Latest news with #RandoxGrandNationalFestival
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Thousands cheer on Grand National winner at Aintree
Thousands of racing fans have turned out in the sunshine to cheer on the winner at Aintree's Grand National. The world-famous steeplechase, held on the final day of the Randox Grand National Festival, was watched by crowds who enjoyed a 'great day out' at the Merseyside racecourse. Two of the runners were initially assessed by veterinary teams on the course following the race, which introduced safety changes last year. A spokesman for The Jockey Club said both Broadway Boy and Celebre D'Allen walked on to horse ambulances and were taken back to the stables for further assessment. Broadway Boy's jockey Tom Bellamy was taken to hospital following their fall, the spokesman said. Two years ago, the steeplechase was delayed by 15 minutes when animal rights protesters gained access to the course, leading to more than 100 arrests. There were no delays on Saturday and the horses set off at 4pm – an earlier start time introduced as part of the new safety measures. The race was won by Nick Rockett, ridden by jockey Patrick Mullins and trained by his father Willie. This year, the festival has seen one horse death, when Willy De Houelle, ridden by former Grand National winner Rachel Blackmore, fell in the second race of Opening Day on Thursday. Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses. He said: 'It's just a great day out. The atmosphere's fantastic and weather like this – can't beat it.' Mr Wand said his day was not all about winning. He said: 'If I come back with nothing I've had a good day out, that's all it's about.' Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were 'so excited' after getting up at 6am to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National. Ms Duffin: 'I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on.' Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses made Aintree special. She added: 'Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?' Among the crowds on the day were celebrities including actress Helen Flanagan, former Liverpool player John Barnes and singer Chesney Hawkes, who visited the racecourse ahead of a concert in nearby Southport. Hawkes said: 'I'm missing soundcheck to be here at Aintree but my manager, James, is a big horseracing guy and he was like, 'Come on, let's do it. Let's soak up the Grand National'. 'It's my first time at Aintree and I'm really excited.' Flanagan, who played Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, said: 'The atmosphere is great and I love seeing everyone dressed up, and everyone is excited. It's just really great fun.' Olympian Sam Quek, who was presenting for ITV Racing, said: 'It's been incredible at Aintree this week. The sun has been spoiling us, the energy amongst the crowd on Thursday, Friday and today has been really heart-warming, really welcoming and just really easy-going.' Soprano Laura Wright, who sang the national anthem ahead of the Grand National, said: 'It's the people's festival but it reaches around the world. It's iconic.' All three days of this year's meeting have seen blue skies and sunshine. More than 48,000 attended on Friday for Ladies Day, almost 6,000 more than last year.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Thousands cheer on Grand National winner at Aintree
Thousands of racing fans have turned out in the sunshine to cheer on the winner at Aintree's Grand National. The world-famous steeplechase, held on the final day of the Randox Grand National Festival, was watched by crowds who enjoyed a 'great day out' at the Merseyside racecourse. Safety changes were introduced to the National last year but on Saturday two of the runners – Broadway Boy and Celebre D'Allen – were being assessed on course by veterinary teams following the race, a spokesman for The Jockey Club said. Two years ago, the steeplechase was delayed by 15 minutes when animal rights protesters gained access to the course, leading to more than 100 arrests. There were no delays on Saturday and the horses set off at 4pm – an earlier start time introduced as part of the new safety measures. The race was won by Nick Rockett, ridden by jockey Patrick Mullins and trained by his father Willie. This year, the festival has seen one horse death, when Willy De Houelle, ridden by former Grand National winner Rachel Blackmore, fell in the second race of Opening Day on Thursday. Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses. He said: 'It's just a great day out. The atmosphere's fantastic and weather like this – can't beat it.' Mr Wand said his day was not all about winning. He said: 'If I come back with nothing I've had a good day out, that's all it's about.' Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were 'so excited' after getting up at 6am to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National. Ms Duffin: 'I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on.' Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses made Aintree special. She added: 'Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?' Among the crowds on the day were celebrities including actress Helen Flanagan, former Liverpool player John Barnes and singer Chesney Hawkes, who visited the racecourse ahead of a concert in nearby Southport. Hawkes said: 'I'm missing soundcheck to be here at Aintree but my manager, James, is a big horseracing guy and he was like, 'Come on, let's do it. Let's soak up the Grand National'. 'It's my first time at Aintree and I'm really excited.' Flanagan, who played Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, said: 'The atmosphere is great and I love seeing everyone dressed up, and everyone is excited. It's just really great fun.' Olympian Sam Quek, who was presenting for ITV Racing, said: 'It's been incredible at Aintree this week. The sun has been spoiling us, the energy amongst the crowd on Thursday, Friday and today has been really heart-warming, really welcoming and just really easy-going.' Soprano Laura Wright, who sang the national anthem ahead of the Grand National, said: 'It's the people's festival but it reaches around the world. It's iconic.' All three days of this year's meeting have seen blue skies and sunshine. More than 48,000 attended on Friday for Ladies Day, almost 6,000 more than last year.
