Racing: Officials predict 'greatest ever' national

Officials at Aintree Racecourse were expecting "one of the greatest ever Grand Nationals" this morning as final preparations were made before the big race.

The first two days of the festival have seen record crowds of more than 20,000 and 40,000 punters, with a further 60,000 expected.

The sun was shining over a cloudless sky at Aintree although temperatures are cooler than the previous two days.

Aintree spokesman Dickon White said the combination of good ground, fine weather and a well-managed crowd could make the 155th Grand National one of the greatest.

He said: "We are expecting about 60,000 people, which may not break records as we have on Thursday and Friday, but it is a good, manageable number for everyone's comfort and security.

"The ground is excellent, the weather is good and the quality of the field out there today is extremely high. This could certainly be one of the greatest Nationals ever."

Security was tight as crowds began to arrive at the infamous course this morning, with checks including metal scanners and bag X-rays.

Bookies are hoping for a rewarding day after it was estimated that £120m (€195m) will be staked on the big race nationwide.

Top jockeys Tony McCoy, Richard Johnson and Mick Fitzgerald all face medicals before they are cleared for racing after suffering falls yesterday but it is expected they will be given the green light.

A one-minute silence in memory of the Queen Mother will be observed before the start of the Grand National at 3.45pm.