Aintree motors to new deal

CITROËN have signed a two-year-deal to become an official partner to the John Smith’s Grand National meeting at Aintree.

The agreement, which covers the fixtures in 2006 and 2007, means two races will now carry the Citroën name - the Citroën C4 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle on April 4 and the Grade One Citroën C6 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle on April 7.

Meanwhile, jockeys in Britain are set to have more scope for sponsorship with the removal of the owners’ veto in the near future.