Racegoers Anticipate Sunshine and Fortune at the Grand National
Racegoers arrived at Aintree racecourse in Merseyside on Saturday ahead of the famed steeplechase due at 4pm. Many hoped for sunshine and a stroke of fortune as the crowds gathered.
Arrival and crowd numbers
The second day of the festival, Ladies Day on Friday, drew the biggest crowd since 2012. That year more than 53,000 people attended.
The Grand National is broadcast to a potential global audience of about 600 million viewers. Spectators enjoyed bright conditions on arrival, though mixed weather was expected later.
Voices from the course
John Hallihan, 69, from Cork, Ireland, has attended the meeting for 20 years. He wore a green suit decorated with shamrocks and praised the event’s international reputation.
Wesley Jones, 44, from Crosby, and his wife Becky, 39, said the race brings people from around the world. They noted the benefit of living locally when such events take place on their doorstep.
Oliver Henney, 22, travelled with more than 20 friends from Stoke-on-Trent. He called the gathering “the best party” and hoped the sun would hold.
Fashion and personal bets
Fashion designer Melissa-Kate Newitt, 27, from Birkenhead, described the meeting as a pinnacle for British style. She planned to back Monty’s Star in memory of her late cat.
She said she often chooses a runner with a pink jacket. She also brought a coat to guard against chill and wet weather.
Animal welfare concern
Animal rights organisations urged a boycott after a horse died following the second race on Friday. The runner Gold Dancer was reported to have died after crossing the finish line.
Some attendees commented that alterations have made the fences less daunting. They said those changes benefit the horses and improve safety.
Hospital screening and honorary runner
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital will show the race in its MediCinema for the first time. The screen was arranged for patient Oliver Christie, five, who recently had his fifth open heart operation.
Oliver has been named the race’s honorary 35th runner. Staff and visitors will watch the event with him at the hospital.
Reporting by Filmogaz.com. Coverage will continue throughout the afternoon as the meeting unfolds.
