Back to the races as 10,000-strong crowd get set for Grand day
RACE-GOERS RETURN TO BIGGEST MEETING OF YEAR
UTTOXETER Racecourse’s celebrated Midlands Grand National is open to the public for the first time with a crowd since the start of the Covid pandemic this weekend.
The event will be returning on Saturday, March 19, at Uttoxeter Racecourse, with an expected crowd of more than 10,000 people.
It is estimated to bring £1 million into the town’s economy annually.
The event, which dates back to 1969, features The Boulton Group Midlands Grand National race, which will be run over four miles and two furlongs, with a total prize fund of £150,000.
The Class One chase has once again attracted some of the top steeplechasers from across Britain and Ireland.
There will also be riders competing for the Handicap Chase features, which the racecourse says will feature “some of the best chasers and is a true test of stamina for both horse and rider.”
Entertainment is set to be provided by Irish folk-rock band Radio Murphy, as well a showing of the final weekend of Six Nations rugby action on the big screen.
Uttoxeter Racecourse general manager Brian Barrass said: “We’re extremely pleased with this year’s 52 entries for the Boulton Group Midlands Grand National and once again it looks set to be another competitive race. “I am also absolutely delighted to begin our five-year partnership with the Boulton Group for the sponsorship of the Midlands Grand National.
“They are tremendous supporters of racing at Uttoxeter, and it gives me great pride to start this partnership with such a fantastic local brand.
“We are also delighted to welcome back the public to our biggest meeting of the year.
“Last year’s fixture was held behind closed doors and a race day just isn’t the same without the roar of the crowd.
“The Racecourse is such an integral part of the local economy and the whole town benefits, especially on our biggest fixture of the year.”
There will be a record £287,950 up for grabs across eight racecards. Gates open at 10.20am, with the first race at 1.20pm and the main race scheduled for 3.35pm.
Last year’s fixture was held behind closed doors and a race day just isn’t the same without the roar of the crowd.