BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Horse Racing | Record crowds at Aintree

BBC Sport Online's Frank Keogh rounds up the news from Grand National day at Aintree.

Record crowds totalling more than 120,000 attended the three days of the Martell Grand National meeting.

The big-race victory by Bindaree in a pulsating tussle with What's Up Boys was watched by some 63,500 racegoers.

Sunny weather also ensured Thursday (20,416) and Friday (42,700) boasted modern-day record attendances.

Racecourse managing director Charles Barnett said: "The crowd figures over the three days illustrate the enormous growth in popularity of the Aintree Festival."

Bouyant bookies

Bookmakers were also toasting the National, which was the first to be run since tax-free betting was introduced last October and helped total turnover in the UK top £120m for the only time.

The victory of a relatively unfancied horse, in 20-1 shot Bindaree, proved a welcome bonus.

David Hood, spokesman for bookies William Hill, said: "All of the first four in the race were popular with punters, but the winner was possibly the best of them for bookmakers."

The Tote clocked up record on-course turnover of more than £3m.

Stable relationship

Grand National winner Bindaree had an old friend keeping him company as he closed in on victory - but he could have done without the attention.

Victorious jockey Jim Culloty had to switch his mount as stable-mate Beau, who had unseated rider Carl Llewellyn at the 14th fence, carried on running and threatened to hamper Bindaree's progress.

Bindaree's owner Raymond Mould was able to joke about the loose horse, also trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, after the race.

"I think Beau was trying to get back in front to show that he was the best horse in the yard," said Mould.

Horses killed

The Grand National was marred by the death of two horses in the 40-strong field.

Manx Magic, who fell at the 20th fence, died when he fractured his neck.

The Last Fling, who had led for much of the race, was another fatality after coming down at the 24th obstacle.

Jockey Club vet Peter Webbon said: "Sadly, The Last Fling sustained a serious injury to his back. After a comprehensive examination, it was clear he was not capable of making a recovery and he was humanely put down."