Substitute for National?

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34021, 9 December 1975, Page 9

Substitute for National?

f.V Z P 4 K.'ulcr —cupyrigat VHEPSTOW Wales). Chepstow Racecourse is seeking to "take over" the Grand National if the famed steeplechase cannot be continued at its traditional home at Aintree. Liverpool. John Hughes, clerk of the course at Chepstow, said that his executive was prepared to put on a substitute race on Vpril >3 next tear and make it tloneliest National Hunt (jumping' .race ever held in Britain. ,*e added that a new circuit with ! Aintree-t.vpe fences could be con- . structed at Chepstow to the spring of 1977 The project ha« tlie backing of the Joe Coral bookmaking firm which alreadx sponsors the Welsh Grand National at Chep stow Ken Tuckei. managing director of Corals said the firm was pie pared to put up at least £25.000 for the new- event "We will do . all in our power to save the Grand National." he said. Hughes said he had asked the (jockey Club to grant Chepstow an additional fixture on April 3 to Put on an alternative race for the Grand National —a handicap steeplechase oter three miles and three-quarters worth not less than £30.000. Attempts to draw up an arrangement under whieli the race could be continued at Aintree have so far been unsuccessful. The Jockey Club said it planned to stage an alternative race (‘ the event could not be run at Aintree next April