The Aintree Story (1969)

Titles read: ’EXTRA!’ Item showing preparations for the Grand National at Aintree. This item is in colour. Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside. Various shots of horses running in the Grand National. C/Us of paintings showing horses in the famous race in the 19th century. C/U of photograph of Edward William Topham “the famous handicapper“ who established the Grand National with William Lynn. Several shots of the present-day organiser of the race, Mrs Mirabel Topham, sitting at a desk and looking through letters with her assistants, niece Patricia Bidwell Topham and nephew James Bidwell Topham. They all have a nice cup of tea. Shots of Black Prince, the last shire horse to be retired at Aintree, being led across the deserted track by a man. Mirabel Topham and James walk from a fabulous vintage car (Rolls Royce?) across to the deserted spectator stand and take in the view of the famous racecourse. Several shots of Major Gilbert Cotton watching men rebuilding the fences of the track with spruce or fir tree