GRAND NATIONAL organisers will donate 10,000 tickets to NHS workers for the first day of next year’s festival.
The Jockey Club announced today that those working tirelessly to save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic will be able to enjoy a free day out at Aintree races in 2021.
The Grand National Festival was due to begin in Liverpool today, with the country’s biggest horse race taking place on Saturday.
But like pretty much all sports around the world, it has been called off while we battle the Covid-19 outbreak.
Instead, a virtual Grand National will take place at 5pm on Saturday, with bookies donating money to the NHS.
And workers will get a special treat next year, when 10,000 of them will be able to dress up and place some bets.
The new date – set for April 8 – will also be renamed ‘Liverpool’s NHS Day’, a statement confirmed.
Dickon White, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses North West, said: “We’re delighted to donate 10,000 tickets to the NHS and professional carers across Merseyside.
“We’re also proud to re-name the first day of the 2021 Randox Health Grand National as Liverpool’s NHS Day in recognition of the amazing NHS staff and volunteers.
“We understand just how hard the NHS and professional carers are working right now and this is our way of showing our gratitude.
“The ticket process and distribution will begin at the start of next year and we’ll be working with the relevant organisations to ensure those who should benefit from the initiative are included.”
The move was quickly praised by those on social media.
One said: “What a fantastic thing to do.”
Another commented: “Brilliant idea! It’s the thought that counts and this event is one of the best in the sporting calendar and this will go a long way for our NHS workers!”
A fellow user wrote: “Great gesture, well done.”
HOAR has today called on Brits to support our fantastic NHS by applauding them every Thursday evening during the coronavirus crisis.
Boris Johnson yesterday bemoaned the UK’s “sad, sad day” after its biggest daily death toll amid the pandemic.
Some 563 people died in 24 hours, meaning the total number of patients who have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus has gone up from 1,789 to 2,352, according to latest figures.