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Racegoers arrive at Aintree for ‘great day out' at Grand National
Excited racegoers have arrived at Aintree ahead of the Grand National steeplechase. Thousands enjoyed the sunshine at the Merseyside racecourse for the last day of the Randox Grand National Festival, while millions are expected to tune in to watch the famous race live on TV at 4pm. Trevor Wand, 62, from Donington in Lincolnshire, was at Aintree for his 15th Grand National and wore a shirt and tie adorned with racehorses. He said: 'It's just a great day out. The atmosphere's fantastic and weather like this – can't beat it. 'I have a different shirt every year. This year I've done different because I've got a tie. 'I've told all my mates, because there's about 15 of us, I told all them 'shirt and tie this year' and they all think 'what's he going to wear?'.' Mr Wand said his day is not all about winning. 'Every year I save money and what I spend, I spend,' he said. 'If I come back with nothing I've had a good day out, that's all it's about.' Emily Pickles, 20, and Saoirse Duffin, 19, said they were 'so excited' after getting up at 6am to travel from Halifax in West Yorkshire with five friends for their first Grand National. Ms Duffin: 'I'm more here for the vibes and drinking with my friends but I will put a few bets on.' Asked for any racing tips, Ms Pickles 'Just have a bloody good time!' Jess Jones, 35, from Oxton, Wirral, said the atmosphere and the dresses make Aintree special. She added: 'Sunshine, prosecco, what more do you need?' Soprano Laura Wright, who is due to sing the national anthem ahead of the Grand National, said: 'It's magical at Aintree today. The weather is great, everyone is having such a great time and I love it.' 'Everyone is so friendly, and it gets me really excited. 'It's the people's festival, but it reaches around the world. It's iconic.' All three days of this year's meeting have seen warm weather, although some women had to cling on to their hats in gusts of wind on Saturday. More than 48,000 attended on Friday for Ladies Day, almost 6,000 more than last year. A spokesman for Merseyside Police said no arrests were made at the racecourse on the day. Two years ago, the Grand National was delayed by 15 minutes when animal rights protesters gained access to the course, leading to more than 100 arrests. Last year, safety changes were made to the race, including an earlier start time of 4pm, and the highest number of horses crossed the finish line since 1992. This year, the festival has seen one horse fatality on Thursday when Willy De Houelle, ridden by former Grand National winner Rachel Blackmore, fell in the second race of the day.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Grand National: I Am Maximus set to start as favorite in famous British horse race
Gidleigh Park ridden by Bryan Carver in the EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Thursday April 3, 2025. (David Davies/PA via AP) Gracchus De Balme ridden by Huw Edwards on their way to winning the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Thursday April 3, 2025. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP) Gracchus De Balme ridden by Huw Edwards on their way to winning the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Thursday April 3, 2025. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP) Gidleigh Park ridden by Bryan Carver in the EBC Group Manifesto Novices' Chase on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Thursday April 3, 2025. (David Davies/PA via AP) Gracchus De Balme ridden by Huw Edwards on their way to winning the Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase on day one of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, England, Thursday April 3, 2025. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP) LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — One of the biggest events on Britain's sporting calendar takes place Saturday when the Grand National horse race is run at Aintree in northwest England. The pre-race favorite for the grueling steeplechase over 30 fences is set to be I Am Maximus, the winner of the 2024 edition who is looking to become just the second horse to win back-to-back Nationals since Red Rum in the 1970s. Advertisement I Am Maximus is handicapped by the top weight for the race as he looks to back up a victory by 7½ lengths last year. His owner is JP McManus, who is bidding for a record fourth win in the National. There will be 34 runners for the 177th running of the popular race over 4¼ miles (6.9 kilometers) that is often the subject of household and office sweepstakes and targeted by animal-rights activists. The Grand National has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous horse races in the world because of the size of the fences, though a number of new measures were introduced last year in an attempt to make it safer. The race is scheduled to start at 1500 GMT. ___ AP sports:
