Grand National Day, the third and final day of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, will this year commemorate the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster with a minute’s applause.
The Hillsborough disaster occurred on April 15th 1989, meaning that Grand National Day in 2023 falls on its exact 34th anniversary.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who was manager of Liverpool FC at the time of the Hillsborough disaster, said: “My thoughts are always with everyone affected by what happened at Hillsborough on April 15th 1989 and the anniversary each year is always a poignant day for the city of Liverpool. While it is an event watched the world over, the Randox Grand National has always been synonymous with the local area so it’s a fantastic gesture by Aintree Racecourse and The Jockey Club to remember those who lost their loved ones in this way.
“It might be 34 years since 97 people went to a football match and didn’t come home but moments like this show that they will never be forgotten.”
Dickon White, Regional Director - North West, The Jockey Club, added: “Aintree Racecourse and Liverpool FC both have indelible links to the city of Liverpool and form a huge part of its sporting heritage.
“With Grand National Day falling on the exact anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster for the first time ever in 2023, it seems only right that we will take some time to remember the 97 people who tragically lost their life that day.”
