Rosettes for Grand National winners and grooms

All winning racehorses at this year’s Aintree Grand National meeting, which starts today (Thursday 4 April), will receive a winner’s rosette.

“This is something that isn’t usually done for racing and we thought it would be a nice touch,” said Carly Goodall, racing and equestrian assistant at Aintree racecourse and equestrian centre.

“It’s not every day you have a winner at Aintree.”

Each groom with a runner in Saturday’s (6 April) Grand National will also get a rosette, made in sponsor John Smith’s colour scheme of dark green, red and yellow.

The rosettes were donated by Lancashire-based manufacturer Rosettes Direct.

“We already supply a lot of racecourses with badges, but this is something a little bit different,” said Rosettes Direct’s Garry Norton.

“As far as I’m aware it’s a first and we’re delighted to be involved. We hope it’s a trend that might catch on.”

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