The Independent
04-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
The perfect 10 for Jonbon as Nico de Boinville earns redemption on day two at the Grand National
The relief was palpable. Moments after Nico de Boinville crossed the line aboard a resurgent Jonbon in the highlight of Ladies Day, the Grade One My Pension Expert Melling Chase, weighing room colleague Harry Skelton pulled alongside on a weary Protektorat. The pair shared a handshake and then an embrace. It was more than just a congratulatory acknowledgement, it was two brothers sharing a 'but for the grace of God moment'. As Skelton is all too aware, twenty four hours can be a long time in horse racing, not least a jockey's life. After Constitution Hill crashed out of the Aintree Hurdle on day one, falling in his second successive Grade 1 examination after a similar departure at Cheltenham, de Boinville was inconsolable. Fast forward to day two and the slate, not quite wiped clean, was ready for Jonbon's name to again be carved upon it if he could see off three rivals in the day's feature and land a 10th Grade 1 triumph. In all honesty, there was very little danger as the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old made all to see off Protektorat by three-and-a-quarter-lengths with his closest rival in the market, El Fabiolo (5-2), having fallen at the 11th fence. Having landed last year's renewal from the same runner-up, it was his fourth consecutive success at the Randox Grand National Festival, having won the Top Novices' Hurdle in 2022 and Maghull Novices' Hurdle in 2023. The victory did much to erase a painful Champion Chase defeat for Jonbon with trainer Nicky Henderson paying rich tribute to horse and jockey. He said: 'You've got to admire two things there - the horse is amazing when he's doing that, and Nico. He's been very brave, because it's been a tough little session, and to go out and ride him like that, that's a guy who had no fears. 'They went some clip - I don't know what the time was, but it must have been quick. Whether he's short or long (at his fences) - he's very clever when he dances, isn't he? To be able to do that - when he's long it's great, and when he's short, he's just very quick and in and out. 'It just went all wrong at Cheltenham, and it was proved today, he just loves doing that. That's what he does best. At Cheltenham the start went wrong, and he was on the back foot the whole way. He loves his own space. It was unfortunate, the tape went straight across his face and he went backwards. 'That was some gallop. Not many horses can jump that well that fast. We'll certainly think about going to Sandown again.' Henderson reiterated that the season may not be over for his star hurdler: 'Constitution Hill is fine this morning, he's back home at Seven Barrows in his box, and he trotted up sound, not a bother on him. Our vets and the physios have been all over him. Our intention is take him to Punchestown if we can; we'll see how he is. That's the plan at the moment.' For his part, de Boinville was quick to heap praise on the Seven Barrows collective: 'There was a lot riding on that and Jonbon gets us out of trouble again. You would have said it would be a tough week for us, but all credit to the staff and particularly to the governor and 'JP' and his team. 'They kept the faith in us. We had to pick ourselves up again after yesterday, but luckily I've got really nice horses to ride like Jonbon, and he's an absolute superstar. 'He was a very different horse to the one I rode at Cheltenham. He really enjoyed it out there and you could see that when he's on song he loves his jumping and can come up from anywhere. It's a tough place to be but you just have to roll with the punches and pick yourself up.' El Fabiolo wasn't the only high profile Mullins chaser to trip up, with Dancing City crashing out of the opening Mildmay Novices' Chase when travelling strongly, leaving the way clear for the Paul Nicholls -trained Caldwell Potter to supplement his Cheltenham win with a Grade 1 success in the hands of Harry Cobden. Mullins wouldn't be denied for long though as Salvator Mundo ran out an imperious winner of the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle, while one-time Champion Chase runner-up Gentleman De Mee captured the Topham Chase over the National fences under an inspired ride from Mark Walsh.
