Trainers & Jockeys Cars Broken Into At National Meeting

Trainers & Jockeys Cars Broken Into At National Meeting

Merseyside police have released details that they were forced to make several arrests at Aintree racecourse on Thursday night, after a number of vehicles in the owners' and trainers' car park were broken into.

One trainer, a professional jockey and amateur jockey - all who's anonymity has been preserved, are understood to have been among the victims of the thefts at the home of the Grand National on the opening day of the meeting, having had their doors and windows smashed as well as several valuables poached.

The vehicle break-ins were reported to racecourse officials - who were active anyway as a result of vandalism on the track from a week before, with those affected said to have been reimbursed by the authorities. 

Furthermore, a 16-year-old boy was arrested after a large-scale disturbance outside the Old Roan pub on Friday evening, where a large group of youths confronted racegoers, resulting in a mass brawl.

Of the total seven arrests made, five were on the Grand National day itself, on accounts of drunk and disorderly behaviour, possession of counterfeit currency, public order offences and actual bodily harm.

Police are also appealing for any help or information to assist their investigation of a 42-year-old man, who suffered relentless head injuries after being discovered on The Strand in Liverpool City Centre after 3:00am in the early hours of Friday morning, and remains in a critical condition.

Detectives believe he got separated from his group of friends on Mathew Street, a fair few hours before being located.

Inspector Tracey Martin said: "We know how busy the city centre was, given it was the first day of the Grand National meeting, and we're asking for anyone who was in the area and may have information about this incident to get in contact."

The ugly scenes after the Grand National did take a bit of the gloss off the three-day meeting, which was very much a success away from the trouble.

The weather conditions improved by the day as the world's greatest steeplechase was conducted in glorious sunshine, with many racegoers even bringing out early picnic blankets.

The upgrade in the forecast was matched by the action itself, with the meeting captivated by the history manufactured by the diminutive Tiger Roll, who won back-to-back renewals of the Randox Health Grand National - the first horse to do so since Red Rum back in the 70's.

With the weather improving, and the turf season beginning to find its' gears, authorities around the country at flat-tracks will be aware that developments to their security should be of the upmost priority, to avoid the appalling scenes sighted last summer at the major meetings at Ascot and Goodwood.