Crackdown on drunken antics at Aintree...but life’s still Grand
GRAND National festival-goers refused to let a massive security operation dampen their spirits on their day at the races yesterday.
In the wake of the Manchester Arena bomb, people arrived to find increased anti-terror security.
More than 150,000 people are expected to attend over the threeday race meeting.
Now Merseyside Police has revealed that following last May’s terror attack in Manchester, racegoers will see armed police patrols round the grandstands.
And for the first time officers have announced “zero tolerance” of drunken anti-social behaviour.
Yesterday visitors passed through metal detectors while cars entering the racecourse were stopped as security teams searched under engine bonnets and in boots, foot wells and beneath vehicles.
Merseyside Police’s Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock said: “Merseyside Police constantly reviews its staffing levels for largescale public events.
“Race-goers can expect high visibility policing across the three days of the event.
“There will also be a visible armed presence this year.
Loutish
“I want to reassure visitors this is not in response to any direct threat aimed at the festival but is reassurance for the thousands coming through the gates.”
Addressing their “zero tolerance” of drunken, loutish behaviour in and outside the Aintree racecourse, Chief Superintendent Charnock added: “Officers on duty will be taking a common sense approach.
“But I want to make it clear that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The Aintree festival is always a brilliant occasion which attracts people and TV viewers from across the world.
“I am confident this year’s festival will be no exception.
“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable time and make sure their day at the races is memorable for all the right reasons.”
Despite the apparent “zerotolerance” policy, the wine was still flowing freely yesterday, with race-goers enjoying a few drinks as usual.
The festival is renowned for its daring fashion and women punters did not disappoint this year, dressing to impress.
Despite the gloomy weather there was plenty of skin on show and the damp grass did not deter the glamorous ladies from wearing sky-high heels.
The annual event is always a particularly colourful affair as the course adopts a much more relaxed dress code than Royal Ascot. Guidance on the Aintree website reads: “Although there is no official dress code, smart is preferable and is often adopted.” Attendees were treated to a performance from soprano Laura Wright.