National saved

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34035, 26 December 1975, Page 6

National saved

Z.P A.Reuter —Copyright LONDON. The world's best-known steeplechase. the English Grand National, will be run at Aintreei as usual next year and in 1977., under a deal between the owners of Aintree and the bookmaking chain. Ladbrokes Ladbrokes will the owner. Mr Bill Davies $2.57m over the next seven years unless it takes! up an option to end the agreement after 1977 Davies also has i a right to sell the course, subject to Ladbrokes's promise to, stage the race in the next twoi : years. Tiie deal followed eight hours of negotiations. As they opened the British Jockey Club warned the owners that the race would ■ be switched to Doncaster unless (hey had submitted satisfactory • plans to host it by next Monday. The threat to the continuity of the race flowed from Dr Davies's unwillingness to spend further money on the course. His group bought it two years ago for $4.83m. He has tried to get a Errant from the Racing Levy Board. Ladbrokes will manage the course and receive all income from the race. Ladbroke’s chairman, Mr Cyril i Stein, said: “The Grand National i will be run in 1976 and 1977. andi there Is every likelihood of it ! being run for seven years under' i our management.”