Racing: National attendance breaks record

Officials at Aintree said the Martell Grand National was attended by 63,500 people, smashing the previous Saturday record of 59,794 two years ago.

Twelve people were arrested for minor crimes including possession of a controlled drug, drunkenly disorderly and theft.

A demonstration outside the course by Animal Aid, which involved around 300 protesters, past off peacefully.

Superintendent Justine Curran, who was in charge of policing the three-day festival, said: ‘‘All three days have gone extremely well.

There were relatively few arrests made considering the number of people involved and it was a safe and enjoyable festival for everyone.’’