National meeting prize money set to top £2m
“It is another memorable milestone in Aintree history,” said the Liverpool track’s managing director Charles Barnett yesterday.
Speaking at the Mangan press day, Barnett emphasised that the £1m Grand National was “still an Aintree objective”.
Prize money for the prestigious three-day fixture on April 1, 2 and 3 is up by £85,000 over this year’s meeting. Barnett continued: “On Thursday, we’re delighted to include the Martell Cognac Long Distance Hurdle, a race previously run at Ascot on the Wednesday of Grand National week.
“The novices’ handicap chase which previously occupied this slot has been switched to the race immediately following the Grand National, and will be restricted to amateur riders.
“This undoubtedly strengthens Thursday’s card and prize money for this day has consequently increased by £65,000 to £520,000.”
Martell has backed the Grand National since 1999, when prize money was half a million pounds, just 25 per cent of what it is today.
