Aintree to hold celebratory NHS Day at next season's Grand National meeting

The opening day of next year's Grand National festival will be renamed Liverpool's NHS Day to celebrate the dedication shown by healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Aintree and the Jockey Club will also provide 10,000 tickets to NHS staff and care workers for the meeting on April 8, 2021 to recognise their efforts, particularly in the Merseyside community.

The first day of the three-day Grand National Festival, which was cancelled on March 16, is currently known as Liverpool Day and features the Grade 1 Betway Bowl and Aintree Hurdle.

Dickon White, regional director of Jockey Club racecourses North West, said: "We understand just how hard the NHS and professional carers are working and this is our way of showing our gratitude.

"The ticket process and distribution will begin at the start of next year and we’ll be working with the relevant organisations to ensure those who should benefit from the initiative are included."

Jan Ledward, chief officer at NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Across local health and care, staff are working tirelessly to keep services running and give people the care they need, often in the face of significant challenges.

"Whether in GP practices, hospitals, community and mental health services, care homes, social care – or the many other areas that make up our local system – teams are showing incredible resilience and dedication. We're delighted to see this enormous effort recognised."

Read more:

Virtual Grand National 2020: the full list of the 40 runners, riders and odds

Bookmakers pledge profits from virtual Grand National will go to NHS charities

Racing Welfare offering grants to help community members during crisis

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