Aintree Confirms Grand National Ambassadors

Aintree Racecourse has retained jockeys Sam Twiston-Davies and Katie Walsh as ambassadors of The 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National Festival, following similar roles with the venue during the 2015 campaign.

National hunt jockey Sam Twiston-Davies, is the first choice stable jockey to nine times champion trainer Paul Nicholls

Katie is the most successful female jockey in Grand National history, and in 2012, she finished third in the Grand National on Seabass, giving her the highest finish for a female competitor.

As ambassadors, Sam and Katie will feature in The 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National advertising campaign, be jockey media representatives for the National, write blogs for the Aintree website, support on social media, and help promote the steeplechase in the build up to the event in 2016.

Sam Twiston-Davies said: “It’s a privilege to continue my role as an ambassador for The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival for the third consecutive year.

“Both the 2014 and 2015 campaigns were very successful and enjoyable, so I’m keen to do what I can to help one of the greatest horse race festivals in the world.”

The Crabbie’s Grand National Festival takes place at Aintree from 7th to 9th April 2016 and will see the 169th running of the Grand National steeple chase since the first Grand National 177 years ago. It is also the third year of a title sponsorship for Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

Katie Walsh, 2016 Crabbie’s Grand National ladies day ambassador, added: “It’s an honour for me to be a ladies day ambassador of The 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National Festival for a second year.

“Grand National Ladies Day is a great day with high class fashion as well as top quality Grade 1 racing. I really enjoyed the great spectacle last year – I love it how the whole city comes together to enjoy a unique festival.

“I’m keen to do what I can to help again this year and I look forward to working with the team and hopefully riding at Aintree next April.”