National back with a grand bid to honour brilliant NHS
THE GRAND National Festival returns today after a year off due to Covid – with the first day renamed in honour of NHS heroes.
And fans desperate for some betting fun to lift the gloom of lockdown are predicted to wager up to £250million on Saturday’s big race.
It is a welcome return as, in its 180-year history, the National had only previously been called off during the wars and for the disastrous voided race of 1993. It ended in shambles following two false starts after protesters invaded the course.
Gratitude
Last year’s event was replaced with an NHS-charity virtual race.And, as a salute to health workers, the first day of this year’s festival is called the Liverpool’s NHS Day.
Dickon White, of Jockey Club Racecourses North West, said: “We’re delighted to rename the first day of the festival...as a small way to show our gratitude.
“In addition, we will be working closely with our friends in the NHS to provide a special thank you to a few people who have gone above and beyond in these difficult times.”
With spectators still not allowed, 10,000 tickets donated to health workers by the Jockey Club are being carried forward to next year.
NHS Liverpool boss Jan Ledward said: “It’s a fantastic gesture. Staff are working tirelessly to keep services running.”
Restrictions are not putting people off a flutter. David Stevens, of Coral, said: “Although betting shops will be closed, the race remains the biggest betting event of the year.”
Rupert Adams, of William Hill, said: “Betting may be slightly down due to Covid but only by around 10 per cent, as punters are eager to see the return of big sporting events such as the National.”
Saturday’s four-mile, 30-fence Randox Grand National starts at 5.15pm. All eyes are on the favourite Cloth Cap, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.