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John Smith's Grand National Prize Fund Tops £950,000 in 2011
23/12/10

Aintree Racecourse today announced that prize money for the John Smith's Grand National will increase to a record £950,000 in 2011, a rise of £25,000 on the 2010 race.

AP McCoy and Don't Push It
(Winners 2010)
© www.johnkettley.co.uk

The world's most famous chase, which returns to the Liverpool course on Saturday, April 9, will be its seventh under headline sponsor John Smith's, with 2011 being the first year in a new three-year contract renewal with Aintree Racecourse.

Commenting on this milestone for the race, Julian Thick, Aintree's Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that the Grand National will be worth a record £950,000 in 2011, making it by far the richest Jump race in Europe. It is fantastic to have such a supportive partner in John Smith's, who have enabled us to continue to increase the prize fund for our showcase race.”

Total prize money for the three-day John Smith's Grand National meeting will be £2,540,000. Despite a budgeted 18% reduction in funds from the Horserace Betting Levy Board to the racecourse, this amount is only 1.36% less than the 2010 total (£2,575,000) as a result of Aintree increasing its own investment in prize money to make up the bulk of the shortfall.

By increasing its prize money investment, Aintree has managed to keep its key support races at the same prize money level as the 2010 meeting.

Thick added: “We're delighted to retain prize money at such significant levels, with the Matalan 4YO Novices’ Hurdle, totesport Bowl, John Smith's Melling Chase, Topham Chase, Sefton Novices' Hurdle, the Maghull Novices’ Hurdle and the Aintree Hurdle delivering £885,000 in prize money over the three-day event.”

Representing John Smith's, Nigel Pollard commented on the 2011 prize money: “We are delighted that the team at Aintree have, once again, managed to raise the value of the John Smith's Grand National whilst minimising the effects of a cut in funding from the Levy Board. 2011 marks our seventh year as title sponsor of the world's greatest chase and we are as excited as ever to be part of one of the nation's favourites."