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5 Live Sport: 5 Live Racing: Evacuate Aintree: 20 years on

Sport: Horse Racing

Evacuate Aintree: 20 years on

30/03/2017

5 Live Racing

BBC Radio 5 Live - 5 Live Sport, 5 Live Racing, Evacuate Aintree: 20 years on

A look back to 1997 when the Grand National was suspended by an IRA bomb.

A look back to 1997 when the Grand National was suspended by an IRA bomb threat minutes before the race was due to start. 5 live hears from those who were there. Plus racing news.

In 1997 the 150th Grand National was plunged into chaos by an IRA bomb threat minutes before the big race was about to start.

60,000 people were hurried away from Aintree as TV viewers witnessed scenes of racegoers clambering over fences trying to escape.  

The sudden influx of 20,000 spectators overwhelmed Liverpool's hotels leaving it to residents to take them in.  

The BBC was the only organisation allowed to continue broadcasting as the race hung in the balance for 49 hours.  20 years on, we look back at the historic day and hear from those who were there. 

Plus news, interviews and features previewing next week's races at Aintree's Grand National Festival.

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Evacuate Aintree: 20 years on

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