horses can compete.
This year will see new “softer” fences introduced to the course after two fatalities in last year’s National.
