AINTREE racecourse’s £35m redevelopment won resounding approval yesterday as record crowds flocked to the first day of the 160th Grand National Festival. More than 27,000 people attended the course, now dominated by two new grandstands offering panoramic views close to the finish line. The Earl of Derby and the Lord Sefton stands, which can hold an extra 3,000 guests along with 900 restaurant seats and luxury corporate boxes, were officially opened by Lord Derby and Aintree chairman Lord Daresbury. Lord Derby said: “There was so much uncertainty about the future of Aintree following the death of Lord Sefton in 1972, but my uncle John chaired the National appeal in 1983 to raise money to buy the land, so it is fitting that the two men are linked together today as we open these two magnificent grandstands, which boast such fantastic facilities.” The new buildings also include a weighing room, winner’s enclosure complex and equestrian centre. Racegoers gave the new stands the thumbs up, with Liverpool celebrity hairdresser Herbert declaring it better than Ascot. Herbert, who was treating 12 of his staff to a day out at the races, said: “I’m really impressed with the new buildings. It feels very upmarket and civilised. I think it even outclasses Ascot.” John O’Reilly, visiting from Sligo, in Ireland, said of the Earl of Derby stand: “The new facilities are fabulous, it’s money well spent. “This is my third consecutive year at Aintree and, even compared with last year, everything looks so much better.” Moira Connell, from Wirral, described the atmosphere in the Lord Sefton stand as “wonderful”. “The stand looks fantastic inside and out, and I couldn’t fault the food and service we’ve had in there,” she said. Julie MacKenzie, from Childwall, also in the Lord Sefton stand, said: “I haven’t been to the National for years. “It used to feel like a small venue but now, like so many developments in Liverpool, we can compete with the rest of the country.” Aintree’s managing director, Charles Barnett, said: “I am delighted that we have completed our two-year development project, and it is very exciting to be able to offer these fantastic facilities to our racegoers at this year’s John Smith’s Grand National meeting. “We hope that all customers attending any day of the Grand National meeting will be delighted and that these facilities further enhance the visitor experience that racing at Aintree always provides.” Racing took place beneath cloudy skies yesterday but warm temperatures reaching 19 degrees, and a lack of rainfall, meant racegoers could show off their outfits unencumbered by coats or umbrellas. Giant sprinklers watered the Nat- ion al course for much of the day to keep the going good as temperatures are expected to rise today and tomorrow. Traders selling hats and raincoats were the only people to grumble about the good weather. Over the three days, more than 150,000 visitors are expected at the event, which takes place a decade after the racecourse had to be evacuated and the main steeplechase postponed because of an IRA bomb hoax. Around 5,400 catering staff are on hand and racegoers are expected to consume 7,000 bottles of champagne, 120,000 pints of lager, 75,000 bottles of beer, 40,000 cups of tea, 2,000 duck breasts and 200 kilos of smoked salmon. Famous faces included actors Clive Owen and Sean Bean. Clive Owen told the Daily Post: “It’s great to be here. It’s my first time at Aintree and my friends in Liverpool have been trying to persuade me to come for years.” Before the racing got under way, a demonstration was held opposite the course entrance by a group opposing cruelty to horses. Chairman of Fight Against Animal Cruelty Tony Moore, of Southport, said the aim of the peaceful protest was to make racegoers stop and think about the horses’ welfare. Around 20 protesters carried banners bearing slogans such as “Cruelty: You Can Bet On It”, “Kill The Death Race” and “Over 400 Horses Killed In Racing Each Year”. Security remained tight yesterday with airport-style security and scanners set up at all entrances. With just one arrest for a man found trying to carry a knife into the course, Merseyside Police declared the day a huge success, although there were some reports of disturbances outside the course at the end of the day. Fazakerley councillor Steve Rotherham claimed disorder on the roads was caused by some drivers ignored temporary road signs. Police advise racegoers to arrive early today and tomorrow. | 
