Grand National set for return to form

AINTREE bosses are betting the improving economy will see the Grand National return to form, after last year’s event was impacted by the recession.

More than 146,000 people attended the 2009 event, which is the highlight of the North West’s racing calendar.

However, this was down on the previous year and organisers hope that improved confidence in economic conditions will help boost visitor numbers this year.

The Grand National is an important fillip to Merseyside’s visitor economy – last year it generated around £27.1m, according to The Mersey Partnership.

The three-day race meeting began yesterday, but continues today with the ever-popular Ladies Day. 

Organisers at Aintree Racecourse are turning to social networking site Twitter to capitalise on interest in the event and keep horse racing fans up-to-date with the latest live news live.

Content for its Twitter feed from the ‘Aintree Insider’ – a racing hack with access to all areas – will be generated by two racing journalists.

Its updates, part of a campaign by Liverpool PR agency Kenyon Fraser, will include photos, results, gossip, betting news, analysis, news on the runners, information about events happening at the racecourse and tips.

The ‘Aintree Insider’ is being promoted in the daily racecards and on the racecourse’s TV service.