Prize-money boost for National

AINTREE have announced that prize money for the John Smith’s Grand National will increase to a record £950,000 next year – a rise of £25,000 on the 2010 race.

The world’s most famous steeplechase, will be its seventh under headline sponsor John Smith’s, with 2011 being the first year in a new three-year contract renewal with Aintree.

Aintree’s managing director Julian Thick said: “We are delighted the National will be worth a record £950,000 in 2011, making it by far the richest jump race in Europe.”