THE BANNED NATIONAL!

Ladies Day fury at killjoy cops’ booze clampdown:

POLICE were branded Grand National killjoys over a “zero tolerance” ban on boozy racegoers at Aintree.

Ladies Day revellers have complained: “They want to take the fun out of everything.”

POLICE were branded Grand National killjoys yesterday after bringing in a zero tolerance ban on boozy racegoers.

Officers at Aintree were instructed to turf out spectators who had too much to drink.

Revellers were warned to expect arrests, on-the-spot fines and a possible night in the cells.

Nearby pubs and off-licences were also monitored.

It is thought to be the first time in the 179-year history of the race police have launched such an operation.

But it did not go down well with many punters who forked out hundreds of pounds on tickets.

Dental assistant Sarah Wilde, 24, who stayed behind to watch 80s rockers T’Pau perform at the course after the last race, said: “The police are being killjoys.

“One of my mates is a cop, he likes a few drinks on his days off. Why should it be any different for us?’’

Brilliant

More than 150,000 racegoers are expected to sup 220,000 pints and 7,000 bottles of champagne at 80 bars around the racecourse.

Two articulated lorries are on standby to ferry in ice for drinks.

Yesterday revellers – one wearing a surgical boot – danced to live bands and DJ sets between races without serious incidents.

But today’s traditional Ladies Day event is expected to provide the stiffest test of the new policy.

Chief Supt Dave Charnock said he had instructed officers to take a common sense approach.

But he added: “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.’’

Police increased their visible presence after last May’s suicide bomb attack on Manchester Arena 38 miles away. TOUTS were the big winners as desperate racegoers forked out up to 10 times the face value of tickets to get in.

Secondary selling websites were advertising £29 tickets for tomorrow’s big race for up to £300 each.

Racing fans were queuing to snap them up. Tickets for Ladies Day today – which should cost £50 – were on sale for £340 a pair.

The Star Says: Page 6