THE MIDLANDS GRAND NATIONAL
Please note: due to phenomenal demand Grandstand & Paddock tickets have now SOLD OUT. Please purchase Premier or Centre Course tickets.
SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2009
MODERN-DAY RECORD ATTENDANCE EXPECTED
RACECOURSE DELIGHTED WITH ENTRIES FOR THE BIG RACE
LOCALLY-TRAINED HORSE COULD HAVE A MAJOR CHANCE
UTTOXETER Racecourse expects a modern-day record attendance at Saturday’s (20 MARCH) John Smith’s Midlands Grand National day.
It follows the major enclosure – the Grandstand & Paddock – selling out a week before the big day.
Tickets remain on sale for the Premier Enclosure (£27) and the Centre Course Family Enclosure (£12), and visitors were urged to book as soon as possible to avoid potential disappointment.
David MacDonald, Uttoxeter Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “Interest in this year’s John Smith’s Midlands Grand National has been phenomenal. The ‘phones have been red hot for weeks and we’ve never taken more online bookings. It means that the Grandstand & Paddock has sold out well in advance.
“I’d also urge visitors to come as early as they can on the day to avoid traffic queues.
“Saturday is an occasion that is a fantastic day out for everyone, because it’s about more than just the horse racing. The racecourse is at its finest and there is a friendly family atmosphere with plenty to see and do.
“As well as the races themselves, spectators can watch the horses being prepared to race, pick out their fancy in the parade ring, watch the ‘best turned out’ horse being chosen and see the presentations to the winners after each race.”
A total of 53 horses have been entered for the big race of which a maximum of 18 will take part.
They include the 2008 winner Himalayan Trail as well as three former winners of the Coral Welsh National at Uttoxeter’s sister racecourse at Chepstow – Miko de Beauchene, Halcon Genelardais and L’Aventure.
Church Broughton trainer John Mackie has entered Gidam Gidam, which was sixth in last year’s race, and there are a number of potential Irish raiders, including Badgerlaw which was fifth 12th months ago.
The first race is currently scheduled for 2.05pm, with the finale at 5.25pm. The Midlands Grand National is at 3.15pm. Entrance gates will be open from 11am.
Admission is £27 (Premier Enclosure) and £12 (Centre Course Family Enclosure). £2 discount for booking Premier tickets online at www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk. Children under 16 enter free when accompanied by an adult. Senior citizens get a £3 discount in Premier on the day.
“It’s an occasion that is a fantastic day out for everyone, because it’s about more than just the horse racing. The racecourse is at its finest and there is a friendly family atmosphere with plenty to see and do.
“As well as the races themselves, spectators can watch the horses being prepared to race, pick out their fancy in the parade ring, watch the ‘best turned out’ horse being chosen and see the presentations to the winners after each race.”
