Aintree Backs Council Plans To Tackle Ticket Touts

Representatives of Aintree Racecourse have approved concepts proposed by local councillors, in their bid of reducing the amount of ticket touts at the Randox Health Grand National meeting in April.

Sefton Council have plans to implement a Public Space Protection Order, for anyone found guilty of advertising or selling tickets within known labelled areas, which has said to have been on the increase in the last few years.

A £75 fine will be the consequence for anyone who declines to comply with the new rules and regulations, as well as being told to leave the area.

(Credit: Racing Post) Aintree's managing director John Baker said: "We would very much welcome the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order for ticket touting by Sefton Council.

"At Aintree, we pride ourselves on providing first-class customer service and that starts at the perimeter of our racecourse.

"We're grateful for the support of Sefton Council on trying to eradicate these unpleasant and often criminal activities of touts and look forward to continuing to work closely with the council."

(Credit: Racing Post) Meanwhile, Councillor Paulette Lappin - Sefton Council's Member for Regulation and Compliance, stated: "Ticket touting at the Grand National is an ongoing issue and we want to curb this unpleasant practice.

"Touts can be intimidating and their behaviour may cause distress to members of the public and racegoers during what should be an enjoyable experience.

"We know through evidence provided to us that there has been a significant increase in the number of touts operating during the event over the last four years."

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The Grand National - showcased on the first weekend of April this year, has been in the news of late regardless of touts, with the release of the weights last week.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained grey Bristol De Mai will shoulder top weight of 11st 10lb, off a rating of 168 having been five pounds shy from his normal BHA mark.

The 2019 Randox Health Grand National currently has over 100 entries which will be whittled down to around 40 horses before the off.

Last season's fourth at Aintree and third in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, Anibale Fly was next to be revealed at 11st 6lb, and right behind him was another Irish challenger in Alpha Des Obeaux at 11st 4lb along with Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape.

Last season's winning trainer Gordon Elliott holds an explosive 22 entries for the big Handicap contest at this stage and he is set to enter his superstar winner from last year with Tiger Roll facing a nine pound rise from his mark last season at 11st 1lb and a rating of 159.

Last season saw one of the greatest finishes to a Grand National in the history of the race with Tiger Roll just doing enough on the line to fend of the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who goes up seven pounds to 10st 11lb.