Security tight for Aintree event

The course was evacuated an hour before the National

The Aintree Festival is taking place 10 years after its showpiece Grand National race was postponed because of an IRA bomb hoax.

The course had to be evacuated in 1997 after organisers received an IRA coded message before the National.

Security will be tight for the 150,000 people expected to pass through checks at the three-day event in 2007.

Merseyside Police have been planning security with course managers and local authorities for six months.

Authorities received the coded warning just an hour before the start of the National in 1997, forcing the evacuation of the course.

The race eventually went ahead on the Monday, when 20,000 people saw Tony Dobbin steer Lord Gyllene to victory.

In 2007, all spectators will have to pass through airport-style metal detectors and bag and transport checks will be carried out.

It is a terribly exciting three days and the Grand National is a great highlight, a great climax and I love that moment Charles Barnett, Aintree managing director

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "Since the course evacuation in 1997 and in the light of more recent worldwide events, the threat of terrorism is taken very seriously.

"The extensive media coverage enjoyed by the Grand National may be a temptation to those with a point to make.

"However, Merseyside Police is fully aware of the potential risks and has a vast amount of experience at policing high profile events in the national and international spotlight.

"Security at the Aintree festival is reviewed each year and Merseyside Police has been planning their operation with Aintree management, local authorities and other partners for the last six months."

Aintree racecourse's managing director Charles Barnett will take charge of his last Grand National before leaving to take over at Ascot.

Asked about his achievements at the course since 1992, he said: "I suppose looking back on it, managing to get the Grand National on the Monday after we'd evacuated everybody, but each year is a great highlight.

"It is a terribly exciting three days and the Grand National is a great highlight, a great climax and I love that moment."

About 25,000 spectators are expected at the first meeting on Thursday, with an estimated 50,000 on Friday and 75,000 on Saturday - Grand National day.

Visitors should expect delays getting into the course as a result and are being asked to be patient.