LOCAL people caught-up in Aintree's bomb hoax race course drama included Journal prize winners who had won tickets to watch the Grand National.

Glazebury farmers John and Joan Patrick won free tickets for the big event in a Journal competition, but lost-out because of the bomb scare.

Mrs Patrick, from Hawkhurst Farm, said:"We went on Friday for a recce and were really enjoying Saturday's event

"What a shame we didn't see the Grand National. We backed all the losers and I lost my hat. But all's well that end's well and we can laugh about it now."

Footsore after walking for hours Mrs Patrick was impressed by the big crowd atmosphere and behaviour.

She said:"We walked miles but managed to arrange for our nephew Keith Roddy to collect us. Keith was looking after things on the farm and his wife Jayne had a welcome supper ready for us when we eventually arrived home about four hours after racing was interrupted.

"We returned the following day to collect our car which we had to leave at Aintree."

Two other winners, Lesley Fildes and boyfriend Paul Higgins, had a three-mile walk to their car which, because of the road closures was on the 'wrong' side of the Melling Road.

"It took us about 90 minutes to walk to it.

"We were disappointed not to see the National but had three winners on Thursday, which made up for it. And we saw some TV stars at the event.

"And we were on the TV news - but you had to be quick to see us!"

Paul went back to watch the Monday night race.

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