Betting and Gaming Council pushes for rearranged Grand National
Trade body hoping to reschedule famous Aintree race to align with reopening of betting shops in England
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has called for the Grand National to be pushed back until after 12 April to coincide with the opening of retail betting shops in England.
The trade body’s calls come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a four-step roadmap out of lockdown, which includes the opening of non-essential retail and betting shops from 12 April.
The Grand National is scheduled to take place on 10 April, two days before Step Two of the government’s roadmap comes into force.
Around £125m is staked on the race each year, with almost half of all bets being placed in retail at high-street betting shops, while a peak audience of almost 10 million tuned in to watch the 2019 running of the four-mile steeplechase in 2019. Last year’s race was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Additionally, research from ESA Retail found that 89% of betting shop customers combine visits to bookmakers with trips to other local businesses, with the BGC arguing a delay could provide a wider boost for the entire high street economy.
Michael Dugher, BGC CEO, admitted changing the date of the famous race would be challenging but said it would provide a timely financial boost to high streets and bookmakers across the country.
Dugher said: “Delaying the Grand National until betting shops are open is definitely an idea worth exploring. I appreciate that this is not without its challenges, but we are willing to do all we can to help iron out any difficulties.
“Ensuring that the once-a-year punters are able to pop in to their local bookies to have a flutter, supporting their local high street, on the world’s most famous horse race would also help make the Grand National a truly national celebration as we begin to reopen the economy.
“And it would ensure that we engage as many people as possible in this great British event, showcasing the fabulous sport of racing. This would also provide a much-needed and timely boost for racing and the high street after such a torrid year for both,” he concluded.